Page 21 of Worthy Promises
Setting aside that frightening idea, Worth refocused on the surprise Killian had dropped into his lap. Although intimidated by the title thanks to his inexperience, Worth couldn’t deny that he was intrigued. But was it fair to consider taking Killian up on his offer? The last thing Worth wanted to do was let Killian or any D’Vaire down.
“I couldn’t live with myself if I made a decision that proved to be detrimental to your company,” Worth explained. “Dérive isn’t a small business, and your druids depend upon its resources.”
“We’ll work together until you feel confident enough to trust your instincts without consulting with me first. I don’t like the idea of looking over your shoulder, but I want you to be comfortable. Come on, Worth, if you don’t take the job, I’m leaving the position vacant, and I’ll keep doing this shit. I have a lot more on my plate now that I have to run the Circle of Druids.” Killian smiled slyly. “Do you really want to prevent me from spending the most time possible with Dray?”
Worth stared at Killian balefully, and his mouth flattened into an annoyed line. “It’s hardly gentlemanly of you to propose I’m keeping you from your mate by not accepting your offer. Isuppose you’ll run straight to Dray and tell him it’s my fault you’ve so few hours to spend with him?”
“Of course I will.”
“I really must speak to my cousin about his taste in men,” Worth muttered.
“Pretty sure that would fall into the category of keeping two mates apart. I’m sure you know the penalty for that is death.”
“Keep it up and I’ll kick you out of my office.”
“Worth, seriously. You’re perfect for the job. I won’t leave you floundering. You’ll have every resource you need to build the team you want and make smart financial decisions.”
“How do you know that?”
Killian shrugged. “Instinct maybe. Or maybe it’s the way everyone around here praises your intelligence and math skills. You’re the one running the D’Vaire finances, aren’t you? Aleksander handed you the entire thing and focuses on growing the D’Vaire bank accounts, right?”
Worth handled Aleksander’s finances, but a small family court wasn’t the same as a multi-billion-dollar company like Dérive, which he explained to the druid impatiently switching his weight from one foot to the other.
“I’m aware, but you can always quit if you hate it or find yourself overwhelmed. Plus, I’m not taking no for an answer, so we’re going to stay in this room until you agree.”
The excitement of accepting Killian’s proposal was growing, but it hardly tempered his fear. Worth would like to aid Killian, and he loved the idea of helping the druids too. Dérive also gave away half of its annual profits to groups within the Council, allowing Worth to help tens of thousands of people.
“I can’t promise that I won’t fuck it up, but…but I think I’d like to try the job,” Worth stammered.
“Good, you won’t regret it.”
“I’m far more concerned that you will,” Worth muttered.
“You’ll be fine,” Killian said, turning toward the door. “You’ll start on Monday. I don’t want to give you any time to reconsider.”
Without giving Worth a chance to respond to that comment, Killian sailed out, and Worth rose shakily to his feet. Instead of chasing after the wacky druid, Worth shoved open the pocket door separating his office from his brother’s.
Aleksander took one look at him and raised a dark brow. “What happened to you?”
As quickly as he could, Worth explained the job he’d somehow committed himself to, then covered his face in his hands. Since his knees were slightly shaky, he sprawled in the chair closest to Aleksander.
“You won’t need my help, but I’m here if you want my advice on anything,” Aleksander said. “Don’t worry, you’ll be an asset to Dérive. You care too much to make foolish choices, and I know you possess the skills you need to be successful.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I know you.”
“Like no else ever has, but I lack your confidence about this entire thing.”
“These humble moments of yours are few and far between,” Aleksander teased, leaning back in his chair with a smug smile.
“Do you know how annoying it is to watch you grin at me with my own face?”
“I was born first; you’re my doppelgänger, not the other way around.”
“This is madness,” Worth said.
“You’ll be fine,” Aleksander replied. His brother didn’t have to be told that Worth had switched from their normal bickering about their similar facial features to once again talkingabout being CFO of Dérive. They were nearly always on the same wavelength.
