the framing of the open door. “How was today, Basi?”
Now was the time to bring up quitting and payment.
I ignored the fear-filled reaction of my body. I was becoming better at compartmentalising it. Otherwise known as being too exhausted to react.
The memory of my hasty budget forecast swam before my eyes.
Dammit!
“Good, thank you,” I said firmly.
Her brows lifted. “I’m glad to hear it. I wondered if yesterday overwhelmed you. We have a lot of staff and they’ve known each other for a long time. But you’ll be part of the team in no time.”
Awesome. I couldn’t wait to be best friends with everyone. “Will most days be like today?”
She smiled, and I blanched, caught unawares.
“Most days, for the next two weeks, yes,” Angelica said, taking a step into my office. “After that time, you will operate on your own with a set caseload. I believe Katerina talked you through our process?”
“She did. The visits after lunch were preliminary visits.” Which I’d learned were essentially cold calling houses in a bid to get a foot in the door.
“Perfect.” Angelica beamed.
My stomach lurched. The sushi roll I’d eaten was considering making a guest appearance.
“You’ll be an adept hand in no time.” She cooed at me just like Kyros cooed last night. I was still a monkey.
“Once you complete the tasks Katerina set you, you are most welcome to call it a day.” With another terrifying display of teeth, she left the room.
If that wasn’t incentive to get my work done, I didn’t know what was.
Earlier, Katerina presented me with a list of addresses we’d visit tomorrow. I was meant to research them in a system called Monocle.
I double-clicked on the icon, and a login tab appeared.
Katerina didn’t give me a login. I clicked Enter but was denied.
Shoot. I wanted out of here.
Standing, I smoothed the fronts of my slim fit pinstripe trousers. A thin cream boatneck sweater completed the look. My boobs looked awesome in it.
Striding across the room, I beelined for the reception, glancing around. I really didn’t feel like talking to more bright eyes, but I wanted out of this tower more.
“Miss Tetley.” A deep voice sounded behind me, and I whirled, hand gripping my throat.
Kyros exited the elevator doors.
I hadn’t heard the usual ding.
His meadow-green eyes fell to where my hand rested, and I breathed thinly as he swallowed. In a suit again—charcoal this time—he dipped his gaze lower to my breasts. My chest inflated as though he’d forced air into my very lungs. It made it look like I was preening under his attention. Which I was not.
My body and mind were on the same page, right?
Right?
“What do you want?” I snapped, turning away to collect myself.
“I’m your employer, Miss Tetley. Don’t speak to me that way. I do not tolerate insubordination.”
I scanned the reception area anew. Seriously, where did everyone go? Not that I could blame them for avoiding the jackass at my back.
“That’s laughable.” I glanced back over my shoulder. “You stared at my ass yesterday. You stared at my boobs today. Then there was that little strip tease you did rolling up your shirt sleeves. Or do you treat all your employees that way.”
He was silent.
I sighed, scanning reception. “Angelica?” I called. “Katerina?”
Anyone?
“Do you require assistance?” he asked. The clip of his business shoes was muffled by the carpet, and only a faint scuff was audible.
I tensed, every muscle in my back drawing tight. How close was he?
And who spoke like that?
Unfortunately, the polite question unsettled me. A battle of exchanged barbs, I’d expected. Helpfulness, not so much. This was the second time he’d switched tactics and used kindness to make me uncomfortable. I’d have to remember that.
Not that I expected to see him again after tomorrow.
Unable to bear him at my back, I faced Kyros, hands on hips. “Monocle requires a login. I don’t have one. I need to do research on tomorrow’s targets.”
“Come. You can use mine for now.” Without waiting for my reply, he gestured to my office.
Balling my hands at his order, I focused on the end goal. On the way home, I’d get a salad from a little eatery I discovered next to the underground mall. Then I had a date with my cheap and crappy bed.
Kyros stood aside, waving me ahead.
As soon as I moved in front of him, my hackles rose. I didn’t like having my back to him at all. A gasp lodged in my throat, and I lengthened my steps to put distance between us.
“Are you