The twenty-story building that houses my new office is nothing like I was expecting it to be. Our offices in New York are modern with glass and steel, whereas this is the complete opposite. With deep auburns and bright reds that contrast each other, it gives off the illusion of a museum or art gallery perhaps. The property itself is old and I’m sure it holds history beyond my comprehension.
“Can I help you, love?” A soft female voice drags my attention to the large oak reception desk.
When I take in the woman, she looks to be the same age as me, late twenties, perhaps. She offers me a friendly smile and I recognize her accent as Scottish.
“Yes, my name is—”
“Ella Carmel?” My name rolls off her tongue in that thick brogue and I nod. “Nice to meet you, I’m Elizabeth McKenzie. I’m pretty much the face of the company. Ainsworth International is one of the biggest real estate agencies in the UK,” she informs me as she pushes up from the desk.
“Yes, I’m from the branched off New York office.”
She nods and glances at the computer screen from her standing position and I notice she’s slightly shorter than me.
“I’m supposed to take you through to meet Mr. Ainsworth.” When she rounds the desk, I take in her black and red pencil skirt, which looks as if it’s shimmering. Her white blouse is long-sleeved and fits her like a glove. Elegant. That’s how I would describe her, reminding me of the film stars from the fifties. Her dark hair is pulled back in a severe bun and her makeup is flawless. Her dark eyes sparkle under the light of the chandelier. They’re a rich brown that reminds me of dark chocolate.
I follow her farther into the building. “Is Mr. Ainsworth here every day?”
She presses the button for the elevator and nods with a quick glance at me. “He spends more time here than he does in his own home. He’s lovely, though, friendly enough, but he has a way about him. Never seen him without a woman. He does love to wine and dine the ladies.” She giggles and suddenly she seems younger than I thought she is.
“And how long have you worked here?” I continue my interrogation as the doors slide open and we step inside the empty car. Her finger pushes the button for the twentieth floor and I notice her nail polish is bright red, which matches the red in her skirt.
“I’ve been here for just under four years now. It’s been good and I’ve learned a lot. They’re paying for me to study, so I’m thankful I haven’t had to fork out the money for my own tuition. The company is good to the staff. I suppose that’s why we do so well. We come to work because we want to, not because we have to.”
“That’s great. My boss in New York was good to me for so long and I miss her, but I needed a change.” The red number lights up and the doors glide open, giving me a view of my new office.
“Aye, that’s good, darling. Come along, let’s get you settled. You can call me Lizzie. Most of the people here do.” She leads me to the two desks sitting side by side. Everything about this place makes me think I’m in a castle of some sort. The artwork on the walls is vintage and the antique vases that adorn the corners are ornate and beautiful. “This is your desk. Mr. Ainsworth’s office is the one over there with the door closed. He’s normally got it open, but if you see it shut, then you know he’s in a meeting or his mate is over. You’ll be meeting him tomorrow. Carter Hamilton. He owns half of the hotels in the UK. Or his dad does, but he’s taking over the company and he’ll be liaising with you on acquisitions,” she rambles on and I can’t help but feel slightly overwhelmed by it all.
“Lizzie, are you scaring Ms. Carmel away already?” A deep timbre rumbles through the office and straight down my spine. My eyes flit over to the man standing in the doorway that was closed only moments ago and I’m sure my mouth falls open as I gape at my new boss.
His hair is jet-black and his eyes are a bright green, reminding me of the fresh new leaves of a tree in spring. He appraises me with a slight smirk on his full lips and the heat of it scorches every inch of my skin.
“Mr. Ainsworth, I’ll let you get on. I’m out for lunch later, but I’ve got one of the girls standing in for me.”
He nods, but doesn’t pay her any attention.
“See you later, love.” She offers me with a smile and disappears from the office.
I haven’t moved and neither has he. The air around us is thick with desire because the way he’s looking at me is as if he’s about to devour me.
“Ella Carmel.” My name rolls from his tongue like silk caressing bare skin and it causes me to shiver. A twinge of lust teases over my skin, dotting it with chill bumps. It’s the same feeling I got yesterday when I saw that stranger with the blue eyes.
“Mr. Ainsworth,” I murmur a little too breathy for talking to your boss, but he doesn’t act like he noticed. Instead, he steps forward, offering me his hand, and I slip mine in his.
His touch is warm, gentle, but commanding and I can’t stop the ache between my legs.
Confusion settles over me. How have I landed in a foreign country and suddenly turned into a wanton slut? Somehow, he doesn’t instill fear, though. There’s something so much more coursing through my veins. Perhaps I’m not broken after all. Maybe I can be a normal woman.
“Call me Bennett, please.” He smiles with the ease of a man used to getting his own way. Electricity swirls between us and all I can do is nod. “Welcome to London. I trust you’ll enjoy the city and all the delights it has to offer.” He leans in and his lips brush against my knuckles. Instead of cringing, like I normally do, I find myself wanting more. Needing him to hold on to my hand for longer.
“Yes, thank you.” My words are a low whisper and I have to clear my throat to hide the need dripping from each syllable. When he lifts his eyes they pierce me, holding me hostage for a beat too long, but it’s a look I’ll gladly enjoy for as long as he gifts it.
“You’ve got a little bit of catching up to do.” He releases my hand and suddenly I feel cold without his touch. “We’ve got a meeting tomorrow at midday. It’s with Hamilton Enterprises here to meet about an acquisition. I want you to read through the file on your desk and familiarize yourself with them and their needs. Let’s just say Carter Hamilton only wants the best and your job is to keep him happy.”
“Is this your friend that Elizabeth mentioned?” I straighten my shoulders as my question hangs between us. There are times I come across as too direct, but I’d rather have that than to hide anything.