“I'm Sarah, Ethan's sister.” She chuckles, knowing full well that I'd be stupid not to have done my research, but still, I don't like to be presumptuous. “He's still interviewing at the moment but if you want to use the bathroom to freshen up, it's a little up the hall and to the left.”
Great, I must look an absolute state if she's insisting that I freshen up before the interview.
I. Hate. My. Life.
As I walk through the maze of corridors, eventually finding the bathroom, I stare in horror at the girl looking back at me. My mousy blonde hair clings limply to my mascara-stained cheeks, while my body tries to escape from the clothes that don't quite fit right anymore. A month of neglect and junk food will have that effect.
Anxiety smashes into me like a freight train. How am I supposed to convince someone that I am capable of looking after a child when I can't even take care of myself?
My heart pounds against my chest as I splash a little water over my face, hoping for a little improvement on my current state.
“What would Lexi do?” I ask myself quietly. Fake it ‘til you make it, sis! that's what she always tells me. So, with those words ringing in my head, I make my way back to the living room and wait for my date with the devil.
“You can do this.” I once again remind myself quietly. My nerves still getting the better of me as I sit waiting for my interview to begin. “It's not your first choice, but it is the only option you've got right now.”
I glance around, taking in my lavish surroundings. The black leather sofa, large enough to seat a family of ten, sticks to my clammy skin as I shuffle nervously. A soft knock on the living room door makes me twist my head to look behind me.
“Ethan is ready to see you now.” Sarah announces in her matter-of-fact tone as she spins around and begins to walk away.
I stand and make my way over to her, pausing, motionless as the door swings open.
A giant stands in front of me, filling the entire doorway with his muscular physique. Then without warning he disappears into the darkness.
Following him into the dimly lit study, my heart pounds against my ribs and a thick layer of sweat seeps through my pores as I finally meet him in person.
The Devil, also known as Ethan The Sandman Brooks.
Widower.
Single father.
Notorious womaniser.
And one of the most violent men I have ever laid eyes on.
He is wearing a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and loosely tied combat boots that self-consciously make me question my frumpy trouser suit. At 5 foot 4 inches, I know I am somewhat vertically challenged but still don't normally worry about my height. Here in this moment, with him towering over me. I feel smaller and more vulnerable than ever.
“Take a seat.” Ethan orders intensely.
Not knowing whether to run for the hills or stay, I follow his instructions and slowly ease myself down into the chair as I gulp hard. He watches my every move, smiling curiously.
“So, let’s just cut to the chase shall we...” His tone is cold. “Why should I hire you to take care of my daughter?”
Straight to the point, no pleasantries at all. Can you believe this guy!
“Well, I don't have a lot of on-the-job experience, but I have a degree in early childcare development as well as a valid first aid certificate.” My throat is closing in on me and I can't get enough air in. “Sorry, could I trouble you for a glass of water please?”
“Wait here.” Without giving me time to respond, he leaves the room.
I twirl my hair around my finger, something I always do whenever my nerves are out of hand. I wish more than anything that I could channel Lexi's confidence. I would give anything to escape the timid, insecure little girl inside me right now.
My body shudders as he enters the room again moments later. I take a much-needed sip of water from the glass he placed on the table in front of me and continue rambling on about my inexperience and love of children until the interview is brought to an abrupt end.
“Thank you for your time. That will be all.” Ethan orders as he continues staring at me through narrow eyes.
I frown at him, trying to figure out what it is about him that makes women succumb to his every desire.
His narcissistic, bad boy fighter appeal is the complete opposite of everything I stand for. And yet, there is something about him that I can't walk away from. Physically, he is the perfect specimen of a man.
Even in this low light, his thick dark brown hair is trimmed into a perfectly styled comb-over with faded sides. He has the brightest, emotionless steel blue eyes, and tanned skin with a hint of tattoo just peeking out from under his collar. His nose veers off slightly to the right and his ears are deformed and lumpy but there is no denying that he is handsome. Tall as a tree and wide as a house with a chiselled jaw and cheekbones that could cut glass.
I heave myself up from the chair and move towards the entrance, ready to leave.
He follows, taking a step closer to me as I reach the door, forcing my back to press against the wall.
Leaning in, he reaches around me, his lips inches away from my mouth and a breath catches in my throat. My body paralysed with anticipation.
Three days ago, I watched this man violently savage another man with no regret. He's a sociopath. No, he's worse because he hides behind an international organisation and justifies it by calling it a career.
I've been beyond disgusted with what little I know about this man. But despite it all, I'm hypnotically drawn
