Page 9 of A Dark Infinity

I consider her question for a moment before responding. “Clear and concise communication is key. I expect regular updates on ongoing tasks and projects, as well as prompt responses to emails and messages. If there are any issues or concerns, I want you to feel comfortable bringing them to my attention so we can address them together.”

Lark nods, a determined look in her eyes. “I’ll do my best to meet your expectations, Ethan.”

Ohh, Lark… those are fighting words because my expectations are growing. “I have no doubt about that,” I reply.

As our chat progresses, Lark’s questions get more detailed, and I’m impressed by her eagerness to learn and her attention to detail. She’s genuinely committed to making a good impression. If only she knew that she’s already my everything.

“I’ve got some papers for HR. Think you can handle it?” I ask, needing to get her out of here before I do something stupid like tell her how much I want to touch her, or how much her scent turns me on.

“Yeah, sure. I’ve also got some stuff for my dad’s expenses. Do you need to sign—”

I cut her off, tapping my fingers on the desk. “Claire can handle that,” I say sharply. Lark’s expression shifts, and I curse myself for being so brusque. “Sorry, but I’ve got another meeting coming up. I know you’re still getting the hang of things,” I add quickly, hoping to smooth things over. But as Lark leaves, she seems less sure of herself than when she came in, and I feel a twinge of guilt.

It’s a bit fucking ironic that I feel bad for making her slump her shoulders, yet have no qualms about stalking her and sneaking into her apartment when she sleeps. Hell, I don’t even feel guilty for using her shitty financial situation and her dad’s sickness to entice her to come work for me.

When I force my gaze away from Lark, I notice Claire shoots me a questioning look from her desk, but I shake my head. This is between me and Lark, and I’ll figure it out. With a sigh, I turn my attention back to my work, determined to make things right with Lark when I get the chance.

When my next meeting is over, Claire storms into my office, her expression a mix of frustration and determination. She doesn’t waste a moment before confronting me. “Why did you make me call Lark for the job interview?” she demands, her voice sharp and unyielding.

I lean back in my chair, meeting her gaze with a steely glare. “Because I wanted her here,” I reply, my tone low and growly. “She’s what I need.”

Claire’s brow furrows in disbelief, but she refuses to back down. “But why give her more employee benefits than anyone else? And why did I have to go shopping with her? And Ethan, come on. Some of those clothing requests are not okay.”

I narrow my eyes, my patience wearing thin. “Because I want to,” I state firmly, answering the first part. “And because I said so. I’m not even going to answer the last part since it’s none of your business.”

“Ethan,” she huffs, letting me know she’s not having it.

I let out a frustrated sigh, feeling the tension rising between us. “Look, Claire,” I say, my voice tinged with irritation, “Lark is different. She’s not like the others. She’s... special.”

“And what exactly makes her so special?” she presses, her gaze unwavering.

I hesitate for a moment, searching for the right words. “She’s...,” I begin, trailing off as I struggle to articulate my thoughts. “She’s driven, determined, and...,” I pause, my mind racing as I search for the words to convey what I’m feeling. “She’s mine,” I finally admit, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

Claire’s eyes widen in surprise, her expression softening. “That’s why you bought her building and had her moved to a better neighborhood. Jesus, I really am slow since I didn’t put it all together until now.” Claire’s tone is tinged with unshed laughter. But then she clears her throat, and says, “Ethan. Does she even know how you feel about her?”

“She will.”

Smirking, Claire reaches out and lightly touches my hand, but I quickly pull away from her touch. “Well, I’ll be damned. You’ve got it bad, Ethan.” I roll my eyes at her. “And it explains why you killed that homeless guy near her home. I’m beginning to think you weren’t there by accident at all.”

Although I’ve known Claire since we were both in diapers, I’m not about to admit to anything. There are things she knows because we talk about them, and then there are the things she knows because of the things I don’t say. This is the latter. Claire is the one who made the call for a cleanup, so she knows there was a body. I knew she was going to piece things together eventually, but, again, I’m not admitting shit.

As the workday winds down, I notice Lark gathering her things, her movements slow and deliberate as she prepares to leave. Without a second thought, I follow suit, grabbing my coat and heading out of the office alongside her.

“Leaving already?” I ask casually as we step out into the cool evening air, my tone light and conversational.

Lark nods, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Yeah, I figure it’s about time to call it a day,” she replies, her voice soft.

I fall into step beside her as we make our way towards the parking lot, the silence between us comfortable and easy. As we reach my car, I pause, turning to face her with a smile.

“Need a lift home?” I offer, gesturing towards the passenger seat with a casual wave of my hand.

Lark hesitates for a moment, her gaze flickering towards the bus stop before she meets my eyes. “Actually, that would be great,” she admits, a hint of gratitude in her voice.

I nod in response, holding the door open for her as she climbs into the car. The interior is warm and inviting as I settle into the driver’s seat, the engine purring to life beneath us.

“So, how was your first day?” I ask, glancing over at her as I pull out of the parking lot.

Lark shrugs, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. “It was... interesting,” she replies carefully. “Definitely different from what I’m used to.”

---