The Job Offer

“Brrrr…” My phone buzzed as I crossed the road, about to enter my apartment with my A****n packages in hand.

I looked at the screen — an unknown number.

Switching my phone to my left ear as I unlocked the door, I said, “Hello, who am I speaking with?”

“Miss Avery Maddox, your application has been approved. You will be sent an address via email work located. Thank you and have a nice day,” the voice said before hanging up, not allowing me to respond.

“Ahhh!” I screamed, throwing my head back as all my packages fell to the ground, scattering everywhere. I didn’t care that my things were all over the place. I didn’t care that people in the hallway were staring at me like I had lost my mind.

I was overjoyed. Finally, I had bagged a job not just any job, but one with the biggest empire in the country: The Stone Dynasty.

I needed to call Zita, my best friend, and thank her. She had helped me out with this. At first, I doubted I’d be accepted, but she told me not to worry she had a cousin who worked there and covered for me. Of course, I landed the job that was about to change my life. Though, she really pressured me, saying I was perfect for it.

“Come here, Coin,” I said to my cat as it walked toward me. I picked it up and placed it in front of its food.

My phone buzzed again a message from the same number that had called earlier.

Address: 17 Oakwood Drive, Blackstone Avenue, Room 102

Time: 8:00 p.m. sharp

Welcome aboard, Miss Maddox.

I felt a knot twist in my stomach. I wasn’t comfortable with the message. The location I thought it would be at the main office. And why 8:00 p.m. instead of tomorrow morning?

“It’s alright, it’s just an appointment…” I reassured myself, though the thought didn’t sit well with me. I wanted to call Zita again but changed my mind she had already done enough for me.

I stood in front of my partly broken mirror, adjusting my blonde hair. “How do I look, Coin?” I asked my cat, as if it could reply. But I guessed I looked okay. I was wearing a navy-blue work dress that hugged my figure just right elegant but not loud. The fabric was smooth, the neckline modest, and the hem brushed just above my knees. Paired with black heels, I looked like a woman who meant business.

I was seated behind the Uber driver I’d ordered a few hours ago. I glanced at my wristwatch 7:30. I rolled the glass window down, looking out at the not-so-busy roads of New York. I inhaled deeply, nervous. I couldn’t refuse the job now. I had a loan to pay and a mother in the hospital with cancer. Her bills were piling up, and I needed to pay. “This is the only way out,” I thought to myself.

My phone buzzed again it was Zita. Relief washed over me; it felt like she knew I needed her.

“Hey—”

“Avery, when you get to the location that was sent to you, make sure you do these three things. One, do whatever he asks of you. Two, do not speak to him unless he speaks to you. Third, if he asks for your code, tell him Scarlet Beauty. I’ll call you back,” she said quickly, cutting the call before I could respond.

My heart pounded in my chest. I wanted to tell the driver to stop and let me out since my mind wasn’t having any of this. What did she mean by Scarlet Beauty? And why did her voice sound so rushed?

The Uber stopped in front of a massive building. Atop it, the sign read Blackstone, surrounded by bright lights. The place reeked of power and authority. But why the hell was it a hotel? Since when did office appointments happen in hotels?

I adjusted my dress slightly, my hands already fidgeting.

“Good day, miss. How may I help you?” a young woman with black hair and dark eyes asked the receptionist.

“Um… I have an appointment — room 102.”

“Pfft…” She chuckled slightly, trying to hide it. “Sorry,” she said quickly, but the look in her eyes made me feel stupid. A part of me knew she understood more about this than I did.

“She’s here, sir,” she said into her phone, clearly speaking to her boss or whoever I was about to meet.

“Okay, sir. Miss Maddox, here you go.” She placed a black card on the counter. “Here’s your access card.”

“Thanks,” I said, taking it and turning away.

“Miss Maddox… good luck,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. When I turned back, her red-painted lips curved into a wicked smile. I ignored her. All I wanted was to get this over with.

I pressed the elevator button to the first floor, my feet trembling. “Lord, please guide me…” I whispered. I was never the praying type, but fear made me one tonight.

At room 102, I placed the card over the door lock, my heart thumping loudly.

I stepped inside. The scent of masculine cologne, cigarettes, and expensive wine filled the air. The room was empty.

“Hello…” I called out, looking around the spacious suite.

I was about to speak again when the bathroom door opened and in stepped a man.

“Bloody hell…” I whispered, my jaw dropping as I scanned the man before me. He was… breathtaking. Tall, with a bulky frame, grey eyes, and messy black hair dripping with water. Water! Then it dawned on me — he had just showered. A towel was wrapped loosely around his waist.

“Code?” he asked, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

“Scarlet—be—beauty…” I stammered.

My heart pounded, my legs shaky. I heard his footsteps coming closer. I wanted to shout at him to stop, but fear froze me. Zita’s rules echoed in my head don’t speak unless spoken to.

He stopped right in front of me. Up close, he was even more dangerously handsome.

“Take it off,” he said, his expression cold and dark.

“Eh—what do you mean?” I stammered, shocked by his words.

“Oh, little one,” he smirked. “Didn’t anyone tell you? You’re here to warm my bed.”

My heart dropped.