Page 27 of Of Blood and Smoke

Unsure what to say or do, and mentally overloaded by his proximity, I remained rooted to the spot desperately trying not to make eye contact or gape at him.

Thinking about how good he smelled or how close he was to me were the worst ideas I could possibly have. My body felt like it was vibrating. It was insane and uncalled for to have this physical response to my boss, especially one as rigid and off-putting as him. I needed this job more than anything and what I didn’t need was this unreasonable growing obsession with my totally unavailable boss.

I could not afford to screw this up.

Josiah was completely oblivious to my turmoil and Ashley looked terrified for me. I widened my eyes at her and then trailed after my boss, or my executioner. At this point, I was certain I was going to be formally escorted out of the building.

He tossed my empty coffee cup into a trash bin without even looking at what he was doing.Show off, I thought, irritably. Nearly jogging in my heels, I struggled to keep up with his long strides.

He opened the door to his office and curled his fingers, indicating I should enter, before slamming the door behind us. “How badly do you want to keep your job?” He nearly growled at me as he stalked across the floor like I was the gazelle, and he was the lion.

“I would very much like to, please,” I replied, forcing the words out while my life flashed before my eyes. My throat felt like it was swelling shut and I had to have been mere moments away from a full-blown panic attack. There wasn’t enough oxygen in the air.

Josiah stepped in front of me, crossing his arms over his chest, his suit coat unbuttoned. Even through the fine material, I could tell he was all sleek, distracting muscle. He could easily overpower me and put me out of my misery. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I realized I had no reason to think that way.

Sure, he and his maybe twin, maybe-not-twin, were brusque, eccentric and commanding. But not once did they threaten me with any type of bodily harm. I’d never seen them hurt anyone in any way. Ridiculous that I should be so intimidated. He was just another rich, arrogant dickhead executive.

I took a fortifying deep breath.

Finding my courage, I asked, “Why did you bring me in here?”

I felt his stare rather than saw it. From now on, I’d avoid him at all costs. If he was anywhere near me, I’d head in the opposite direction. It didn’t matter if I had to navigate to the other side of the building to avoid him, I’d do whatever I had to do. I didn’t come this far to fail.

I wasthis close to having my father in a good care home and I’d already begun looking for a better apartment.

“I didn’t take you for one to entertain idle gossip,” he purred.

I’d almost glanced up but stopped just in time. Was he trying to distract me? The change in tone threw me for a loop. Maybe he was testing if I’d meet his eyes?

Instead of doing what he was tempting me with, I focused on his folded arms and the way he ran his nails across his thumb. The crazy urge to reach out and touch his fingers had to be squashed down. Was that a glint of metal? Maybe he wore jewelry.

“I don’t pay attention to gossip. How’d you hear her, anyway? She was being discreet, and I doubt she believes anything she heard, herself.”

“Be careful who you associate with. You have a grace period, but we take confidentiality and security seriously.”

From how I’d understood it, there’d been no “grace period” but I wasn’t going to argue and would just take whatever leniency I could get. “May I ask one question?”

Something shifted in the air, and it felt like laughter. I couldn’t explain it or describe why I thought he’d laughed when I hadn’t heard anything. No wonder there were rumors. If only he’d allow eye contact, all the nonsense would go away, I was positive.

“You may.”

“Are you and Mister Calthia twins or related?” What I really wanted to know was why no one was allowed to look at them, butI hadn’t been able to form the question. Instead, I’d wasted my inquiry on a stupid one that meant nothing.

“No. Get back to work Miss DuBois and don’t forget what I said. There are no second chances.”

So much for my grace period.

As soon as I stepped out the door, the air rushed out of my lungs and relief coursed through me in a torrent. Scurrying to my desk, I didn’t look at anybody and kept my head down. A few people milled about, and I felt their curious gazes.

It must not be that often that anyone is escorted to Mister Ipomoea’s office and then returns to their desk, based on the tense and inquisitive atmosphere. Not that there were many people up here, but the weight in the air could’ve been supported by a hundred people.

I swung around my desk and sat down, immediately holding my head in my hands as I tried to collect myself. When I opened my eyes, I spotted a cup of coffee on the surface and the rich scent of vanilla filled my nostrils. Pulling it to me, I lifted the lid and fragrant steam wafted over my face. I replaced the lid and marched over to Christina.

“Did you get me a cup of coffee?”

She flicked her eyes up. “You don’t want it?”

“No, it's not that. I just...I didn’t ask for it, so I was wondering...”

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