I perch on the edge of the bed, with my back straight, and hands clasped tightly in my lap. “Ignore Ray. He’s a little overprotective, but he does have a good heart.” Her eyes soften. “Why have the last few months been so tough?”
The question catches me off guard. My lower lip wobbles slightly, and I press it between my teeth.
“Look,” she adds, a hint of humour in her tone, “you’re going to get to know every inch of me. The least you can do is tell me a bit about yourself.”
A small, nervous laugh escapes me.
“I moved to London to chase my dream of working for a big publisher. But they didn’t keep me on after my trial, so I’ve been job hunting ever since with no luck.” I shrug, though it feels heavier than it should. “It was a huge gamble, and it didn’t pay off. Honestly, the second I arrived, someone snatched my bag outside the underground. It’s kind of been downhill since.”
Anika winces. “Oh shit. That’s rough. How long have you been here?”
“Six months.”
Her brows lift slightly. “Well, you’ve clearly got staying power. I like that.” She tilts her head. “How have you managed to survive six months without a job?”
“I had some money saved,” I admit. “I paid six months’ rent upfront, but that runs out on Friday, so this was kind of my last shot.” I push to my feet, nerves buzzing under my skin. “But thank you for seeing me. For giving me a chance.”
“Where are you going?” Anika asks.
I glance towards the door, half-expecting Ray to walk back in any second.
“This isn’t for me.”
Her brows draw together. “Because of me?”
“No,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “Not at all. I can do this job. I know I can. I looked after my mum.” I hesitate, then force the truth out. “But I can’t handle your husband.” I swallow. “I’m really sorry. Powerful men scare the shit out of me.”
Anika laughs and it throws me completely. “First of all, he’s not my husband,” she says, still smiling. “And second, he’s a complete pussycat.” I blink. “And if he’s the only thing putting you off, then I’m not accepting that as a reason. I like you, Wynter. I think we’ll get along just fine.”
I stare at her, mouth slightly open. “You’re . . . giving me the job?”
“You’re giving her the job?” Ray’s voice cuts in from behind me, making me flinch. Anika’s grin only widens. “Yes.”
It turns out Ray owns the casino the penthouse sits above. I’ve never seen anything like it.
As Catherine leads me from room to room, my eyes widen with every step—polished marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows,rooms bigger than my entire flat. Everything feels sleek, expensive . . .untouchable.
My bedroom is right next to Anika’s. There’s a connecting door between us for easy access, and a buzzer by her bed so she can call me during the night if she needs me.
I set my bags down on the bed, taking it all in.
I don’t officially start until Monday, but once I told Anika I don’t own a car, she insisted I bring my things over in stages, and Catherine offered to get stuck in with my training early to give me a head start.
“Thank you so much,” I say, turning to Catherine. She’s been nothing but warm and welcoming and I half wish she wasn’t leaving.
“Unpack,” she says with a kind smile. “Then we’ll start some training.”
An hour later, I find her in the kitchen talking to Ray.
I pause in the doorway, hovering, unsure whether to interrupt.
“Ah, there you are,” Catherine says brightly, spotting me. “All unpacked?” I nod. “Good. Let’s start simple. Why don’t you make Mr. Carmichael a coffee? Black, no sugar.” She grabs her bag. “I’ll be back shortly.”
And just like that . . . she’s gone, leaving me alone with the scary boss.
I drift over to the coffee machine and stare at it, completely out of my depth. It looks far too complicated for something that’s meant to make a simple drink.
I lift the lid, then close it again. Next, I pull the pot out, then push it back into place.