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I nod in understanding and turn to look at my screen. My heart sinks when I realize the magnitude of the task. It will take me all day. “Good luck,” he tells me as he walks away.
I see Elliot and Laura exchange glances, and I’m already feeling left out. I don’t belong here. These people worked their ass off to become part of this team. They proved themselves, and they have notorious reputations. I’m a nobody compared to them.
Insecurity almost renders me unable to work, but as it always does, coding takes my mind off everything. In a world I can’t make sense of, the one thing I have control over is everything binary. I work on autopilot, pausing only to stretch my fingers every once in a while.
I don’t stop even when my colleagues leave for lunch. I can’t afford to take a break now. Not when they’re blatantly testing me. The code Riley asked me to finish is a mess, and I bet he’s hoping I won’t be able to do it, or that I’ll ask him for help.
The office quietens, and I lean back in my seat, glancing around the empty space. I can spot Grayson hard at work through his open door, but the office is empty otherwise. I can’t believe I made it here. Riley is right. Unless I prove myself, there’s no guarantee I’ll be able to stay. But then again, all I needed was a chance.
I bite down on my lip and grab my phone, hesitating before deciding to text Ash. I’m not even sure why I’m reaching out to him, but somehow, Imiss him. Today is tougher than I imagined, and Ash is bound to make me smile somehow.
Nyx:Hey, how’s your day going? I’m having a bit of a rough day and I just thought of you randomly.
Ash:I see my pick-up lines worked. You’re falling for me already, aren’t you? Do I have you addicted to me yet?
I laugh, the sound breaking the silence in the empty office.
Nyx:Maybe. Maybe I’m feeling a little down because I didn’t get my dose of Ash.
Ash:Hey Nyx, is your middle name Google? Because you’re everything I’ve been looking for.
I giggle. I can’t help it. His pick-up lines keep getting worse and I love them.
Ash:I made you laugh, didn’t I? I’m sorry your day is shitty, babe. I hope it gets better.
Nyx:I’ll admit it. You did make me laugh. Thank you, Ash. I hope your day is amazing.
Ash:It is now.
I put my phone away, filled with renewed motivation. I barely realize what time it is when Riley walks up to me again. “Let’s see what you accomplished,” he says. The rest of the team rises in unison, their faces filled with amusement, and I hate that it hurts. I shouldn’t expect them to welcome me so easily, yet having them so blatantly attempt to push me out on my first day hurts.
I rise to my feet and let Riley take my seat while the rest of the team surrounds us. “Go ahead,” I tell him. There are many things I’m bad at, things I’m insecure about, but this isn’t one of them.
He runs the script and then scrolls through the code, up and down as though he’s triple-checking that what he’s seeing is real. “You finished it?” he asks, his disbelief apparent.
“Well, yes. I’m still working on removing some inefficiencies and random loops, though. I don’t know who coded this, but it’s a bit of a mess.”
Laura bursts out laughing and lifts her palm. “Don’t leave me hanging,” she says, and I high five her awkwardly, somewhat confused. “Riley coded it,” she says. “And he’s spent a week trying to finish this, but he was unable to.”
I blush self-consciously when Elliot nods in approval. Riley looks up at me, suspicion distorting his face. “Who are you?” he asks.
I smile, a small burst of pride coursing through me. “The type of person who leaves no traces,” I tell him, reaching for my handbag.
I didn’t even realize that Grayson was watching our entire exchange until I hear him chuckle from behind me. I turn to find him leaning against the wall, his arms crossed.
“Good girl,” he says, his eyes radiating pride. “Come on,” he adds, pushing off the wall. “I’ll give you a ride.”
I nod and follow him out, leaving my team staring at my screen. Laura and Elliot are admiring my work, while Riley is still staring in disbelief.
17
Grayson
I can’t wipe the smile off my face. “She was fucking amazing at work today,” I tell Noah, gripping my phone tightly. “She’s so goddamn talented, man. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out. She should’ve started working for me years ago. Fuck, I probably won’t be able to keep her for long. Talent like hers doesn’t stay at one company. She’ll get poached. I need to double-check the non-compete in her contract.”
Noah laughs. “She won’t leave you, Gray. Aria has wanted to work for you for as long as I can remember. You might not have been aware, but I know my sister better than she thinks I do. Honestly, I wanted to ask you to offer her a job months ago, but I didn’t think Aria would be receptive to it. Part of it was also selfishness, though. I knew she’d leave if she chose to work for you, and I was worried. I was worried sick that something would happen and I’d be too far away.”
I fall silent and sit down on my bed, running a hand through my hair. “You know I’ll keep her safe, don’t you? I’ll do everything in my power to protect her, to take care of her.”
