Page 28 of Shadows of Obsession

"Just a moment... There we go."

She extends her hand with a badge bearing my name and a document to sign for receiving it.

"My name is Diana and I'm the HR manager, so if you have any problems or concerns, here's my business card with myemail and phone numbers. The personal one is strictly for if you're on fire and the firefighters can’t reach you. OK?"

Clara and I exchange looks and nod, ready to head out as people queue up behind us. But Diana raises her hand, motioning for me to stay.

“Did I miss signing something?” I ask, confused. Diana just gives me this gentle look.

“No, sweetie, but Mr. Borisov asked me to let you know he wants a word before you leave.”

The blood drains from my face so fast that Diana hurries to add in her most soothing voice, “Oh, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Your badge will get you up to his office on twenty-two.”

Then she turns back to her stack of badges and paperwork like she hasn't just dropped a bomb on me.

“What did you do?” Clara asks.

Because, naturally, when the CEO wants to see you on day one, everyone assumes you've screwed up royally.

You haven't done anything. It’s not your fault Tim approached you with his schemes. And technically, he kissed you, so that's not your fault either.

"I don't know what it's about, but I'll let you know when I'm done. Talk to you later," I tell Clara while getting in the elevator and putting on the same mask I wore for a whole year.

You're fine. You'll be fine.

The elevator opens onto the twenty-second floor, and my jaw drops. It's like stepping into a jungle, complete with an insane reception desk in the corner - black marble shot through with gold veins.

Behind it sits this guy, maybe twenty-five, brown hair, blue eyes, rocking an orange suit of all things. Bold choice.

“Hi, I'm here to see Mr. Borisov.”

His eyes do this slow head-to-toe scan before his face breaks into a smile, like I just passed some secret test. Even his eyes get in on the grin.

“Of course, I'll announce you right away…”

The hanging silence snaps me out of my incoming panic attack because - oh God - he's waiting for...

“Luna! Sorry, Luna. Head's in the clouds today,” I stammer, trying to fake a smile.

“Keep it there when you're dealing with Roman. Better for your sanity,” he says, and I can't help but laugh.

"Noted. Any other advice?" I ask while he leads me to Roman's office, and my heart's in my throat.

My palms are sweaty too. Great.

He turns and looks straight into my eyes when we reach the door, and in a serious tone answers, "Roman isn't the nightmare in your story, Luna."

He turns and leaves, leaving me completely stunned because I don't understand how he figured out how scared I am.

You literally just need to start shaking and you'll be the complete trauma package.

I can't stand in front of the office without going in, so I gather my courage— where it comes from, I don't know— and knock on the door. I close my eyes until his voice resonates and tells me to enter.

His office is exactly what you'd expect. Soaring ceilings, walls decorated with modern art and photographs and a black leather arm chair in the corner.

The windows behind him are massive - floor to ceiling, showing off half of Chicago. His desk is this monster piece of black wood, definitely custom-made, judging by its size. Then I spot it in the corner - an actual orange tree. A real one. That pulls a smile from me before I can stop it.

I'm still avoiding looking directly at Roman, not ready to face whatever expression he's wearing, when his voice breaks the silence.

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