Chapter 3

***Dylanne

I hate the subways. They just make me hate my job even more. I mean, rubbing skin together. Worse? Whatever the other person put on their bodies. It only worsened my OCD.

But here I am at 9 a.m., sitting through it. I hate working a 9-to-5, but it pays the bills on my table and helps me save some money for Eric. Eric's my 18-year-old blind brother who was in foster care.

When the train stopped, I pushed through the thousands of people and got out. My hands straightened my thrifted brown silk shirt that matched my ebony skin, paired with some small black shoes and a skirt. My brown hair was packed in a tight bun this time, highlighting my minimal makeup. I walked through the tunnels with the air smelling like piss and cheap weed.

My phone pinged with notifications from Penny, and no response from Kim. I'd check on her after work. After a lot of trekking and wearing my knuckles out, I got to the office: Prism Logic Inc. in Downtown Manhattan. I walked through the big ceiling-to-floor glass doors and scurried to my small cubicle.

Around here, I'm seen as an assistant, but basically, I just help build custom software and arrange data solutions for big clients, sometimes, even the government. Basically, like fixing outdated systems. My boss, Rhys Baker, walked out the minute I said hello to Penny.

“Omg, girl, where have you been? I've been calling your phone forever,” she whispered.

I liked Penny. She was the only one who was nice to me in this office. The rest just thought I was some chick who wanted to seduce the boss.

“360… check who it is. Our hot, able boss,” she shrieked, quietly pointing.

I giggled, picking up my pad as I walked over to where Rhys was. The moment he caught my eye, he flashed that killer smile of his.

I loved working with Rhys because he was always happier around me, for some reason, and it made working with him feel even better.

“Glad you're at work, Dylanne. I tried to reach you earlier.”

“Really? I didn't get that,” I said, pulling out my phone to check my missed calls and messages.

“I got you something,” he said, snapping his fingers. Security walked in carrying a massive bouquet of daisies that nearly covered their faces. I froze, shocked, sizing up the flowers from top to bottom. This was bigger than others.

I glanced around at my coworkers' faces.

Some sighed, others rolled their eyes, whispering to the people next to them. Penny stood wide-eyed, mouth open, then made a blowjob sign, thank God Rhys didn't catch it.

She'd always said he had a thing for me, with these constant flowers every week. I mean, I'm not saying he's not good-looking. A 6’4 with those amazing sea-blue eyes, and he smells so damn good. But he's just not my type.

“I know you said no more flowers, but one last one? And if you agree, can I take you out tonight?”

“Sir—”

“Come on, Dyl.”

I felt uncomfortable, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt as my eyes darted.I focused on my job and gave it my all, day and night. But this? This just gave people a chance to call me a slut behind my back.

“I think we need to focus on work right now. Then I'll give you my answer?”

“Sure,” he said gently, that charming grin lighting up his face as we headed straight to his office.

“You mentioned an important client coming over? I want to know what they need and their goals. I've already laid out a plan, so we can go through—”

He laughed, cutting me off, one hand on his chest as he full-on cackled.

“What?” I asked, confused.

“I don't think we need that for this client. He already knows how this place runs. We've been friends for years.”

“Oh.” I set my pad down on my chest. “If that's the case, I'm relieved. Is there anything else I should know about him? What does he like?”

“Nothing much. I think you'll like him. He can't handle dullards, and I know how smart you are, so I paired you both together.”

I shook my head as we turned the corner and pushed open the door to his office. There stood Kai in a dingy-colored suit, hands jammed in his pockets, dark hair brushing his neck, ink peeking out like a second skin.

My pad slipped from my fingers and hit the floor. My heart slammed against my ribs, breath catching in my throat. I tried to calm my unsteady breaths but failed.

Rhys stepped in behind me, his easy vibe shifting to concern. “Whoa, Dyl, you okay?” He placed a warm hand on my shoulder, but I barely felt it with my eyes locked on Kai.

“Dyl? You work here?” Kai asked, his voice low and edged with surprise.