Darian nods, still looking a bit wonderstruck. "Of course, Mr. Castellani. Thank you again for your time."
Julian inclines his head, then turns to me. "Make sure Darian gets home safely, would you, Raffaello?"
"Yes, sir," I say automatically.
Julian gives me one last smile before he saunters off, leaving me alone with Darian in the suddenly too-quiet corridor.
"Sounds like you did okay," I say at last. "With the interview, I mean."
He smiles, though he tries to squash it back down. "I hope so."
God, his eyes are like warm honey. I clear my throat. "Shall we, Mr. Thornfield-Hayes?" I say, gesturing toward the stairs.
Darian nods, falling into step beside me as we make our way back to the foyer. I can feel his eyes on me, curious and assessing, but I keep my gaze straight ahead, not wanting to encourage any questions.
The town car is out front, waiting. Oz Santarelli drove Darian over, and Oz is still there, leaning against the car and looking bored. I open the back seat door for Darian, who slides in with a shy smile of thanks, and then I give Oz an up-nod. "Mr. C wants me driving our guest home. Keys?"
He hands them over, and I offload my weapons to him before getting into the driver's seat.
I watch Darian in the mirror as I drive, almost as much as I watch the road, a sinking feeling in my gut. Julian sure seems hell-bent on hiring the guy, and I can't shake the sense thatDarian is walking into something he isn't prepared for. But what canIdo?
I only moved up to being a house guard a little while back after working in one of the crews for a long time. It's not my place to interfere in the higher-ups' business. Maybe all I can do is hope that Darian is as capable as he seems, that Julian will keep his word about not letting him get hurt.
But I know already that's unlikely.
In our world, no one is safe—least of all the innocent.
CHAPTER 3
DARIAN
Redwood Manor isamazing,even if Julian Castellani is a little strange. But I was so hyperaware of Raffi as he walked silently behind us during the tour, I feel he might have colored my perception a little.
I can't help but steal glances at him as we drive home now, and I get the feeling he's looking at me, too.
But then there was the extraordinary offer Julian made to me before the tour, while we were still in the grand salon alone together. That might have colored my perception also.
"Darian—" at last he seemed to have stopped saying my full name "—I have a very generous salary package for you."
In fact, it was an outrageously high salary, plus bonuses and perks that have my head spinning. The numbers he tossed around were far beyond anything I ever imagined earning at my age. And on top of that, I'd have luxury accommodations, a town car and driver whenever I needed, a limitless expense account…
It was an offer that most people would have jumped at, but I couldn't help feeling a nagging doubt. Couldn't help thinking ofRaffi DeLuca's quiet warning:Maybe this isn't the right job for you after all.
What was the catch? What did the Castellanis want from me in return for this level of generosity?
"Of course, we'd expect your full loyalty and dedication," Julian had said, seeming to read my thoughts.
"And if I found another position?" I asked. The idea of being trapped here, no matter the compensation, unsettled me. "What are your terms of severance?"
Julian let out a low chuckle. "Oh, Darian, you won't want to leave. But if you do, there would be a one-month notice period—and you'd have a severance package of one million dollars per year you worked for us." He paused, blue eyes still fixed unblinkingly on me as they had been the whole time. "I think you'll find the benefits of working for us far outweigh any drawbacks."
A million dollars per year when Ileft?It was almost unbelievable.
I needed time to think it over, to compare the risks and rewards. "It's an extremely generous offer, as you say, Mr. Castellani. I'd like to take some time to consider it," I'd said at last.
Julian's smile never faltered. "Of course. Take all the time you need. I'm confident you'll make the right decision. And to help you along, why don't I show you around the house?"
Now, on my way back to normality from such a show of luxury and beauty, I feel like there was something wrong with all of it. Julian's offer, the armed guards, Raffi's watchful presence…
