Little Lies

14. A Debt

My life has never been quite normal. I've found myself more often than once, displaced, or alone. I have seen so many things, the good and the bad. Met more people than I can count. I'd say I have a pretty good ability to gauge when someone means harm or not. And I've experienced many things that surprised me, so much so that I'm rarely surprised at all these days.

However the two men in front of me continue to keep me on my toes and second guessing.

From anyone's perspective, they would see two wealthy men who have something potentially stuck up their arses, but still rather harmless, that were if their wealth was excluded. Me on the other end. I can see the darkness lurking beneath the surface. I see what lies beyond, what aches to be released.

Nikolai barely tries to hide his demons. They poke through his suit and stretch his skin. Just a glimpse into his haunted eyes and I can tell that he will do what it takes to achieve what he must. I suppose that's something to admire about him. I like how he's already protective over Rory, even if I don't like being on the receiving end of his wrath, however much deserved.

Leon is similar. But he's much more clever at hiding his monster. Those tailored suits and his refined posture can only do so much. His grotesque attitude towards me is just a crack in his perfect porcelain. The man knows how to play games. Fortunately I can tell when I'm part of one.

But I'm still holding onto my piece. I won't place it down on the board until I know what their goal is. I'm not stupid, I know when something is going on around me. But perhaps maybe this gives me the chance to turn the game around on them.

"I'm intrigued." I state with mild interest, despite my eagerness to discover their plan bubbling deep within me.

"I'd hoped you'd be." Leon says with a placid expression across his face. It's professional enough. But I don't know why he's deciding to play nice now. I'm sure Nikolai and I both know it's an act. "When Nikolai first proposed the idea to me, if I'm honest, I was skeptical. I didn't have the need for an assistant at the time. However due to recent circumstances, I believe that it would be most beneficial for me, and you of course, if I were to offer you a position of employment."

I nod my head, to indicate I'm listening and interested. "What benefits would you provide?"

"Of course you would have things like annual paid leave as well and overtime. I have odd work hours so you would have to be available out of office hours. And because of this, I would also provide all expenses paid accommodation close to me so that I have you on hand if need be."

I don't know what the fuck he's insinuating there, but I guess it would be nice to have free accomodation.

"However, you'd also have to be available to travel with me when I need to leave state or the country. This includes last minute. I have a few business trips throughout the next few months that you'd need to attend."

I don't know if I'd even be able to do that. I have commitments, university and... Hell, who am I kidding. I don't have any commitments and ever since the pandemic, online learning has become the new normal. There's literally no reason as to why I wouldn't accept this job, other than it's slightly fishy and includes working for a man who I'm sure hates my gut. And oh yeah, I'm lowkey dating his little brother.

But I don't even know if that's still a thing.

Why does my life have to be so complicated? Why can't I just get by without all this crappy shit happening to me? First my ex and now this. I'm a magnet for trouble.

"Okay." I say.

Nikolai looks at me with a raised brow, while Leon hardly looks anymore interested in the conversation than that of a sloth would.

"Okay?" Leon asks.

"Okay, I accept your offer of employment."

He still doesn't seem to look any more interested. Instead he moves to sit forward in his chair, placing his elbows on his knees and resting his chin atop his hand. "It's settled then. I will have the employment contract sent through to you by tomorrow morning and you will start on Thursday. I will have your accommodation sorted out and will notify you when you are able to move in."

"Perfect. Thank you for this amazing opportunity." I smile. "I promise I won't let you down." I avoid looking at Nikolai as the words spill from my mouth. I know I let down Rory last night, and as soon as I see her tonight, she will hear nothing but apologies from me. Maybe I should get her some chocolates on the way home, maybe some juice too.

"I hope not." Leon almost drawls as his gaze flickers up and down my body. I know he's trying to intimidate me with his nonchalance, but it won't work.

"I'm pleased to hear things have worked out then." Nikolai gives a clipped nod towards the both of us. He hardly looks pleased, but I don't think he'd be pleased if there were a basket of puppies in front of him. The man is stone. "I have a meeting in the next few minutes, so if you please." He gestures to the door.

I stand and nod. "Of course. Thank you again for this opportunity." He says nothing in return.

I leave, without looking behind me to see if Leon follows. I hardly want to hear what he has to say to me when there isn't another present. Even if Nikolair knows just exactly who Leon is, he doesn't know who he is to me. And why would he? No one would assume I hate the millionaire with my guts and that he feels the same for me. Especially when he just hired me to be his personal assistant.

As I walk to the elevator, I can feel his icy gaze locked on my back. It sears my skin and begs me to turn around, but with restraint, I'm able to hold back the urge. It's not until I reach to press the button and he stops beside me, that I allow my gaze to glance up at him from beneath my eyelashes.

His jaw is clenched and he looks nothing like the calm man who was seated before me just moments ago. His eyes travel from ahead, slowly until he's gazing down upon me. And in that moment he looked like the devil himself.

I almost jump when the elevator pings and the doors open, allowing us inside. "I think I'm just going to take the stairs instead." I mumble, turning around. However I'm jolted backwards as he grabs my arm and pulls me into the enclosed metal box with him. I watch helplessly as the doors close behind me, leaving me trapped.

Within a mere second, I'm pushed against the wall, my back scraping the cold metal, his muscular body caging me. I feel his warmth against me, like the sun, it scorches. I wriggle, wanting to escape him, but his grip on my arm only lowers until both of his hands are anchored on my hips, holding me firmly in place.

His head dips low, until I can feel his breath caressing the nape on my neck. My heart is pounding within my chest and there's nothing else I can do then stay absolutely still and hope he will let me go. When did I become this weak? Faltering under the presence of a man? Who am I?

"You," He breathes so deeply, making bumps arise along my skin. "You are nothing. And do not think that me giving you a job means anything. I am just paying a debt to Nikolai, nothing more."

I don't quite understand what he means, but I nod my head fervently, but he doesn't make a move to get off of me. Instead, I feel him run the tip on his nose along my skin, making me shudder.

His right hand reaches from my hip, to cup my jaw, directing my face to his, forcing me to look into those terrifying eyes. "What does my brother see in you?" He says with venom. "What could he possibly want with someone like you?" His words sting, but it's my turn to bite back.

"At least someone sees something in me."

The burning in his eyes intensifies and his nostrils flare.

I almost think he's about to say something else, but instead he pushes off of me and faces the doors. I move off of the wall and word to unwrinkle my clothes. I feel humiliated and embarrassed. No one has spoken the way he has to me in a very long time. And I'm remembering just how much I don't like it.

Not one bit.

After a few seconds of painful silence, we reach the ground floor and he storms off, leaving me to question what I've just done.