The morning air in the city was crisp, but Seraphina could barely notice. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of last night's events and today's looming responsibilities. The sleek heels clicking on the marble floors of the company lobby made her hyper aware of every step, every glance from the passing employees. She was acutely aware that she didn't belong here or at least, that's what her nerves kept whispering.
The receptionist gave her a polite nod, and Seraphina tried to return the gesture, forcing a confident smile. She was determined to make a good first impression, but the thought of working directly under Draven made her stomach twist.
She had barely set foot in the office when a sharp voice cut through the space.
"You're late."
Seraphina's head snapped up. Draven leaned against a polished desk in the center of the room, arms crossed, his piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn't look angry, not exactly, but his expression demanded accountability.
"I… I'm not late," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
"By five minutes," he corrected, eyebrow raised. "Punctuality is a measure of professionalism. Remember that."
"Yes, Mr. Crowe," she replied, biting back a sigh.
He gave a brief nod before turning to walk toward the meeting room. Seraphina followed, careful to maintain the perfect pace, her heart poundering. She couldn't explain why his presence had such an immediate effect on her, why her pulse raced every time he glanced her way.
Inside the meeting room, several employees were gathered around a large table, laptops open, papers stacked neatly. Draven gestured to an empty chair next to him. "Sit, observe, and learn."
Seraphina obeyed, trying not to fidget. The discussion that followed was a blur of numbers, schedules, and business strategy she barely understood. But every now and then, Draven's eyes would flick to her, reading her reactions. It was unsettling, yet intoxicating.
As the morning drift by, she found herself being pulled into small tasks like drafting emails, organizing meetings, and handling phone calls. Draven occasionally corrected her, always precise, never harsh, but there was a tension in his manner that made her heart skip a beat.
During a brief coffee break, she noticed whispers among a few colleagues, glances that carried curiosity and thinly veiled judgment. Rumors, perhaps, or envy. She reminded herself that in this world, appearances were everything, and her modest background could make her vulnerable.
When she returned to her desk, a message appeared on her screen: Meet me in my office. Now.
She was nervous but following his orders without question was probably safest. She walked straight down to his office. On opening the door, she saw Draven who was standing by the window, looking out over the city. He didn't turn when she entered.
"Seraphina," he said, finally, voice calm, yet carrying an unspoken intensity. "I've observed you today. You're competent, though inexperienced in some areas."
"Yes, sir," she said.
He turned slowly, eyes locking onto hers. "But you handle pressure better than most. That could be… useful."
She swallowed hard. Useful. The word sent an unexpected thrill through her. She realized, with both excitement and fear, that he was evaluating not just her skills, but something else she still hasn't figured out.
A soft knock on the door interrupted the moment. A colleague entered, handing Draven a folder. "Quarterly projections, sir."
Draven nodded, accepting the papers. He glanced at Seraphina, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You'll review these. Make notes for our meeting this afternoon."
"Yes, Mr. Crowe," she said, her fingers brushing over the folder nervously.
As she worked, she couldn't help stealing glances at him. He moved with an effortless authority, commanding the room without raising his voice. Every so often, their eyes met, and she felt a shiver run through her.
The afternoon brought more challenges. A scheduling conflict required immediate resolution, and Seraphina found herself coordinating with executives twice her age and experience. She faltered once or twice, but Draven's brief nods of approval encouraged her silently.
By the time the day ended, she was exhausted but exhilarated. As she gathered her things, Draven approached.
"Tomorrow, I expect more initiative," he said. "Don't disappoint me."
"I won't," she replied, heart racing.
He gave her a measured look, then turned and walked away. Alone in her office, Seraphina exhaled, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. Excitement, fear, curiosity… all tangled together.
And then her phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number: You're already catching my attention.
Seraphina froze. A thrill and a chill ran through her simultaneously. This was no ordinary job. This was a world of power, danger, and desire — and she had just stepped into it.