mi

n a worst-nightmare scenario. Tro

id you allow t

h

voice. I knew it was Stephano Scum Maddens. His voice was like

lloon. I felt like I'd been punched in the face. How

, weighed down by dread. I slowly turned my head

ss, h

es, a piercing blue, bore into me as if sizing me up. But it was his mouth that really caught my attention – a thin,

us. We were all just sitting around,

m s-so sorry, I-I mean, I was held up, and-I-I..." I stammered, my voice trembling as I gestured nervously with my hands. I fidgeted wit

y disheveled appearance. His eyes fell on

!" my min

r wearing these damned clothes. I could tell

, I-I look a mess, but-I was running late, and-I-I didn't have time to change, a

ment, and my feet shuffled nervously on the floor. I felt like a sch

discomfort, and I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking

mposed. My voice trembled slightly as I spoke. "I o

rd-you're-saying look written all over his face. "Oh, of course. The

y cheeks. I fumbled with my phone, showing him the incorrect alarm time. "I know it sounds sil

sponsible enough to set your alarm correctly. How

g, but I tried to slow it down. "I know I messed up," I said slowly. "But I'll make

do. Now, let's get you started on your f

Maybe this wouldn't

st admit, Cami

so

paused, his gaze roaming over me, m

my skirt, my eyes fixed on the floor, as if the pattern of the carpet held the secrets of

you, capt

ok fit. Fitter than I remember, but that's beside the point." His tone turned brisk and dismi

but he cut me off with a r

he said, his voice firm. "We're not in high sch

had always preferred to be addressed by his first name, but this certainly wasn't Elvis. This was Stephano Scum Madd

apologize for being late," I stammered, my tho

ed slightly. "See that it do

estured for me to follow him. "Now, come wit

t,

mee

uestions. What meeting could he possibly

I tried to keep up with his long strides. We wound throug

o clarify, but Stephano just ke

, his gaze intense. "We have a meeting to attend, Camilla. Now." H

and that part, but I'm not sure where my station is...si

ed. "You mean since I acquired the firm from yo

flush rise to my cheeks. "Yea

tion, Camilla. What exactly was your role when you worked with Elv

ossing my arms over my chest. Then, I re

o seconds later, a look of realization dawned on my face. My

imed. "You solved the mystery! Now, a

gured you'd have one. And that means I'd be transferred, righ

ely for you, Camilla, you're stuck with me. I don't have an assis

You're a high-profile executive, a big

er to handle things myself. I'm a control freak,

. You can just transfer me to a different department. Anywhere else

you're ready to let go of your job, Camilla? Are you prepared to walk

ht about all the bills I had to pay, the responsibilities I ha

t boss," he said. "I figured I couldn't let you waste away. I co

d and I

k of a few ways to put your talents to good use." He finished with a smirk playing on his lips. I could think

and Stephano suddenly caged me between his a

lingering on the curve of his lips. What was he going to do to me? Oh, no. I hurriedly scanned our surroundings, realizing we were alone. No one was ar

,' he growled. "No more questions, no mo

e as he leaned in closer. "Now,