TENSION

 BELLE 

I stood in the lobby in disbelief, and the only sound I could hear was that of my heart pounding so fast like it might explode.

I got the job. I did it!

I closed my eyes, feeling overwhelmed by the news, when Faye broke the silence.

"Don't get too excited. You'll be fired before the end of the week," Faye sneered before storming off.

I hadn't even realized she was still watching, and I didn't care. For the first time in a long while, something was finally going right.

"Miss Anderson?" A voice called.

"Y-yes?"

"The boss sent for you," the woman said before turning away.

I inhaled a deep breath, unsure of how to face him, as memories of that night resurfaced. I'd been too excited to think about the consequences of working with him. 

What if he thinks I am a whore?

What if he finds out I had his children? 

How would he even know? It's been years. He probably doesn't even remember me...

Shoving the thought aside, I went into his office hesitantly. "You sent for me," I said, clearing my throat.

Andrew gave me a disapproving look as he walked out.

"Are you familiar with the fashion world?" Zalden asked without looking up from his computer.

"Yes sir, I am actually a design..."

"Answer only what I asked," he cut in, finally glancing at my resume. "This is quite impressive," he said, as he reviewed my resume. His gaze sharpened. "You said you're a designer. Do you have your portfolio?"  

I froze. "I... I didn't bring it. I wasn't expecting..."

"We only employ real talents here," he snapped. "If you're not capable, resign now," he hissed. "You applied for a designer role without a portfolio? What were you going to show the interviewers?"

I was in a rush. I didn't even know Kara applied for that role. I was just desperate to get a job. I'd be glad to get a role of a receptionist in a company as big as this, but it seems like I might have given him the wrong impression.

"I... I was..."

"... going to use other tactics to get the job?" He said coldly.

I was right. So he did think I was a whore. I remembered the way he offered me money after that night, and my stomach twisted.

Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes, but I blinked them away. This was not how I imagined my first day.

Just then, he rose to his feet and took careful step towards me, his eyes never leaving mine. He stopped when he was few inches away and my heart pounded against my rib.

God, he smells the same. Clean, blend of leather and cedarwood... it's intoxicating.

It was just like that night.

The way his height towered over me made my stomach clenched.

"Go on," he murmured. "How do you intend to secure this position?"

I swallowed the lumps in my throat, looking anywhere but his eyes.

Coming here was a big mistake. 

"You didn't plan to sleep with the interviewer, did you?" His fingers brushed my arms gently, sending fire beneath my skin. I stiffened.

My stomach twisted excitedly, and it felt like something was awakened in me. "Or was it me you were aiming for all along?" 

My eyes dropped to his lips, and I bite my lower lips without thinking.

What the hell am I doing?

His eyes darkened as he watched me. He could see exactly what his touch was doing to me, and so help me, god, this is thrilling.

"I... I think you are misunderstanding something," I said with a shaky breath.

"Oh? Then enlighten me." His fingers skimmed the side of my neck, drawing lazy circles on my skin, and all I could think of was how his mouth felt on my skin.

It's been five years, but it feels like it all happened yesterday. His finger lingered on the hem of my shirt, and it felt so... wrong.

I should feel disrespected about this. I should be angry. He's indirectly calling me a slut, insulting my intelligence, and all I could think about was how good he smelled.

I took a step back, trying to regain control. "I'm good at what I do. I didn't come here to seduce anyone. I came to work."

"Hmm." He gave a slight nod, his eyes drifting to my chest. Heat pooled in my stomach, and I hated how my body reacted to him.

 I need to focus!

"I at least know one thing good you at," he said, his eyes locking with me. "But if you think that is how people climb the ladder here, you're mistaken."

His voice dropped. "You have one month to prove yourself. One month. If you can't, resign before I fire you."

His words felt like a punch in the gut. "I didn't sleep around!" I snapped before I could stop myself.

He raised a brow. "I don't care about your personal life," he shrugged. "But you will not raise your voice at me. Is that clear?"

"Y-yes sir." I whispered.

"Now get out. Andrew will show you around."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding as soon as I was out of his office, when Andrew came into view.

"Follow me," he said curtly.

I followed behind him as he led me into a bright, modern workspace. He turned to address the room.

"Miss Anderson here is our new employee." Andrew announced. "She'll be rotating through departments for the next month to learn the basics of the company. As Mr. Marlowe's secretary, she can't afford to be naive. I expect all of you to train her properly."

"Yes, sir," they said in unison.

Andrew turned towards the far side of the room, and I followed his lead.

"Faye, she is under your supervision. You're the team leader."

The room fell silence, and my throat suddenly went dry. 

Fuck no. Not Faye again.

She nodded slowly, but I didn't miss the way her eyes glint with pure malice. She walked towards us with a confident smile. A bit too stretched if you ask me.

"Of course! It'll be my pleasure."

My stomach twisted.

I forced myself to stand still. To breathe. This was it. The moment she has been waiting for.

Faye would do anything to sabotage my stay here, and I can't allow that to happen.

She leaned in close enough so that no one else could hear. 

"Welcome to hell, sister."