Deceptive Allure: Bound by Lies

Chapter 3: Skye

The moment I walk out onto the street I am regretting my choice to not wear my trainers. My heels click along the ground at a steady pace, my eyes glued to my phone as I watch the little dot direct me back towards Apex's offices. Jetlag was still kicking my ass. It didn't help that I had stayed up far too late last night reviewing all the information I had on Apex. Their structure, their personnel, everything. I didn't fall into bed until 3am.

I had tried my best to hide the grey bags under my eyes. In my mind I sing a praise for the magic that was colour correction, using my bright red lipstick under my eyes to balance the dark skin. My step falters as inky black thoughts crawl to the forefront of my mind. Memories of bruises I had to hide on a daily basis causes my skin to crawl. Quickening my pace, I keep my focus on the blinking dot on my phone, counting each time it flashes.

There is a familiar tightness in my chest as I walk into the grand lobby of Apex. A woman behind the front desk smiles warmly. Her genuine smile forced the pit in my chest to loosen.

'Good morning I'm...' before I could finish my sentence the woman is holding out a security pass.

'Skye, good morning. We are excited to have you. Mr Santoro is already in his office, such an early riser. This card will grant you access to the top floor and the cafeteria on floor 12.' The woman looked at me with hopeful doe eyes.

All my energy is focused on ensuring confusion doesn't flit across my features. I had researched Apex extensively. Who the fuck is Mr Santoro. Looping the lanyard around my neck I adjust the collar of my shirt. I had chosen to wear the same white linen shirt, foregoing the blazer after almost melting in it during my interview.

I take stock of my outfit for the last time before stepping into the elevator. Catching my reflection in the polished steel I adjust my ponytail; I had strategically let loose two strands of hair to frame my face. Glancing down to my legs I once again second guess my choice to wear black suit shorts. They were tailored and crispy ironed which helped them appear professional, whilst still exposing a tantalising amount of thigh. My thighs were my favourite feature, it seemed like a shame to have to keep them covered up. 

I can hear my heart thudding in my chest as the elevator climbs higher and higher until finally, I am amongst the clouds. There is a quiet ding and I step out onto the dramatic marble floor. My breath catches in my chest as I look out onto the dramatic view. I had taken my interview in a stuffy back room on one of the lower floors, where I stood now was a start contrast.

Stunning floor to ceiling windows offered an unobstructed view of the city and the green treetops of Central Park. As if possessed I walk towards the windows my eyes searching the features of the park trying to spy the oak bridge that I was running across when I received the call that brought me here today.

To my surprise the floor I stood on was sparse. Where you would expect to see rows of desks there was a large lounge area. Behind the lounge was a small desk which stood sentry to which I assumed was the CEO's office. The layout caused me to feel a pang of loneliness. It was as if the CEO was hiding in his ivory tower. 

A man clears his throat behind me. Startled I spin around to lock eyes with him and for the second time this morning my breath catches in my lungs. Good lord this man is stunning. He stood before me in a dark charcoal suit which matched his dark tussled hair. Two piercing black eyes stared into my soul. His presence did not ask for your attention, no, it commanded it. My eyes flick over his features, I notice the silver scar above his eyebrow and the slight bump in his nose which would indicate it had been broken more than once.

Schooling my features, I step forward towards him utilising my nervous energy, flipping it on its head. With a bright smile I hold my hand out towards him. I watch his face as his eyes dart to my outstretched hand. The moment between us stretches on so long that I'm terrified he is going to leave me standing here with my hand out like a jackass. To my relief he takes my hand.