Floor-to-ceiling windows cast Manhattan in soft sundown hues of gold. Sleek grey furniture guards matching marble floors that look untouched, like no footsteps have ever dared cross them.
I walk in slowly, drawn toward the main window. The city stretches beneath us in every direction—rooftops, bridges, water, light. I can see everything I’ve never had access to. And none of where I came from.
“Would you like a tour?” he asks behind me.
I nod, my eyes still on the skyline.
He walks ahead, and I follow. The all-white kitchen is spotless, lit to perfection, and finished in polished marble and chrome. Industrial-grade appliances line the back wall.
“This summons the chef.” He taps a small brass button near the pantry. “He’s usually here by four on weekdays. Six on weekends.”
Why did you ever need to use Uber Eats if you have a personal chef?
“He was out of town that day.” He narrows his eyes at me, and I realize I said it aloud. I blush.
“Anyway…” He continues the tour, showing me a private library, a state-of-the-art spa room, and finally, a suite decorated in light blue and rustic silver tones.
My jaw drops before I can stop myself.
Inside, there’s a separate sitting area, a private reading nook, and a spa-level bathroom with heated floors, a rainfall shower, and a deep soaking tub that looks like it was designed to seduce.
“Do you typically do this for new hires?” I ask, my voice even as he shows off the remote-controlled drapes.
“Do what?”
“Generously move them out of their lives and into luxury.”
“Generous?” He repeats the word like he’s tasting it. “Someone told me I was the opposite—that I’m selfish.”
“You are selfish.”
“No, I don’t typically do this.” He doesn’t miss a beat. “But if I found out any other employee of mine was living in a place like yours, I’d step in one way or another.”
I glance around again, slower this time. I don’t show much on my face, but this is the most beautiful space I’ve ever stood inside.
He takes me back through the living room and points out details in passing. In the kitchen, he opens a drawer in the fridge, showing me labeled buttons—chef, drinks, cleaning staff.
“It’s all simple once you get used to it. Most of the places Tracey will show you have similar appliances, so you should start learning them now.”
I nod. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.” He checks his watch. “Be ready to go to work at four-thirty in the morning. A separate town car will be waiting… unless you’d rather share a ride with me.”
“I’ll take the car.”
“I thought so.”
He turns, but I clear my throat.
“Do I get a tour of your room?” I ask. “You left that part out.”
“On purpose.” His voice is firm. “Unless you’re planning to spend the night in my bed, I don’t see a reason why you’d ever need to see it.”
My cheeks flush, and I turn away, slipping back into the suite—and into the soaking tub, which has just earned a very cold, very long visit.
THE CEO
DOMINIC