The Arrangement

-TWO-

"Hey Sydney take these to printing." I told the intern and she took the papers from my hands.

I made my way up the stairs in a hurry and to the elevator.

" mrs. Ryans." I heard a male voice say and it scared me shitless. " oh shit. Oh hi im sorry. I- you scared me." i studdered trying to make this acquaintance professional, even though a profanity escaped my mouth in a work environment. The corner of his lips curled, and a slight smirk was plastered across his face. " after you." He spoke up clearing his throat as the elevators doors opened. " thanks." I spoke softly and awkwardly.

We stood in the elevator, just the two of us, in silence as we headed up the building. 5,6,7... I waited until we reached floor 15, and it seems to be taking a while. I glance at the corner of my eyes and see Mr. Dolan slightly glancing at me up and down. Studying me? Judging me? Maybe he thinks I'm not up for the job. I bite my lip to calm myself. And then I see him tense up a bit. He tightens his tie and buttons his blazer. We hit floor 14, which was his stop. But as he passed me, he said something that caught me off guard. "dont fuck up." He said in a serious tone without looking at me.

I stared at the back of him as he was walking and as the doors closed. And then all I see is my reflection through the steal doors. "What?" I whispered to myself.

The doors opened again and I headed down the hall to my desk.

* * *

" New York Times office how may I he-" " Sutton Mr. Dolan needs a Word." I was interrupted by Mr. Thompson's assistant. I nodded. " im sorry we are not available at the moment thanks for calling." I said through the phone then hung up. Shit what now?

I followed Mr. Thompson's assistant to the elevators. Floor 40, thats his office here at New York times. I swallowed as I watched the numbers go up and up. Then the doors opened and I was led to his office. " Mr. Dolan just got out of a meeting, apologies for his behavior if harsh." Sam, Mr. Thompson's assistant warned me. I nodded.

I opened the black bulky door slowly. " Mr. Dolan, you wanted to see me?" I asked in a small voice that sounded like a mouse. He was staring out at the view as I spoke these words then slowly turned around. " yes. Sit." He said curtly and I did as he said. I sat down in the plush black chair in front of his desk and waited to hear what he had to say. He walked in front of his desk and leaned against it, his arms crossing over his chest.

I waited but he was silent. His eyes trailed over my body and he glowered at me with hard eyes, his expression serious. His jaw clenched and then released. " um Mr. Dolan, why am I here exactly?" I questioned in confusion.

" you're here because I'm the boss." He said and I couldnt help but laugh to myself. His face was serious and he stared at me as I did so. Immediately i wiped the smirk off my face and was quiet. His beady eyes were glued to mine and I dropped my eyes from his gaze. " you never seem to make eye contact with me...why?"he asks harshly and I hesitate. " because I find you intimidating." I said truthfully and he lifted one eyebrow. He sighed then walked over to his chair and took a seat, leaning back. " you're here because I think you aren't capable of this audition." He spoke and my body went frozen. And my breath hitched. "excuse me what?" I asked confused. "I don't think you are qualified for this job." He spoke and I was heartbroken. " but earlier you said that i was a p-" " yes I'm aware of what I said." He said interrupting me. I nodded. " Mr. Dolan. I don't mean to be rude, but I believe I am qualified." I said confidently and he shook his head slightly. " Sutton.." " Mrs. Ryans." I corrected him, with a slight attitude, and he smirked a bit. " Mrs. Ryans, this job is tough. It takes guts. I will push you to the limit where you will want to quit. Where you will beg for me to fire you. Or more so you just leave.... Or maybe you will enjoy it." He pushed and I swallowed. He licked his bottom lip slowly then bit it. And I somehow went dizzy. " uh, I-I can handle it." I said and he stared at me. Then he leaned forward and put his elbows on his desk, his hazel eyes staring deeply in mine.

" you're dismissed." He finally said and I quickly stood up and walked fast to the door. "Sutton... Make sure to wear that dress to the Audition." He said sternly and I gave a qwerky look. I was wearing a tight fitting black dress with a small black fitting blazer over it. I looked down at my dress then at him and nodded slowly, and left.

I walked quickly to the elevator, wanting to leave this floor immediately. I clicked the down button then floor 15.

"Holy fuck."

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Hope you enjoy this so far. More chapters soon to come.

Peace✌💜