Page 86 of Heat & Deceit
“Mmm. I’d disagree.”
“Pig,” she mutters.
“So sweet,” I whisper. “You’re falling behind.”
With a delightful growl that has my cock twitching with need, she spins around and gets to work. I stop fucking with her and actually make myself useful by handing out orders and getting the cold drip prepped. The longer I’m up front helping, the more she relaxes, and I fall into a steady rhythm with her. Tonya stays at the register, which gives me plenty of time to hone in on how Carmine works.
She’s smooth and efficient, and aside from when she scowls at me, she seems pretty happy behind the machine. We work together for the next thirty minutes, until Tonya appears at my side.
“You have an interview.”
“I do?”
Tonya pinches her eyebrows together. “That’s what she said.” She gestures to a tall woman in a tight black dress and red-painted lips.
“Tell her I’ll be right there.” I pivot and stop by the office, checking the calendar I conveniently forgot to review while I was busy thinking about Carmine. Sure enough, the final interview is scheduled for today. I print out the question set and glance around the office.
The table is covered with inventory.
That’s fine. I can interview her up front.
I smooth my hair the best I can to make sure I’m somewhat put together—there’s nothing to be done for the sweatpants and T-shirt. Had I known I was interviewing someone for the management position today, I would have at least worn boxers.
Before I head out, I pull up my messages to send a snarky thanks to Javier and Rome, but realize they did let me know about the interview. I was too busy wallowing in self-pity and reciting all the reasons why I’d never drink whiskey again to pay attention.
Number one on the list? I don’t like embarrassing myself in front of Carmine.
What is it about that beta? She’s under my skin and inside my head. I don’t hate it, either.
I set the phone aside and shake my head. “Get it together, Lycus.”
With as much confidence as I can muster in my outfit, I head out to meet the candidate.
* * *
Janice is one-hundred-percent not here to get a job. Her fingers grip my forearm, red nails shining under the incandescent lighting above the cafe table, and she releases a very fake and very high-pitched laugh.
“You’re so funny.”
I pull my arm away from her. “Um. Okay.” Glancing down at the question set, I try my best not to be a dick. I hadn’t said anything funny, and I know a shark when I see one. “Tell me about some of your strengths.”
Pushing her hair over her shoulder, she gives me an award-winning smile.
I hate it.
Slipping my hand beneath the table, I curl my fingers into a fist.
“Well, I’m very good at knowing what alphas want.” She winks. “I’m an omega, but I’m a hard worker. I don’t mind getting on my knees and doing what needs to be done.”
It’s no secret our pack is looking for an omega, and this isn’t the first time a money-hungry omega has attempted to cozy up with our pack. The others were never so obvious, though.
“Right.” I glance toward the counter.
Carmine and Tonya both quickly avert their gazes, pretending they haven’t been watching the entire disaster of an interview. Janice talked for twenty full minutes about her life and who she wants to be, not even coming close to answering my first simple question ofhow are you?
“So,as it relates to employment...your strengths are?”
Janice falters for a second, but her fake smile never falls. “Well, I’m good at doing what I’m told.”
