Chapter 12

Wren's Pov

I haven't been this nervous since the last time I had been called into the dean’s office after I had been caught smoking in the students' restroom. I mean, I was sixteen, but I had lied so hard the man took a minute to stare at me, shocked, wondering if he was hearing right.

“You can do this,” I mumbled for the umpteenth time, but somehow, I still couldn't find it in myself to take a step forward.

“Excuse me, are you lost?” a man called out, staring at me with an unamused look.

Heat flooded my cheeks as I cleared my throat. “Sorry, I just... today is my first day and I just, I am kind of nervous, you know those jitters that come with new territory and everything...”

“If you don't want to be taken for loitering, I suggest you walk in.”

I blinked back at the shock. “Oh, sorry.” I walked into the building, trying to shake off the feeling that nagged at my chest. That was something, wasn't it?

“Excuse me, I am...”

“Wren Anderson, you are meant to report on the 6th floor, and I must say, you are late.”

“I... traffic...”

“6th floor.” She cut me off, turning her attention back to the laptop she had been operating.

“Thanks,” I said, even though I knew that there was nothing that she had done for me. “Are they all rude here?” I muttered to myself.

I reached the elevator, letting out the breath that I was holding; just a door and the next minute, I was going to be standing right in front of the big boss.

“Sorry, you have to use the stairs. The elevator is out of order.”

Fuck! Today isn't my day, is it?

“Thank you.”

I stared at the stairs, wondering if this was worth it. I mean, I could just turn away, and.... I shook my head, fighting off the thought that flooded my mind. I knew what that was. That was the little side of me, trying to hide away at home.

But I had debts to pay and a freaking sister to make sure that she was saved in the hospital.

It was a long walk, but I wasn't going to lie and say I didn't hate it; I did, every minute of it. But when I reached the top stairs, I smiled in victory. “Yes,” I fisted the air. Now, I needed a minute to actually breathe.

“I need to do more cardio.”

I found a lady sitting in the hallway. “How many receptions do they have?” I muttered under my breath as I walked towards her. Secretly, I am hoping that this one is nothing like the first person I met downstairs.

“Hi, i am...”

“You are late.” Her tone was sharp, clipped as she stared at me with disdain in her eyes.

“Oh, the elevator was broken, and I had to...”

“Word of advice: if you are going to work here, improvisation is key. Don't hand out excuses if you are not resourceful.”

Okay, there must be something special in the water that they are all drinking here. Why is everyone so rude?

Her eyes scanned my form; her lips tugged in a sneer. “I don't think you are a good fit for this...” My heart sank; I couldn’t lose a job without even starting it. Her eyes glinted, mischief shining bright in them. “I will have the security take you out. You don't fit to be here...”

The phone on the table rang. “Good morning, Mr. Blackwood,” she purred into the call, a wide smile on her face as she listened to what the person on the other line was saying.

Blackwood? Why did the name sound so familiar?

Her eyes were on me, a smile on her face. “She isn't here, I don't think she...”

You have to be kidding me. Anger surged through me as I turned, storming toward the big mahogany door that literally looked like a pathway to another realm. “Hey, you can't walk in there,” she hissed, her heels clicking hard on the ground as she tried to catch up with me.

“Watch me,” I snapped. Pushing the door as I stormed in. If she thinks I am going to stand and watch her try to ruin everything that I have worked for, she was a joker.

The door let out a loud groan as I pushed through it, stepping right into the room, with the rude lady right behind me.

“What the hell is going on?” The voice boomed. I froze in the spot; I had heard that voice before; I have.... My eyes widened when I stared at the figure sitting behind the desk, his eyes on me.

No!

“Mr. Blackwood, she is trying to create a nuisance; she arrived fifteen minutes late, and I told her...”

“Close the door behind you, Blake.” his tone was gruff as he dismissed her.

“But you hate tardiness...”

“Leave, Blake.” This time, he was firmer, his eyes barely leaving mine.

The door closed behind her. My feet felt like they were rooted in place; I couldn't move, couldn't bring myself to recover from the shock that I was feeling.

“Ms. Wren,” I turned to the man who had interviewed me. “Good to see that you finally made it.” He smiled softly at me.

I looked around the room, my fists clenched at my sides as I looked at them. “What is going on here?” I finally found my voice.

Callum twirled his chair as he slowly stood to his feet. He had that gleam, that look that had drawn me to him that night. “Welcome to your new world.”

My breath hitched; it wasn't true. I turned towards the man I had been talking to, expecting that he would say something to help me, but he said nothing.

He stood to his feet. “Callum, see you at the golf club.” he tipped his head as he walked out of the room.

The door slammed closed behind him, signalling that I was stuck in this room alone with Callum Blackwood, the man who had given me the best orgasm, and the rudest awakening.

What the hell did I just walk into?