Page 7 of His Dark Desire

I love the confidence that she has in me, and I wish I had the same in myself. I thank her once again and head to the elevators. Today is the start of my new life. I'm forging my own path, it's exciting and yet I'm nervous.

The elevator dings letting me know that it's arrived. The doors slide open, and my breath catches as I see a beautiful man standing in the elevator. He's got gray hair and tanned skin, he looks as though he's been on vacation, he gives me a smile, it's soft. "Which floor?" he asks as I step into the elevator. His voice is smooth, and it makes my stomach clench. What the hell is wrong with me? I'm not usually like this. Being attracted to older men isn't my norm. I've only dated guys that are around my age. But hell, this man is gorgeous, and he has an air of danger about him.

"Seventh," I reply as the doors close behind me.

"Ah you must be Ms. Absyth," he says. "My new assistant."

I blink. Holy shit, this is Joe Raineri? "Mr. Raineri," I stutter, my lips opening and closing like a damn fish. "It's lovely to meet you."

His lips twitch. "Likewise," he says smoothly. "Are you ready for today?"

I nod. "Yes sir."

"Good, now, from what Jayne has told me and according to your resume, you have worked multiple summers at a distillery, is that correct?"

I press the black folder close to my stomach as I turn to face him. "Yes sir, while I was in college, I worked at the local distillery in town. Marsh's."

He nods. "I've heard of them, a small company but they're growing. How much do you know about the distillery process?"

I shake my head as the elevator comes to a stop at our floor. My nerves are once again kicking in. "Not very much, sir, I worked in the office. I did the supply orders along with day to day tasks."

His gaze is sharp as he studies me. "Excellent, now, how much do you know about me and my company?"

My cheeks begin to heat. God, I feel as though I'm under fire. "I must admit, I only know a little about the company, sir, it's relatively new, you started almost three years ago, is that correct?" I step out of the elevator and feel like I'm able to breathe again, I'm no longer in close confinements with him.

I dove into his background the moment I was given the job. Joe Raineri isn't your typical millionaire boss, he's a shrewd businessman, one that has taken over smaller companies and rebranded them to Rain Holdings. He's ruthless and doesn't take any shit. I guess him being a mafia boss might have something to do with it, too. The newspaper articles that I read online paint him in a dark light, there was very rarely anything positive printed about him.

I'm curious as to why a man that's worth millions and runs a very successful crime organization would want to start a new company in a distillery?

"It is," he replies, not once taking his gaze off me. He comes to stand beside me, his focus solely on me.

I hold my head high and continue answering him. "You've purchased smaller distilleries, along with starting your own. Your brand is Rain Whiskey and so far, it's had positive feedback."

He raises a brow. "You sound like you don't agree with the feedback?"

I rear back, my eyes widen at his words. Did I just insult him?

"Ms. Abysth, for this to work, you need to be able to be honest."

I swallow hard. "I purchased a bottle of Rain Whiskey and tried some. It's very—" I pause trying to figure out the right word, something that wouldn't be insulting. "Robust."

His brows raise and he crosses his arms over his chest. God, why the hell is he so damn handsome? Everything he does is slick and smooth. "Robust?" he echoes.

"Yes, sir, robust."

"As in too strong?" he questions.

"A little," I reply. "It's not for me that's all." I smile, hoping to ease the sting of my words. I've obviously offended him by being honest and that's not what I had intended on doing at all. He wanted honesty and that's what I gave him. I didn't mean to hurt his feelings.

"Do you drink Whiskey, Ms. Absyth?" he asks, his eyes narrowing on me.

"Yes, sir, I do in fact drink Whiskey on some occasions. I tend to find that Kentucky Whisky is my favorite," I grin at him. "When in Kentucky—" I say and laugh as he scowls at me. "Mr. Raineri, your business is in Kentucky, but you have yet to delve into Bourbon, is there a reason?"

"Right now, we're trying to find a company that is selling, one that does well and is looking for a buyer."

That makes sense. "Have you been to any of the events that take place each month?"

He stares at me with confusion. "What events?" he questions.

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