Page 7 of Tangled IN LIES (IN YOU 3)

“I met with both CEOs, Robert and Mark. The interview went pretty well, considering I had to explain to them why I’m leaving the financial field and jumping into marketing.” I walk to the car, and my personal driver, who probably costs more than my wage at Fading Ink, opens the door for me. “But on the bright side, my lack of experience wasn’t a turn-off.”

“Tell me all about Robert and Mark, and since when are you on a first-name basis?”

“They both seem very young, considering their success. Very professional and the house seemed one step ahead. I liked both of them, and I could see myself working there, you know?”

“Young you say.” I hear an evocative note in her teasing tone, so I don’t elaborate. No need to feed her wild imagination. Aisha will be trying to push me for more details, and I don’t know if I’m comfortable telling her that one of them made me feel things. Hot and demanding things. The things that scorch the sheets into ashes.

“Knock it off, Aisha. I’m not interested in ruining my career.” I did it once when I met Logan. I’m not willing to do it again.

She cackles. “You’re impossible.”

I snigger at her because she’s a daring one.

“Relax, I’m just joking.”

Knowing her, she isn’t.

“It feels amazing, you know.” I close my eyes, feeling a warm summer breeze on my skin, and a smile graces my lips as I watch the sky full of birds playing in the sunlight.

“What exactly?” Aisha prompts me.

“The feeling of being part of something else than being a fucked-up mother or being in the center of draining family politics. I need this adventure, this challenge to help me feel like I’m not completely worthless.” I bite my lip hard to stop the tears.

“You aren’t worthless, Cassandra. Soon, you’re going to figure it out. And when you do, you’ll see how awesome you are.”

My eyes fill up with tears of rare joy and my chest with hope.

“Thank you. I needed to hear this today.”

“Okay, I’ve got to go, my boss is staring holes through my skull right now. I swear he can sense whenever I take a break. Old fart doesn’t give me space to breathe. Bye, he’s coming over!” And the call disconnects.

Let’s see if I made an impression at Fading Ink. I might not get this position either, but at least I know what I want. And I don’t want to work at the bank anymore. It was a job I used to hide from my past issues. It was meant to come to an end. And this is my new beginning.

3

Spark

~Mark~

Annoyance filters through me. Dammit, I’m going to be late. The city streets were so busy, I arrived thirty minutes later than I planned. My phone buzzes with incoming emails and reminders about the meetings as I stroll into Fading Ink.

I have an important video conference with the Middle East Network store owner, who’s skittish to sign up with us. We’ll see if I can change his mind and offer something in return. Negotiations are my best skill, and that’s why Rob usually lets me deal with new clients and partners since he loves to deal with the more creative side of publishing. I’m great working with people, planning, and advancement. Our ten-year business plan already surpassed the estimated projections.

“Good morning, sir,” Gary greets me at the entrance, “you got here later than usual,” he points out, checking his watch.

“Traffic was dense,” I tell him, stepping into the elevator before he can draw me into a conversation.

“I saw people working at your floor.” Gary’s curious eyes twinkle at me waiting for my answer while my mind fills up with a redhead’s image I can’t shake off.

“We have a new employee starting to work today.” I touch my watch to check the time. “Actually, she’ll be here soon. Take care, Gary.” I press the button to the top floor to check on the progress workers got done overnight.

Cassandra made quite an impression a week ago. Neither of us expected this gorgeous woman to be this likable and keen to work here. The decision was easier to make than we both anticipated. A few days later, Robert had called Cassandra, and she had accepted our proposal. After, she signed her contract, and now she’s finally starting to work today.

We decided to utilize a small room tucked in between both our offices, previously used for storage. Cassandra will be our marketing junior assistant until she finds her footing within the company. This is my decision to keep her close and make sure she’s safe and taken care of. I owe Logan this much.

As I enter the floor, Robert dumps some paperwork on the reception desk.

“You slept here again?” I ask, amused.

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