Page 10 of Fallen Starboy

A lump the size of Texas appeared in my throat. “It is.”

She turned her back to the window, glancing between me and Jun. “And you, Mr. Kim, don’t have a current manager, agent, or assistant, nor do you like the candidates I’ve presented to you.”

He nodded, his eyes guarded, hands in his lap, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

“I think Rizzo here could fill those roles perfectly and aid you in the transition from foreign idol to a branded talent, at least until you’ve found a suitable candidate.”

Now, it was my turn to fidget. “Ma’am, all due respect?—”

Ms. Steele held her hand up, effectively cutting me off. “I am aware there is some history between you two. As a matter of fact, that’s part of the reason I think you’re perfectly suited to this job.”

Jun and I exchanged a look of pure horror.How could she know?—

“After all, you interned with his debut band. You know his habits, his likes and dislikes, his strengths and weaknesses,the way daily life as an idol operates. Plus, you’ll be able to weed out prospective staff applicants and find ones that suit his personality and work style.”

The tension dissipated from my body.She didn’t know we—that Jun and I—about?—

“All I’m asking for is a couple of months. Do the job well, and the position you’ve got your eye on as head of foreign liaison is yours.” She examined her nail bed with disinterest. “Unless you think you’re unsuited for the job for some reason.”

“I’ll do it,” I whispered, already hating that I was so desperate for that position that I would willingly walk into a hell of my own creation, sit down in the sand pit, and build a fucking castle. “When do I start?”

Ms. Steele’s smile spread across her face in a manner reminiscent of a crocodile preparing to eat something half his size. “Today.” She tossed me a key on a stretchy band, nodding sagely. “I’ve sent you the address of his new temporary residence. The estate has been cleaned and outfitted to suit your daily needs. You will temporarily reside in the main house, and you will need to be available at all times for any of his needs.”

Now it was Jun’s turn to grin wickedly.“Allmy needs? Surely you don’t expect her to handle the mundane things.”

“As your interim head of staff, she will see to the task of screening and vetting applicants for the positions you need filled. I was informed you brought your own head of security, but nothing more.”

“Correct.”

“Then I’ll have the agency’s people send him the proper paperwork to be put on the payroll.”

With that, she marched out the door, my boss hot on her heels, leaving Jun and I alone in the room.

Suddenly, the air was thicker than chowder that had gone cold. I couldn’t breathe, for fear that I might choke on my own tongue, or the words lurking on the tip of it.

Jun slammed a fist down on the desk, swearing in both English and Japanese, his native language. I only knew what he’d said because he’d used it differently when things weren’t so volatile between us.

“I can’t believe I’m stuck with my?—”

His eyes were wild and pupils blown wide as he turned on me, all the animosity that’d built over the last seven or so years coming out in full force. I knew it was inevitable, but here wasn’tthe place to do it. These walls had ears, and if the agency got wind of ourrealrelationship from seven years ago?—

Well, I could kiss that promotion goodbye. And quite possibly my career.

I slammed my hand over his mouth and shoved him against the wall, forcing him to stand still and pay attention to me. He growled like an animal as I leaned in and whispered in his ear.

“You can vent your frustrations on me all you want, but not here. These walls are thin, and gossip spreads. Do you really want the whole world to know your secrets when you just freshly joined the company?”

He glared at me over the top of my hand, and I squealed when he nipped the sensitive skin of my palm with his teeth, forcing me to let him go.

“What happens now?” he spat, dusting imaginary lint off his shirt.

I held up the key and wagged it in front of his face. “Now, we get you settled in your new home.” I swallowed thickly as I imagined living so close, yet so far away, from my ex. “Then, we sit down and figure out what staff you need.”

“That’s it?” His eyes narrowed, but he wasn’t fighting me anymore, so at least there was that.

I nodded slowly, watching him for any sign of another outburst. “That’s where we start. There’s more to come later, but for now, we’ll focus on getting you staff you can trust and work with.” A dark cloud hung over my next words, one that threatened to suffocate us both with the implied meanings. “You can work out things like schedules and appearances with your permanent manager. I won’t be around forever, so it makes sense to hold off on that until you’re with your permanent staff.”

“Right,” he mumbled, eyes narrowed nearly to slits now. “Wouldn’t want you to stick around for the long haul. We allknow how fast you run away from commitment when given the option.”

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