Subtle Endearment

2. Intimidation

Kira

"Mr. Dewan, I'm really sorry about earlier," I say clasping my hands prepared to plead for my job. I'd followed him back to his office as instructed but he'd just been sitting in his office chair since we got back, silent. I sit in the small leather chair on the opposite side of his desk. The chair height difference is annoying.

Another one of his attempts to intimidate his employees.

"What happened to the fire in your eyes from  this morning, Kira? Now you look like you could drop dead any moment." He says laying his head on his hands as he leans on the glass desk in front of him.

"Just because you're my superior doesn't mean I'll let you talk to me any type of way, Mr. Dewan," I say angered by the smug look plastered on his face. Turning to my side regretful, I curse myself at my inability to bite my tongue as the words roll off effortlessly. It's not my fault my words are quicker than my brain.

I'm really trying to get fired today, aren't I? There's no way I'm going to be able to keep my job if I keep this up.

To my surprise, a sinister smile creeps across his face. "I checked your file earlier Mrs. Torlei," he says suddenly standing from his seat. "Do you know why I checked your file?" He asks walking towards where I'm seated.

I'm really not up for guessing games today but if he's going to act like this then I'll play along for the sake of financial stability.

"No, I don't know why." I answer just as he stops in front of me. "Your file says that you attended Pinnacle University before taking this job. You were preparing to enter your senior year. What stopped you?" He asks kneeling so that his eyes are level with my own.

From where he kneels in front of me I can see his muscles bulging in his suit. Half a size down and the buttons surely would've popped off. His complexion is brown and not a blemish rests on his face.

"Sir, if you don't mind me asking, how does this pertain to my experience here as an accountant?" I ask maintaining eye contact with him as he stares into my soul with his soulless eyes.

Don't back down now. Dogs like him can sense weakness.

Ian chuckles at my response and I don't see what could have possibly been funny about it.

"I don't know many people willing to talk back to their superiors like that, Mrs. Torlei. You must be very confident in your work ability to say such things." I catch a hint of amusement in his voice as he speaks causing me to shutter.

He must really take pride in scaring other employees. I'm not going to give him the satisfaction, not today.

"That's right sir, if there's nothing else you wish to speak to me about today then I should get back to work. The papers won't file themselves."

"I see, I look forward to having you at FixedTech, Mrs. Torlei," he says offering his hand after rising to his feet once again. I take his hand hoisting myself up, my hand looks small in his large one. "Thank you, I look forward to working here," I say flashing another smile for good measure.

With that I leave. I can't help but feel his eyes on me as I leave the office as if waiting for me to slip up.

I'm lucky to still have my job right now. I'm going to need to take baby steps at this rate. By the end of next week I'll be able to afford my brother's boarding school fees and a small portion of the hospital bills. I shouldn't focus on the future too much right now as my current position is shaky.

"How'd it go?" Daniel asks as I take my spot at my office space. The clacking of keyboards and side bar conversations suddenly come to a halt as he asks the question. It appears that he isn't the only person interested in knowing my answer.