Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
“You are, as usual,” Mr. Stevens said. “We were about to move on to the payment clause.”
Xavier sank down across from me. “That’s probably the part you’re most excited about.”
Mr. Stevens cleared his throat and read the next clause. My pulse sped up when I heard how much I’d earn being a mere assistant. My palms became sweaty, and I got a little lightheaded. No matter how nerve-wracking Xavier was, for that much money I would have become the assistant of a serial killer, maybe even helped him dispose of the bodies.
“That doesn’t include expenses. They come on top. Whenever you pay for something, let me know and I’ll reimburse you.”
“How do you manage to drive your assistants away with that kind of payment?” It burst out of me.
Mr. Stevens let out a choked cough that sounded remarkably like he was stifling laughter.
Xavier leaned forward on his elbows, letting the muscles in his arms bulge against his tight shirtsleeves. “My irresistible charm drove them away.”
“That brings us to the next point. The non-disclosure clause,” Mr. Stevens said with wrinkled brows, sliding a single sheet of paper over to me. Xavier’s answering smirk didn’t bode well.
Narrowing my eyes, I scanned the clause.
The non-disclosure clause made me snort. “In case of sexual intercourse between the employer and the employee, and any kind of actions that can be classified as such, the employee agrees to keep the details of said acts confidential,” I read aloud, then looked up at Xavier. “I think that clause won’t be necessary.”
And it didn’t even make sense. The press reported about Xavier’s sexual endeavors with women almost every day. What did it matter if his assistants did too?
Xavier smirked. “My lawyer would disagree with you on the matter.”
His lawyer looked up and frowned. “For good reason,” he said. Upon taking a closer look at both of them, I realized they looked too related for just cousins. Definitely brothers.
Then he turned to me. “It’s a formality, but if you would manage to prove it unnecessary for once, I’d appreciate it, believe me.”
I smiled. “Don’t worry. Pigs will learn to fly before anything happens between Xavier and me.”
“In the Caribbean pigs are swimming around in the ocean. Small step from that to flying, if you ask me,” Xavier drawled, winking at me.
And my pulse picked up. He was toying around. I wasn’t his type, and I wouldn’t let him play with me. “I’m not surprised you know all about pigs.” The moment the words were out, my eyes opened wide. I had used all of the money Dad had given me to buy a one-way ticket to Sydney, and even part of my savings. I needed this job.
His lawyer threw his head back and guffawed. He held out his hand. “Call me Marc. I’m the pig’s older brother.”
A small smile spread on Xavier’s face. He wasn’t offended, thank God. But his smile made me nervous.
I took the pen and scribbled my signature down on the contract and the non-disclosure clause.
“Good luck,” Marc said with a half-amused smile.
“Thank you, but I doubt I’ll need it.”
Xavier rose from his chair, all six foot six of him, and I had a hard time not risking a peek at his arms again. “Now that you’re officially my assistant, why don’t I show you my apartment and tell you everything you need to know about me.”
I stood as well, thanked Marc and followed Xavier out of the office. He surprised me by holding the door open for me and matching his pace to mine. With his longer legs, I’d have thought he’d make me hurry after him. I slanted him a curious look. He exuded self-assurance and relaxation, as if nothing could get his pulse up. He seemed like someone who could take control of his own life if he wanted to.
We stepped into the elevator and the door closed. Suddenly I felt less sure of myself. Xavier leaned against the wall, tall and muscled, completely at ease. I could feel his eyes on me through the mirrors surrounding us. Resisting the urge to tug at my dress, I tightened my hold on my purse. “Why did you give me the job?” I asked.
Xavier’s gray eyes met mine in the mirror across from us. “Connor recommended you. I trust his judgment. Well, apart from his choice in women.”
My eyebrows rose. “I assume you mean Fiona. My twin.”
His mouth pulled into a smile. “Yep.”
“You realize that most people would question your choice in women more than his.”
Xavier turned to me so he was looking at me directly. He was a head taller than me even though I wasn’t exactly short and wore heels. But next to him I looked almost petite for once, which was a nice experience. “There’s a major difference you are overlooking. Connor has chosen Fiona as his girlfriend. My choice in women is only guided by their abilities in the sack.”