Chapter 4 The ridiculous offer

“Arrogance is the camouflage of insecurity.”- Tim Fargo

Dexter POV

Andrea's request has invaded my mind over the last couple of days. I wanted to do whatever it took to make her happy, but it's beyond my control. I can't force her to stay with us in this mansion, not after what I told her at the cafe the first time I met her.

‘It's a good thing she wasn't injured. Otherwise, you won't even be breathing right now.'

I remembered that was how I scolded her during our first encounter and I'm sure it doesn't make a good impression on me. It's going to be ridiculous if she agrees to stay here with us. I can't force her the way I always do to satisfy my needs.

Or maybe you can? My conscience has spoken. How? With mafia’s way?

I shook my head in an attempt to get rid of the idea. Andrea won't be happy to hear about it. I'm not taking any chances either. I have to come up with something else. The best way to negotiate the offer with her at this time is to ask her kindly. Who knows, she could go along with it. No harm to try, isn’t it?

I pulled out my phone and tracked down her contact. It was added to my contact list as “Andrea's friend”. This was how I kept her number when Andrea told me to.

I pressed the name and waited until the line was connected. I get nervous waiting for her to answer the phone. Why do I feel nervous? I'm a Mafia man, I shouldn't feel like this. I scowled at myself.

“Hello, cutie.” Her voice was cheerful over the line. I cleared my throat before answering her.

“I’m not Andrea,” I said emotionless.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought it was Andrea. You-”

“Yes, I’m her uncle,” I cut her words knowing what she wanted to say.

“Did anything happen to her?” I like the way she cares for Andrea. No wonder my sweet pie had become obsessed with her new friend.

“Nothing happens, I'm calling you to make an offer.”

“Pardon? What is that supposed to mean?”

“You heard me loud and clear. An offer. I'm going to offer you the job as Andrea's nanny. She needs somebody to look after her and teach her at home.” I don't like to create fancy words to make a deal.

“I'm sorry, but I don't know why all of a sudden and why me? I have a job and I'm not thinking about getting a new one.” Her voice was calm.

“I'm aware of that. I only offer you this job because Andrea wants you. That's the only choice I have.”

“I don't think I can take the offer.” She turned it down the next second I'm done with my sentence.

“I will pay you double for this job as long as you are willing to stay in our mansion. Your job is simple, take care of her and be her tutor in home teaching. I'll supply you with anything you need. Food, clothes, room, or whatever you need. Just name the price.”

“No, I can’t leave my job and my friend. I can’t do this. You can find other people for the job and I think there will be many people interested in your offer.”

I brushed my hair to the back. Her rejection caused my anger to boil. Damn, if only I can force her with the mafia way. Being kind and patient wasn't my style. I inhaled breath and tried to calm down.

“Look, you got three days to think about it. You don't have to answer me right now." I'm not begging, but it was the only way I could be nice.

“But-”

“Miss Elsie, I hate to hear the word but. It wasn't in my dictionary.” I cut her sentence short, ignoring her reason.

“In three days, I will call you back for an answer.”

Just like that, I ended the call without giving her the chance to turn down my offer once again. You rejected the wrong person, love.

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