Chapter 9 - The interview

Sydney-

Mike wished me luck for my interview as he dropped me off near Reiner towers.

"Thank you," I said, my gaze fixed on the enormous structure.

 "Don't be worried; you'll do fine." Mike patted the top of my head. The Reiner tower resembled the standard metal and glass high-rise tower. I crossed the road and entered a huge foyer. It was crowded with people coming and going. The brown granite floor reflected them like a mirror.

I approached the reception desk, where a nicely dressed woman handed me a visitor permit and directed me to the 30th floor. I took the elevator to the 30th floor. It opened into a stylishly decorated foyer with a plush green carpet that gave it a grassy impression and an entire glass wall on the right side. I could see the entire city's skyline.

"How may I assist you?" My reverie was broken when a lady at the smaller reception asked.

I replied, "I'm here for the interview, for the intern positions."

"Please provide me with your name and photo ID. Mr. Rainer will contact you as soon as possible." Said the lady.

"Mr Reiner the CEO?" I inquired.

"That's right," the lady said with a smile.

I wondered why would the CEO of such a huge corporation interview interns. But I shrugged it off. I was instructed to wait on one of the couches, which I did.

********************

Aiden

 "Please get me some coffee, Jennifer." I hung up and dashed back to my cabin. Being late was something I despised. I dashed into my cabin, sat down in my chair, and scanned the resume files. After flipping through them, my eyes eventually landed on what I was looking for. I carefully examined the dossier and was amazed by the work of the woman who was waiting outside my cabin. Jennifer delivered my coffee, and I instructed her to send me that specific candidate. Sydney Rosbak.

The doorbell rang, and there stood the object of my passionate fantasies. I settled for the coldest look I could summon as she gaped at me in stunned amazement, because I had the tiny advantage of knowing who I was meeting. She looked stunning. Her outfit consisted of a navy blue dress, a white cardigan, and very soft pumps. Her lovely locks were tucked into a stylish bun. I'd do anything to get those pins out of her hair and set them loose on me. Her face was completely makeup-free, with the exception of a little mascara and eyeliner. Even though we were yards apart, she was drawing me to her. Her eyes conveyed a range of emotions, from astonishment to a smidgeon of fear, bewilderment, and fury. I tried everything I could to control my emotions, and I watched as she tried to control hers.

We exchanged glances as she stood there in silence for a long time. I was ecstatic on the inside; I'd finally had her in front of my eyes, and for the time being, I could ask her anything and she'd have to answer.

 "You may take a seat," I said.

She locked her gaze on me, and I nearly assumed she would walk away, but then she drew closer, nervously examining me and seeming to judge me. She sunk into the chair as she carefully drew it out.

 "Could you tell me your name?" I inquired of her. I grinned slightly as I remembered how she had eluded me previously.

"Sydney Lilliana Rosbak," she introduced herself.

"Miss Rosbak, how long have you been in this field?"

 "I'd prefer if you called me Sydney, sir," she responded stiffly, her final words delivered in a spiteful tone. But the ring of it, oh, how I adored it. I assumed she was still feisty.

 "How long have you been in this field, Miss Sydney?" I asked, slightly dragging the end part and watching as she glared at me for making her name sound so sensuous.

"It's been almost two years," she explained.

I scowled and shifted my gaze to her file. There were a lot of projects on it. "You have a lot of projects in your file - way too many for that short time frame."

 She remarked, with a small shrug of her shoulders, "I work as a freelancer a lot. I also enjoy taking on new tasks."

 "Interesting," I murmured, a faint smile on my face.

"I hope you realise that the job you're seeking for will be far more tough than your previous one; are you confident that you can handle it?"

 I put her to the test. She was silent for a long time before speaking. "I'm confident that I'll be able to complete the task. It'll be a challenge - a significant jump - but I'm confident I'll be able to handle it. I would not have applied here if I had any reservations about myself."

"What made you want to work at Reiners?" I asked her one of my all-time favourite questions.

"Because it's a good opportunity and I'm in desperate need of work," she explained.

 At that, I cocked my head slightly. I wasn't expecting such a forthright answer. People normally went on and on about Reiner's excellence and reputation in order to justify their desire to work there, but she had been forthright about it.

"You'd be hired as an intern and would have to go through extensive training; the work would occasionally be difficult. It would also be a rapid process. Will you be able to cope with the situation?" I inquired.

She stated emphatically, "I can take it."

"I don't believe that is correct, Miss Sydney," I stated as I rose from my seat.

I said, leaning across the table, "Miss Sydney, you didn't handle our first meeting particularly well."

She got out of her chair. "Sir, I'm afraid I'll have to decline this offer. I do not handle things like that, at all." Her eyes burned with anger.

I watched as she gathered herself from the chair and turned around to depart, her eyes burning with rage. Before she went, I rushed forwards and reached for her. I came to a halt in front of her, blocking her path, and watched as she gave me the most venomous look I'd ever seen. She attempted to flee, and I allowed her to do so. I finally got her to halt at the door.

 ""What happened in the alley was between two strangers. What happens here is not going to be the same, Miss Rosbak. I was just testing you if you are interested in this job. Plus, I don't mix my personal and professional lives. But you are an exception."

We exchanged stares for a long time before she finally averted her gaze and nodded.

"So I hope you understand I intend to have you around for both," I added with a smile.

She snapped her head back towards me. As an electric charge ran between us, her eyes connected with mine once more, and I saw the emotions in her eyes roll. Her mouth was slightly open, as if she couldn't believe what I'd just said. Her eyes were a mix of disbelief and fear, as if she was terrified of me. I wrestled with myself to leave her alone while I waited for my words to sink in. I wasn't going to touch her unless she gave me permission. That won't happen again.

"I want you Sydney," I came in close, careful not to touch her, and murmured, "and I want you enough to keep chasing you until you agree."

 Her eyes flashed in front of my eyes. I stood there watching as she took a step back from me. Despite my pledge to myself not to touch her, I made a step in the same direction as she did. She took another, and I took another, till we were at my desk.

"I think I should leave now," she remarked, clearing her voice.

 "I agree, you should, but before you leave..." I said with a smile and a nod. "Here are my contact details, call me if you need any help," I scribbled on a business card. She moved away from the desk gently as she took the card for me. She moved closer to the door while keeping a close watch on me. She turned to face me at the door, and I watched as she tore it apart and flung it at me. The bits came floating down. Inquiringly, I arched my gaze at her.

"I don't need this, neither you nor your help. I think you need it much more than I do," She turned and walked out of my life again. I smiled. I was sure I would meet her again. I was damn sure of that.