Page 52 of Promise of Punishment

She’s at her desk in her very elegant office. If I had an office, I’d decorate it with all the pictures I take of abandoned places. It would have dark green furniture and dried flowers too.

I sit in the cream chair in front of Camila’s light oak desk.

She pushes frameless glasses up her nose, looking like a CEO boss bitch. It’s easy to see why she’s the serpent Lord’s favorite. The Scottish one I’m seeing can’t be the same guy. They switched masks because no man in his right mind would give her up for someone like me.

“I have good news.” Camila turns her large computer monitor toward me. “This is an offer letter for you to work here full-time.”

I was not expecting it after everything that happened in the last three days. “The Lords approved me?”

“I couldn’t offer this if they didn’t.” She gestures to the monitor. “I thought you’d be more excited. Most people are elated to get this offer. I have a waiting list.”

“You do?” How the hell did I cut the line? My thoughts must be written on my face.

“It’s all who you know.” She turns the monitor back to her and types on her keyboard. “I just emailed a copy to you for your digital signature. You can read over it, but it’s standard. After three months, you’ll be evaluated, and another contract will be drawn up for a longer duration of employment, should you meet the requirements. Most employees do. You can quit at any time by providing a written or verbal resignation with two weeks’ notice. You’ll receive $85,000 a year, plus free room, food, and medical benefits. Three weeks’ paid vacation with a month’s prior notice and free use of our car service should you need it. As long as you’re on our property, you will be protected and cared for.”

I gape. Holy crap. This is a dream job. It’s everything I need.

“What do you say?” She smiles at me with her big, dark eyes.

“I say, what’s the catch?” There has to be one.

She removes her glasses and grins knowingly. “We need you to start today. Now.” I open my mouth to explain what I already told her about putting in my notice, but she raises her palm, stopping me. “I know you wanted to put in your two weeks, but we’re in a pinch. The other employee just informed us she’s getting married and won’t be returning. As it happens, I have a connection with your previous employer and have explained the situation. Mr. Lachlan Ashford, your boss, has graciously released you on good terms to me. I spoke with Margo this afternoon, and it’s all set.”

I wouldn’t be any more surprised if Mr. Ashford materialized beside her. “I… um… wow. I’m stunned. This never happens. Not to me.”

“Perhaps your luck is changing.” Something about the tightness in her smile says she’s not as happy as she’s pretending to be.

“I need this. I really do, but I don’t want to cause problems for anyone here. I’m happy to do my job and keep to myself, serving and cleaning and nothing more.” Hint. Hint. “Whatever makes you happy.”

Do I like the attention and sexual pleasure my Scottish Lord gives me? Yes. Do I need it? No. I need protection. I need a safe place. I need a job. I don’t need sex.

She sighs and folds her hands together. “We’re both adults, Fable. And we aren’t the first women ever to be chosen by the same man. Lord.”

Holy shit. My Lord is her Lord.

“No one is exclusive here. That’s part of the benefit. You’re free to choose whether to participate or not. Whatever you choose will be respected. I’m sure the favor will be returned, should the situation change, as it often does in a place like this. It’s better not to attach yourself emotionally. Have fun, sample what’s offered if it appeals to you. Keep it casual. But always remember, the only thing truly sustainable here is your job. You understand, don’t you?”

Don’t get attached to one person. Flirt around. The Lords lose interest as quickly as they gain it. My Lord's interest is temporary. Good thing I didn’t expect love or anything close to it. “The only thing I’m looking to sustain is my job, so I understand perfectly.”

“You’ll fit in here well.”

I leave Camila’s office, headed for my car, but stop in the marble-floored main entrance beneath its fifty-foot-high ceilings to call Oliver. I need to end my lease early. It’ll cost me my last month’s rent I paid ahead, but it’s only fair considering I won’t be back to work at the pub anymore either. A missed call from Ray’s Tavern shows on my screen. I turned my phone to silent while I was with Camila. I didn’t take Oliver for a sixth-sense kind of guy, but maybe he is.

I listen to the message and almost drop the phone. An investor bought the pub with an offer Ray couldn’t refuse. As of today, the pub is closed, and all staff are receiving a month’s severance. Oliver’s retiring to Florida and selling his reno home as is. He says I can stay for two more weeks if I need to.

I can’t believe it. I’ve had to leave jobs quickly before and always harbored guilt after doing it. This is the easiest out I’ve ever had. A win for everyone. What are the odds?

Jace walks in through the massive front doors. “Your car is packed and ready.”

“Actually, I’m officially an employee here now. It just happened,” I say, still reeling.

“Yeah?” He smiles in earnest. “Congratulations. I guess you won’t be needing these.” He raises my car keys, then curls his fingers back over them.

“I have to get all my stuff from my studio still. It’s not much, but my landlord is selling the place, so I should take care of that today.” I put out my hand for the keys.

Jace tucks them in his pocket. “As an official employee, I will have your stuff collected and brought here today.”

I open my mouth to argue.