Page 18 of Ruthless Secrets
She’s already dressed in her pajamas, and her hair is pulled back into a neat braid.
“She always is,” I mutter.
“Want a drink before you head home? I have wine.”
I’m tempted to say yes, but that would mean pumping when I get home, and I don’t have the energy to clean all the parts once I’m done.
“Some tea would be great.”
It wouldn’t. I’d much rather have the alcohol, but I also have to be responsible for another human being, and my track record with alcohol does not bode well for me.
I take a seat on Sam’s couch and watch Zoe sleep while Sam gets us the tea.
I have to remember that taking this job, even if it is with the De Lucas, is for my daughter. She deserves the world, and double my pay is an opportunity that won’t come again anytime soon.
“You’re miles away.” Sam laughs as she sets a steaming mug down in front of me before taking a seat on the couch.
I eye her glass of wine with envy. “I need your opinion on something.” I reach for my tea.
“Okay…”
Sam sits quietly as I tell her about my encounter with the stranger outside the restaurant and the subsequent job offer.
“You didn’t accept it, did you?”
“I had to. That money is life changing, Sam.”
“Clara, if you’re stuck for money?—”
“No.” I wave a hand. “I don’t need money. Well, Ido, but I’m not desperate to the point where I need to take a loan from a friend. But I have to think about Zoe’s future here. I want to be able to give her a proper life.”
“Youaregiving her a proper life, Clara. You’re working yourself into the ground to make sure that she doesn’t go without. You truly are an incredible mother.”
“I don’t feel like it.” My voice cracks, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep myself from crying.
Sam is quiet for a moment but eventually, she reaches out to grasp my hand. “Just be careful. I’ve heard stories about that family.”
“Everyonehas heard stories about that family.”
“I mean Marco.”
“Who?”
“The guy who runsNox. I had a friend who used to work for him, and she barely lasted a week because she couldn’t meet all of his ridiculous demands.”
I shrug. “I’m not afraid of a little hard work.”
“Oh, I know you’re not. But it’s not worth working yourself into the ground just for a paycheck.”
That’s easy for you to say.
“The only thing I’m worried about is leaving without giving any notice. I know all the responsibility will just fall on Liv, and that’s not fair.”
“But aren’t you expected to start at Nox tomorrow?”
I chew on my lower lip.
“I’ll just have to go down there tomorrow and explain that I need to give at least a week's notice. If this Marco guy wants me that badly, he’ll have to be willing to wait.”
