Page 5 of Broken Pieces
The compliment makes me want to crawl out of my own skin. Accepting compliments is not my forte, especially when it has to do with my job. But this has been my life ever since people learned how quickly I climbed the professional ladder, and it still makes me uncomfortable to this day.
I nod with the nicest smile I can muster. “I just enjoy what I do, and it shows through my work.” The passion Ihave for creating art makes me really good at discovering and showcasing other people's work. Not that I’d ever admit that.
A small smile flickers across his face as he nods. “Let me get straight to the point.”
Okay, then.They weren’t joking when they said he was all about business.
Assertively, he adjusts himself in his seat, resting his elbows on the desk and clasping his hands together. “I want you on my team, but I still need to ensure you’re the right fit for the job.”
Amusement takes hold of me, and a laugh slips out involuntarily. Really, the audacity of this man, speaking as if I was the one that arranged the meeting. I was minding my own business working at The Institute. He’s the one that reached out.
Arching an eyebrow, I say, “You mean I need to make sure you’re the right fit for me.” I straighten my back, sitting on the edge of the seat as I grab a strand of my perfectly straightened hair that takes hours a week to achieve and place it behind my ear. “Like you said, Mr. Romano, I'm very good at what I do, and I'm not actively seeking a change. However, when I heard that the renowned businessman Damian Romano wanted to meet with me, I was intrigued.”
My heart sits at the corner of my ribcage, beating so fast, it wants to come out of my body. This isn’t me. I’m notthe bold type. But there’s just something about him that makes me want to take up on the challenge, even if I fail miserably.
His eyebrows shoot up in amusement, nodding as he traces his tongue over his lips, leaving behind a shimmer of moisture. My eyes follow the movement, and linger there for a moment. Wow, even his lips are perfect. It’s unfair, really.
“You've undoubtedly heard things about me,” he replies, his voice laced with confidence and a hint of cockiness. “I excel in what I do, and when I want something, I take it without hesitation. No questions asked.”
No surprises there. He’s nothing but all smiles and cockiness, probably thinking it’s endearing, a way to put people in their place. Me, on the other hand? I’m finding it quite annoying.
“So I’ve heard,” I drawl.
He meets my gaze with glimmering resolve. “I know The Institute must impose numerous rules and limitations on your work.”
True.
“I've been in this business long enough to understand that. I'm willing to offer you full creative control because, truth be told, I want to elevate The Romano Gallery to the next level. I want our name to resonate across the world.”
I observe him intently, a faint smirk playing on my lips. Sophia always says I have the talent to read people likea wide open book, and I guess she’s right, because right now I can easily gauge his intentions. He’s a man that’s used to people doing his bidding. It’s amusing, really. But I guess you don’t get to the pinnacle of success without strategizing and using people to gain an advantage.
“Your portfolio speaks for itself, Ms. Petrov,” he continues. “Your exceptional eye for art and dedication to promoting emerging talents are precisely what I need to take this establishment to the next level. Am I impressing you yet?” he asks, with a smirk.
Tilting my head softly, I ask, “What makes you think this is what I want?”
“I can tell.” Leaning back in his chair again and crossing one leg over the other, he plasters a smug grin on his face. “Call it a business instinct, if you will.”
Yeah, the stories were true, alright. Don’t believe what social media says my ass. I can’t wait to tell Sophia how fucking wrong she was.
My next question is veiled, but just clear enough. “Is there any truth to the rumors people talk about?”
A hint of amusement flickers in his eyes as he shrugs nonchalantly. “There’s no denying I’m good at what I do. I’ve made tough decisions and taken bold actions in the past, but that’s part of doing business with me. And that’s all you need to know for now.”
I nod in understanding, trying my best to conceal my curiosity. He’s like a mystery painting, one I just want tolook at and study piece by piece. It takes a lot to be a confident person, and it takes even more to be whatever this is.
Cocky, arrogant, and smug. That’s all he is.
“I am curious, though. If you're saying you're not seeking a change, then why are you here?” he asks.
Mustering the little confidence I have left, I stand up and place both hands on his desk and lean closer. His scent envelops me, strong and woody, but not overpowering. There’s something so warm about it I can’t quite place. There’s also something so earthy and primal about it, making my insides ignite with fire.
My words are icy cold, with a hint of resolve. “I wanted to see if I was up for the challenge,” I say, my voice a sultry whisper. Then, I add, “But you're just an arrogant dick, and I don't work for people like that.”
With those words, I pick up my purse and walk out of his office.
Leaving Damian Romano’s office, I'm a swirling mix of annoyance and anger.
What an arrogant, smug, good-looking asshole.
