Burn Me Right

Chapter 18

Autumn's palms were sweating as she approached the towering skyscraper that housed Obsidian Enterprises. She couldn't believe her luck in getting the job at Obsidian. She wondered why anyone would name their company with that name. She couldn't help feeling a sense of unease.

The job had fallen into her lap out of nowhere without even an interview or any real qualifications. She had heard rumors about the company's reputation as she researched. Most of the articles about them were about how they demand a lot of productivity and fire people if things don't go their way. She felt as if the company had a dark side. But despite the warnings, she couldn't resist the allure of the high salary and the chance to work for such a powerful company. This might aid her in the future.

As she stepped into Obsidian Enterprises' sleek, modern lobby, Autumn couldn't help feeling out of place. The other employees around her seemed to exude confidence and power, whereas she felt small and insignificant.

"Good morning, Miss Wraith. Mr. Stone has been expecting you," the receptionist said, a hint of disdain in her voice, as she handed Autumn a visitor badge. Autumn couldn't help but feel intimidated as she followed the woman's directions toward the elevators. She felt like she was entering a different world, a world of power, money, and danger.

When the elevator doors opened, Autumn stepped out into a spacious office with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. She made her way toward the elevators. What had she gotten herself into? Would she be able to handle the pressure of working for this company?

Autumn took a deep breath and knocked on Zyler's office door. She waited nervously for a response, feeling a sense of anticipation building inside of her. "Come in," came Zyler's deep voice from inside the room. "This man definitely has a beautiful voice," her mind teased her. She squeezed her conscience's throat and touched the door.

Autumn slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside, her eyes immediately locking onto Zyler's imposing figure. He was breathtaking up close, with chiseled features and a muscular build that left her speechless. She felt as if she had known him before.

She made her presence known, and she knew he knew she was there. Her heels were audible across the floor.

Zyler barely glanced up from his work as she stepped inside, his eyes fixed on the papers before him. He knew it was her, of course - he had been waiting. Why was he waiting? He had no fucking clue, not even a bit.

Her sensual perfume hit his nostrils before her voice hit his ears. He knew she was there. All those nights of imagination, and now that she was in the flesh, right there. He found himself conflicted. He wanted her - that much was certain - but he also knew that he needed to play his cards right if he wanted to keep her close.

He continued to work on his project, pretending not to notice Autumn as she stood nervously in the office. He could sense her eyes on him, drinking in his every movement, and it only fueled his desire for her. Finally, he looked up, his eyes locking onto hers coldly. "You're late," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Was she?" she looked down at her watch. She was 10 minutes early. Why would he say she is late? Maybe this is the way of the rich.

"I asked you a question, Miss. Wraith, why are you late?" he returned to his papers, waiting for her to answer. Autumn felt a shiver run down her spine at the sound of his voice, and her tears threatened to spill out of her eyes. She knew that she was in deep trouble, but she couldn't help feeling drawn to him despite her fear. She wasn't late, she was early. What is he implying?

"I'm sorry, Mr. Stone," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I got lost," she felt pathetic saying it. That was the safest answer. The movement in the office stopped. He put his pen down and interlaced his fingers, looking right at her. The girl's blood ran cold. Why was he eyeing her like he was going to steal her soul and lock it in a crystal cage? And those blue eyes had a sense of familiarity in them.