Chapter 5

Catalina's Pov

Standing in front of The Crown's Media house headquarters which happens to be the venue of my interview this morning, I can't help feeling nervous.

This is my fifth interview since I moved to New York three weeks ago. Sarah has been kind enough to allow me to live with her in her two bedroom apartment, but the little savings I have is about to run out and I desperately need to get this job.

When the Human Resource manager called yesterday about me coming for an interview this morning, I jumped at the chance. I only submitted my application two days ago.

Taking a deep breath, I pull my shoulders back and stride towards the entrance. I hope I get this job. I am not sure I can deal with any more rejections.

Once inside, I make my way to the security desk in the center of the foyer.

“Hello." I say to the stern-looking man behind the counter. My name is Catalina Bryce, and I am here for an interview with Mr Kane.

“Welcome Catalina. Give me a minute to ring him to let him know." He said, picking up the phone land line on the counter. I keep myself busy by taking in the space around me.

“He is ready to see you. Take the turn by your left.” He gestures to a bank of shiny elevators. “First office by your right, fourth floor."

I nodded in thanks before turning and heading for the elevators. 

Once inside the stainless steel car and press the button for the fourth floor. Before the door closes, a beautiful brunette runs towards me. “Please hold" she sounds almost out of breath. I wait until she dashes in.

“Thank you so much. I am Amelia." She says holding her hand. With a smile I shake her hands.

"I am Catalina, it's nice to meet you.”

"Same here. Are you here for the interview?” She seems genuinely curious.

"Yes I am. Is it so obvious that I am nervous?” 

“You will be fine. Mr Kane is hard but  reasonable.” She gives me a reassuring smile. 

“Thank you.” The elevator stopped at the fourth floor and waved her goodbye before heading in the direction the security officer gave me earlier.

Mr Kane was easy to find and it turned out he was everything Amelia described.The interview went better than I thought. My eyes almost bugged out when I read the amount being offered as salary. It was three times higher than my annual salary before I stopped working. If I get the job, the money will be enough to get my own apartment.

“Miss Rossi, your resume looks good and apart from the fact that you haven't been working for four years, I think you are still a good fit for the Job.” He said, sounding so sincere.

"Thank you Mr Kane." 

“My part is done. However, due to the dissatisfactory way the former editor carried out his duties, the CEO has insisted that he must approve whoever we are filling the position with.” Something about the way his expression changed when he mentioned the CEO makes me unsettled.

“His office is on the last floor. I wish you luck." I nodded as I stood and left his office.

The CEO office occupied the entirety of the first floor. I noticed Amelia as soon as I stepped in. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw me standing. “You are the one applying for the position of head editor?" 

“Yes. I thought you knew." I replied puzzled by how her reaction now is totally different from her earlier disposition.

“Ummm I thought it was for another position."

"Mr Kane said I should come see the CEO. Is it a bad thing?” 

Amelia's expression turned pitying as she gestures to the gold plated door to her right. Now I am officially scared of whatever awaits me behind that door. 

You can do this. It's just an interview with the CEO. What could possibly go wrong? I thought, pulling in a deep breath before crossing to the door. I knocked once and pulled the door open.

The first thing I noticed stepping into the office is how pristine and expensive everything looks. The room is vast, bathed in warm natural light that pours in from floor-to-ceiling windows. The walls are lined with rich walnut paneling, tastefully decorated with modern art. 

 I reluctantly shifted my attention from the decor and my gaze landed on the mountain of a man sitting behind the desk. My eyes widened in horror as it becomes,

clear to me who's sitting in front of me. 

unmistakable.

I'm thunderstruck.

No, this can't be! What's he doing here?

Sitting behind the desk is the stranger from the party. His alert gaze takes me in.  I think I see his expression briefly change to one of surprise, but it quickly changes to an expressionless mask and I can't tell what he is thinking.

My feet are stuck in the middle of the room as I pray this is a horror dream and I will soon wake up from this.

“You are…this can't be happening.” I stutter.

“Wow! My missing illustrious one night stand is right here in my office." He drawled as he rose from his chair and sauntered towards. 

I didn't know I had been taking steps backwards as he advanced until my back hit the door.

“This is a mistake. I should not be here." I try to turn around to unlock the door and ran out, but he placed his  hands on either side of me to cage me in. His big body blocked me from seeing anything other than him.

He leaned into me and lowered his head until his breath fanned my ear. I shivered, but whether it's from what his close proximity is doing to my body or my full blown panic mode, I couldn't tell.

“It's too late sweetheart. You walked into the lion's domain and you are not going anywhere." He whispered, his eyes promising trouble, the kind that is both dangerous and sinful.

I shouldn't have come for this job interview, I thought, knowing everything was about to change.