ONE – PAINFUL SURPRISES

MIRA (PRESENT)

I love the endless sunshine of New York City. There’s just something about it that adds an extra glow to my cheeks and lifts my spirits — Or maybe it’s all the orgasms I’ve been receiving lately, but let’s not go into that on my very first day at work.

I look through my résumé once more and memorize answers to likely interview questions. I will forever be indebted to Mason for giving me the opportunity to work in his establishment, but I hope this does not complicate our already complicated relationship.

I’m seated in the SUV on my way to Mason’s office complex when my phone buzzes with an incoming call. I look down quickly and when I see “Mason” written across the screen, my heart practically sings.

“You left like five minutes ago. Missing me already?” I ask cheerily when I answer the call.

For a moment, the only sounds that come from the speakers are his harsh, troubled breathing.

“Something’s wrong, Mira.” His voice is hoarse.

My stomach nearly turns to ice and panic crawls up my throat.

“What? What happened?”

“You’re not here, princess. It doesn’t feel right.”

At this point, I have no idea if I want to strangle him with my barehands or kiss him senseless.

“The heck? You nearly scared me to death! I thought something bad actually happened.”

He laughs shortly. The sound is like music to my ears.

“I need you, baby girl. Why aren’t you here yet?”

I roll my eyes just as my heart turns to mush.

“I assure you that Darth is driving as fast as he can.”

“Good. You’re having lunch with me. Be ready by noon.” He orders.

“Yes, sir.”

“Come to me soon, baby girl.” Then the line goes dead.

We finally arrive at the fifty storey skyscraper in the heart of the city which houses “Lachlan Empire” and Darth leads me through the gleaming reception area and towards the elevators. My fingers shake nervously as I press my documents against my chest.

“The boss said he would love to see you in his office before your interview.” Darth says quietly.

My gaze snaps to his.

“What? Why?”

He shrugs, lifting his phone.

“I don’t know. I just got his text.”

My heart thuds wantonly at the thought of seeing Mason again. In the space of one year and a few months, Mason Lachlan has completely taken over every facet of my life.

I am really beginning to think that New York City’s most dangerous billionaire is obsessed with me, but I can’t complain because I am just as obsessed with the sexy-as-hell hunk of a man.

He took my life by storm and now I cannot imagine living without him. I am that far gone.

We pass through the gleaming marble hallway and finally arrive at a door marked, CEO.

“Wait here, miss.”

I nod quietly while Darth knocks once and pulls the door open. I’m about to go through my documents for the umpteenth time when Darth reappears, his face set in hard lines.

“I think we should go, miss. You can see the boss another time.”

Confused, I narrow my eyes at him.

“What do you mean? Why?”

Darth grabs my arm, trying to steer me back into the elevator and my pulse thunders with anxiety. Something’s wrong. Darth never touches me. Something just spooked him.

“Darth, what the hell is going on?” I ask him, my voice slightly shaky.

He shakes his head quickly and my worry gradually morphs into annoyance.

“Well, if you’re not going to tell me, then I’ll just have to see for myself.”

I try to fee myself from his grip but he holds on tighter.

“You do not want to go in there, miss.”

I wrench my arm free with much difficulty and March into Mason’s office with a thundering heartbeat. Before I even step in, the sounds that filter through the half open doorway has me freezing in my tracks.

I hear a muffled, girly giggle, then,

“Oh, Mason. Stop! You have to focus.” The owner of that voice doesn’t sound like she wants Mason to stop whatever he’s doing to her nor focus.

A sharp pang slices through my heart as I listen harder. When I hear nothing for the next five seconds, I heave an angry breath and push the door open.

The sight that greets me has anger shooting through my bloodstream.

Standing beside Mason with her boobs nearly spilling out of the tight bodice of her top is none other than Halloway Stephens, my most dangerous rival and Mason’s self acclaimed best friend.

Fuming, I take in her fingers on Mason’s arm and the lazy smile on his face and little pinpricks of jealousy pierce my already heated skin.

“What the hell is going on here?”