Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 102355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
The side door opens and two guys spill out. Their eyes widen when they see me, but my attention is already focused on the three girls walking out behind them. Isabel is tucked in the middle. She’s swapped her Aura uniform for a white cropped T-shirt and jean shorts. Her workbag is slung over her shoulder. Her long jet-black hair is down and straight, and she’s wiped off some of her heavy eye makeup. Deep dimples frame full lips as she talks to her friends.
She hasn’t seen me yet. “Those moms were totally unhinged, but at least they left a huge tip. I actually think I’m going to miss—”
I step away from the wall in time to block their path. The three of them come to an abrupt stop, mouths gaping, eyes blinking. I’ve stunned them; my fault. I don’t get much time to hang out among my staff. I try to visit my clubs and restaurants on a weekly basis, but I leave the hiring and day-to-day grind to my general managers. Seasonal employees come and go, and as long as they’re doing their jobs, I don’t feel the need to insert myself.
Until now, I guess.
I look at Isabel directly, ignoring the other two. “I’d like to speak with you.”
Her expressive green eyes widen with shock, then she glances at her friends like she’s hoping they’ll save her from me.
“Alone,” I add, sounding more brusque than I intended.
Her shoulders slump with disappointment. “Oh, o-okay,” she replies with a frown.
“We’ll wait for you on the corner,” the blond girl promises cheerfully.
“Go ahead.” I’m addressing her friends, but my attention is still on Isabel. “I’ll walk her home.”
Once I’ve said it, I immediately regret it. Whatever I feel the need to say to Isabel can be wrapped up in a matter of minutes. We don’t need privacy and yet I want it anyway.
Isabel fidgets with her bag as her friends part and walk past me, leaving her to fend for herself. She watches them with unabashed longing, not bothering to hide the fact that she wishes she could rush off with them.
My initial annoyance over being kept waiting on the sidewalk worsens at Isabel’s reaction to me. I won’t speak until she focuses those green eyes on me again, but she takes her sweet time doing it, like she’s hoping I’ll lose interest and walk away.
Finally she lifts her chin, all traces of that timid nature safely tucked behind a tough exterior now. “There, you’ve scared everyone off. Now, get on with it. You’re going to fire me, aren’t you?”
My brows rise in shock. I should; I’ve fired employees for less.
Aura’s side door opens and more people emerge. Without hesitating, I take Isabel’s upper arm in hand and tug her toward the building, off to the side so we’re not in everyone’s way. Then I shift us so she’s tucked in my shadow, away from prying eyes. I don’t want anyone thinking she’s getting special treatment. Or more honestly, I don’t want my other employees to overhear this conversation and the bratty way she just spoke to me.
I’m doing her a favor, placing her here, but Isabel doesn’t see it that way. She scowls down at where my hand is wrapped around her small biceps until I drop it. I’m surprised I don’t feel the burn of her glare.
“What’s your name?” I ask point-blank.
Her attention snaps to me and her gaze narrows, but she doesn’t answer. In fact, her lips flatten into a line as if she’s locking them shut.
“You don’t like that question? Let’s try another. How did you manage to become employed at Aura?”
I watch the delicate muscles in her jaw tense before she swallows and forcibly relaxes. She’s looking away, playing aloof when she responds, “You make it sound like I did something wrong…”
“Did you?” I taunt.
I know my temper is rising, but I can’t seem to control it. I didn’t plan to have this conversation like this, but she’s provoking in the most maddening way.
Even now, she’s still not looking at me.
“Respóndeme. Answer me.”
My stern tone startles her, and instead of goading her cooperation like I hoped, I only succeed in antagonizing her further. Anyone else would be cowering by now, but she looks ready for battle.
“If you’re going to interrogate me, you could at least introduce yourself. Am I supposed to know who you are?” She asks the question with more bite than I anticipated. I didn’t think she had it in her with that button nose and those perpetual dimples. Not that I’ve seen the dimples up close; they disappeared along with her friends.
Am I supposed to know who you are? The question almost makes me laugh. It’s been a long time since anyone on this island was unaware of who I am.
“I’m the person signing your paychecks. How’s that? Now, should we go find your name on your work visa in Hugo’s office, or—”