Page 39 of King of Depravity

I’ve never had a job interview like this one.

“So,” he asks. “What did you think of Temptation?”

“It’s gorgeous,” I reply, meaning it. “Thank you for even considering me for a position.”

“It’s my pleasure,” he waves his hand. “It’s nights and weekends, but you’re used to that, correct?”

“Absolutely. With my weekdays filled with classes, nights and weekends are great.”

“The position is forty to fifty hours a week, though twenty of them are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

I nod. I’d love hours like that. “Killian told me that the tips here are excellent. I can assure you that I’m both skilled and hardworking, I’ll do my best to serve Temptation’s customers?—”

Leo holds up a hand. “Triston gave you a personal recommendation already in terms of your skill as waitstaff, but I’m not looking for a server.”

My chin snaps back, confusion knitting my brow. “You’re not?”

“I need a floor manager. Starting salary is eighty thousand, hours are set, as I mentioned.”

“I…I beg your pardon?”

Gris lets out a small chuckle. “Chloe,” his voice is gentle.

I turn to him, growing even more confused. “Yes?”

“We really appreciate your discretion with both our brother Killian, and with all that’s happened with Preston and his associates. You could have acted very differently.” He smiles, looking exactly like Triston with his ease and polish. “Whether you continue to be associated with Killian or that relationship runs some natural course…”

I cannot get my feet under me today. “Natural course?”

“Leo and I want you to know that you have personal friends with the Smiths and the Kincaids.”

I shake my head, not able to speak. I’m working my way up to refusing. I don’t want favors from powerful men.

“Speak for yourself,” Leo rumbles. “I’ve been trying to hire a new floor manager for three months now. This isn’t a courtesy, I need someone used to navigating waitstaff and able to keep her head even when a situation becomes stressful.”

A small laugh bubbles from my lips. Because those were the words I needed to hear. “You’re not hiring me as a favor?”

“Hell, no,” he winks then. “It’s a tough job. I need a tough lady to do it right, and I think you’d be perfect.”

I nod. “Thank you, Mr. Kincaid.”

“Leo. Managers call me, Leo.” He stands again, reaching his hand over the desk. “Tell me you’re joining the Temptation family.”

I stand too, taking his hand. I can’t believe it, but I’m actually getting a break. A good job, more money than I ever imagined. “I’d be thrilled.”

“Welcome to the family,” he replies, with a firm shake.

Excitement bubbles in my chest. For the first time in a while, I feel like things are actually getting better and I am moving toward my goals.

That usually means my world is about to fall apart.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Killian

Gris walksinto the backroom where we’re having a far grittier meeting than Chloe’s job interview.

“Chloe?” I ask, knowing that even her name is enough.

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