Page 25 of Power

“We went overboard when we first cheated on our vegetarianism, but they’re not so great for you.” He made an uncomfortable face in mockery as he smoothed his hands down his torso.

This was the first time we had engaged in light-hearted conversation. Our relationship, whatever it was, had changed. He was opening up to me more, and I subsequently felt less shy around him. I enjoyed this dynamic, since I had only ever experienced Shyam’s intensity. His exterior still intimidated me, but now his eyes glowed with a lightness that made him more approachable.

Shyam finished his food and cleared his plate into the sink. I continued to enjoy my breakfast.

He turned around and leaned against the sink, with his hands gripping either side of it. “Tell me more about this letter of recommendation you want from me.”

I took a long sip of my coffee to collect my memories of what I had demanded last night. I wasn’t sure how to negotiate the letter I wanted in exchange for helping him. Hearing about how Tarun had raped and murdered his mother made me yearn to help, but I still wanted something in return for risking my career by engaging in illegal activities. Essentially, the Sethi brothers were using me for something they needed, and I would use them right back.

Swallowing my coffee in a large gulp, I started, “Um. I never expected to work for a company engaged in—uh—illegal activities. Since the job you offered comes with risks, I think I deserve—uh—further compensation.” That totally didn’t come out as confident as I’d wanted it to.

He didn’t laugh at me or put me down. Instead, he studied my face. “And you aren’t asking for more money instead? Why a letter?” he asked, perplexed, as he crossed his arms.

I let out a big sigh and laid all my cards on the table. “Because I’m a woman in the tech industry, and it’s really hard to climb the ladder because I’m not a man.”

I felt like a manipulative person for demanding this, especially considering the reason why he was tracking Tarun. But I had to think about myself, too. Women in the workforce had been getting the short end of the stick for way too long, and the tech industry was no exception.

“And if you had a letter of recommendation from Sethi Tech, you could rise to the top,” he said as those hazel eyes remained glued to me.

I nodded, hoping he wouldn’t make fun of my ambition. Powerful men like him probably thought it was “cute” or “precious” when a woman showed drive and determination in her career.

He walked around the island to meet me. I turned my body to face him. Tipping my chin up with his finger so he could look me in my eyes, he said, “You don’t need a letter of recommendation from me or anyone. You are brilliant and you deserve a senior position in any company. But if it’s what you want, I will give it to you.”

His confidence in me warmed me to my core. I struggled with having confidence in myself, but here was this man who believed in me and wanted me to succeed.

“Thank you,” I said quietly.

He lowered his lips and gave me a gentle kiss on the side of my mouth. “You’re welcome,jaan. Shall I give you a lift home?”

“Yes, please.” I smiled.

Chapter XVII

Amelia

Iresumed my positionat Sethi Tech, despite the fact it had nothing to do with any of the details listed in my “official” job description. Most of my time was spent in the basement lab, formatting altered photos of an eighteen-year-old Tarun. I worked on creating as many possible images as I could to reflect how he would look today if someone captured a photo of him.

Today was an exception, and I was happy to be back in my office to take a breather from being alone in a secluded room.

Tracking Tarun had proved to be as difficult as Shyam had promised. It really was like the man didn’t exist. No hits existed for any of the cloaked photo possibilities I had generated. I had even considered that he could be wearing prosthetics, but the possibilities were endless.

Jai and Shyam had found basic information about him, like his name, age, and schooling information, but those were all things that could be found without using highly developed tracking software. I needed to find out something more substantial than breadcrumbs of information.

My search had become personal. I couldn’t imagine the anguish that Shyam must have suffered when his mother was so brutally killed. I had seen the pain in his eyes when he’d shared his burden with me. It had to have been hard for a man as guarded as he was to let down his walls. He still kept up his hard shell around me, especially at the office, but I had witnessed the cracks. I still felt special that he had chosen to share any of his past with me, and I would do anything I could to help him get revenge.

After that night at his house, we hadn’t had sex again. I saw him at the office, but he was mostly in boss mode, though his approach with me was softer than before. He didn’t hesitate to issue commands when it came to the search, but every so often, he’d caress my cheek or pull me in for a soft kiss to ease the blow of his demands. The heat of our chemistry took over after those small bits of affection, which led to lots of making out and over-the-clothing groping. We were always interrupted, with Shyam leaving to put out more fires from Tarun sabotaging his business.

The damage to his business had put a strain on him, and he seemed worried, though he tried to hide it under his composed front. I could tell that it was wearing him down.

I still didn’t know what we were, but our relationship had changed. I cared a lot about Shyam, and I was pretty sure he cared about me. He had even started sending a car to my apartment to take me to work and back home. I had argued with him about it because I preferred to walk but had ultimately given in because he was too stubborn to change his mind. I guess it came in handy, since it had been cold and rainy most days lately.

I was brainstorming about possible new search parameters when my phone buzzed.Hey, bitch! Where have you been all my life?

I texted back.Hey, Nat! At work.

New job? Or old job with Mr. Sexy, I mean, Mr. Sethi? :-p

Very funny! How’s Rob?

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