Encounter

There was a knock on the door and Emily walked in.

“Sir,” she said with a formal tone.

Chief nodded before looking at me again. “Agent Emily here is going to be working with you on the case.”

I frowned. “I tend to work alone sir. Besides, I don't think it's wise to send two agents on the field.” I grumbled the words out.

He just chuckled. “She's not going with you, but she'll be the one passing vital information to you. Think of it as your outside field partner.” He said.

“I'll do my best sir.” She said confidently.

“I trust you would. I'll excuse you both now.”

As we walked out of the office, Emily didn't say anything to me as I trailed behind her. I wasn't comfortable working with her but I had no choice, and I still had another thing to worry about.

“Emily,” I called out and she turned to me. "I need to talk to you," I said, walking toward her.

"Stephanie," I began, my voice tight with concern. "I need someone to look after her while I'm doing this mission."

She smiled. "You know I'd never let anything happen to her. She's practically family. I'll make sure she's taken care of, and I'll keep an eye on her until you get back." She then gave me a pointed look. "Just because you decided to be an ass earlier doesn't mean I'm going to abandon you…or her. Besides, I love that kid too."

"Thank you." I said because I didn't have the energy to say more to her. "Just... don't tell her what I'm doing. Please. Tell her I'm on a special assignment or something that's less dangerous. It's better she doesn't know the details."

"My lips are sealed," she gestured as if zipping up her lips. She reached out and squeezed my arm. "Be careful William. That file…it's pretty dangerous going there alone."

I pulled my hand away. “I'll try my best to stay alive so I can take care of Steph.” I said as I walked away.

For this mission, I had been given a new name, a new identity, and a detailed cover story. I was now a financial consultant named Liam Carter. Everything was in place. All I had to do was step into the fire.

The next day, I walked into the Giordano Wine Imports building. The place was all marble and polished wood, with everything looking so expensive or how do you say it…aesthetically pleasing. It felt less like the front for a brutal gang and more like a high end art gallery. The difference was startling, but it only confirmed my suspicions. This wasn't a business, it was a cover for something far more sinister.

I checked in with the receptionist and was directed to a waiting room with three other applicants. I sat down, feigning a relaxed posture, but my senses were on high alert. My eyes discreetly scanned the room, picking out the subtle details. The lack of visible cameras, the position of the guards in the lobby, and the sound proofing of the door to the inner offices. I was a detective, trained to spot the hidden, and this whole place felt like a meticulously crafted trap.

Finally, a woman with a hard expression called my name. "Liam Carter? Miss Rossi is ready for you now."

I followed her into the office. Miss Rossi herself was all business, but her questions were surprisingly simple for a high powered secretary position.

“Can you handle a busy schedule? Do you have experience with basic accounting software? Are you good with people?" I answered easily, my prepared cover story and research on the wine industry making my responses smooth and confident. The interview was over in under ten minutes.

"Please wait outside with the other candidates," Miss Rossi said, her tone a clear dismissal.

I returned to the waiting area, with my mind looking for loops in all my answers. The interview was way too easy. My gut told me something was definitely up, but I maintained my cool and sat still. If push comes to shove, I'll fight my way out of here.

About fifteen minutes later, another man came out from the office. He was dressed in a sharp suit and had a polite but firm smile on his face. "Thank you all for coming. We will be in touch with those who have been selected. You may all leave now."

Just as the others began to gather their belongings, he added, "Mr Carter? Please follow me."

I froze in place. Was I discovered? Or did I pass the interview? I couldn't be sure.

“You have passed the interview. Please come with me.” He added and I sighed relieved.

I had been confident, but I hadn't expected to pass so easily, especially with the other applicants who looked far more qualified on paper than I was. The man led me down a hallway, speaking to me as he walked. "You'll be starting tomorrow. You'll also be moving into the Giordano mansion. Your salary and benefits will be communicated to you later. Your main duties will be to accompany the boss on his travels, maintain his schedule, and keep all records. Discretion and confidentiality is paramount in this business as our boss is not an ordinary man. You must have heard, but he doesn't tolerate traitors." He said that last bit as if to warm me.

“Well, I'll show you around the office.” His smile returned as he continued yapping away.

I nodded, but my mind was miles away. I was mentally mapping the layout of the building, calculating the best spots for a camera, and devising an escape route in case things went south. The man’s words were just white noise as I focused on the layout of the building itself.

Suddenly, in my moment of distraction, I bumped hard into someone. I hadn’t been paying attention, and the impact sent me stumbling backward. My mind registered the force of the collision and the solidness of the person in front of me. I braced for the fall, but a hand shot out and gripped my waist, pulling me forward and steadying me. My body stiffened, as the alarm went off in my head.

I looked up, my breath catching in my throat. His eyes were the first thing I noticed. A mesmerizing, clear shade of hazel, flecked with gold, which were framed by thick, dark lashes. His blond hair was perfectly styled, and his jawline was a work of art, sharp and commanding. He was a vision of sculpted perfection. I couldn't help but stare as this was the most beautiful person I had ever seen.

I was frozen in place as my hands gripped his shoulders to keep my balance, with my body held secure by his hard grip on my waist.

I could feel the heat of his body, the tautness of his muscles, and my mind screamed at me to get a grip of myself.

"Are you not going to let go?" he asked, and damn, his voice sounded so seductive. A silken baritone that seemed to vibrate through my bones.

I blinked, pulling myself back to reality. I released his shoulders and took a step back, my face flushing with embarrassment.

The man who was leading me before hurried over, his face pale as he saw the scene. "I am so sorry boss.” He whispered as he pulled me behind him.” This is the new secretary, Mr Carter. He just got hired so he mistakenly offended you, boss Dante." He pinched me as he mouthed that I apologise.

Dante? As in Dante Giordano. I looked at him again, and at the two hulking guards behind him, all of them radiating an aura of power. He wasn't ugly. He wasn't scarred. He was fucking beautiful.

A slow, predatory smirk spread across Dante's face as his eyes scanned me, taking in every detail. He looked me up and down, his eyes lingering for a moment too long. "Welcome," he said, the word a purr. "We'll have to see if such a fragile looking person can survive here.”