Silence. A flicker in his eyes. I had to be careful.
He enjoyed pushing until you pushed back too hard. Then suddenly, you were “difficult” and “not a good fit.”
I needed this job. My father needed this job. I swallowed the rest of my temper and reached for the clipboard.
“What’s my assignment?” I asked.
He studied me for another second. I didn’t like the look in his eyes. He was up to something. Then he smiled again. “Actually,” he said, “I’ve got something special for you.”
That never meant good.
“We have a new client,” he continued. “It's an important account. He’s very high-profile. It will need discretion and professionalism.”
I didn’t like the way he said professionalism.
“And you thought of me,” I said.
“Oh, I did.” His grin widened. “Raphael Renault.”
The name landed heavily. Even I knew that one.
The Renault Group was a conglomerate of hotels and other real estate holdings. I’d read articles about reclusive wealth and aggressive expansion strategies. I’d seen his name attached to headlines that used words like "formidable" and "private".
“He requires a personal cleaning rotation,” Tripp continued. “He is very selective. You’ll be representing the company directly.”
I hesitated. “Why me?”
His smile sharpened. “Because he specifically asked for someone reliable.”
Reliable. Or pliable? My pulse ticked a little faster.
“I don’t usually do live-in estates,” I said carefully.
“You won’t be living there,” Tripp replied. “Unless you prefer that arrangement.” His eyes flicked knowingly.
I ignored it.
“When do I start?”
“Tomorrow morning. Eight sharp.”
I nodded and turned to leave. I couldn't stand to be in his smarmy presence any longer.
“And Belle?”
I paused at the door.
“Mr. Renault doesn’t tolerate mistakes.”
Something in his tone felt less like a warning and more like hope, like he’d enjoy watching me fail.
“I don’t make mistakes,” I said pleasantly.
I stepped outside before he could respond. The oppressive humidity felt thicker than it had before.
Raphael Renault. The Beast, some of the online articles had called him.
I stood in the parking lot and exhaled slowly.
