1
Marcus
"So that's what you'll be doing. I expect that you'll be able to take care of Lila to the utmost degree. Obviously, there is nothing that I won't do to ensure the protection of my daughter, and whatever is required to allow that to proceed, just bring it to me, and I'll make it happen."
Reginald Kendrix's house is by far one of the most affluent, pompous pieces of architecture I've ever seen in my life.
But a job is a job, and I'm hardly one to get picky about it.
I've done my share of dirty business, things that would make other people's stomachs turn sour, working for this company, and I'm not about to stop now.
Hell, this isn't even that bad of a job. I'm just looking after some spoiled heiress.
Still, I can't get over the way the house looks, my eyes scanning everything as Reginald keeps droning on about the protection of hisdear daughterand how he would do anything to protect her.
Everything is cream marble, gold, sconces, and filigree. Everything looks like it cost about as much as I made in my entire life. Times a couple.
The guy has an entire house full of staff. A butler showed me in from the front door and walked me directly to this large office, which is easily the size of a house just by itself.
Now, Reginald leans back against the desk behind him, this thick, ornate mahogany monstrosity that looks like it weighs five thousand pounds easily.
And he holds himself with the air of somebody who's been given everything he'd ever want in life. Reginald clearly never had to work hard for anything, and I can see it all over his face, the way he talks, the way he dresses.
Business attire is a must at all times. I'm sure the unnerving lack of wrinkles suggests plastic surgery and Botox, along with stark white veneers. This guy has modified every part of himself to beperfect.
It's easy to say that I don't like Mr. Kendrix, but again, I'm willing to do whatever it takes so I can make my money.
Some of us have bills to pay.
"Protecting someone shouldn't be too much of a concern. I have a history of dealing with intense situations, and I should be able to handle anything that comes at me." I eye Reginald, crossing my arms over my chest. "I believe the rate has already been settled with the company when I was sent this way, and I will look for payment confirmation as soon as the details are finalized."
I watch Mr. Money Bags stiffen, like he isn't made of dough and could pay for this job a few dozen times before he ran out of cash.
Reading people is part and parcel of working for Boss on any job, and all I see when I look at Reginald Kendrix is a spoiled rich boy with daddy issues.
Ugh, fucking kill me. Why the fuck did I take this job?
But it's too late now.
"Of course, I can sign the non-disclosure agreement as discussed. I was never here. You never did this. I'll also need your signature on the contract agreeing that I will do everything in my power to keep your daughter safe, save risking fatality. Nothing more or less. I willnotdie on this job. And should it become clear that your daughter will not comply or cooperate, I reserve the right to withdraw from service. Boss might be able to send you someone else who is better suited, or if she is deemed too difficult to work with..."
I linger on that phrase because something tells me the local princess is going to be as much of a handful as her father, and frankly, I'm not in the mood.
Yeah, I have rent and shit to take care of, and yeah, Boss said I basically had to take this job because of the last one I up and left in the middle of because that guy was a dick.
But I'm not dealing with a spoiled brat too concerned with shoes. Boss can dock me. Ramen noodles are cheap, and the car is paid off.
That's food and a home, asshole.
Narrowing my eyes on Reginald, I drop my chin and glare, making sure my point is clear. "You're going to have to go somewhere else."
"Understood, Mr. Griffin." Pushing up off the desk, Reginald steps up to me, his hand outstretched. "I believe we're in business then. I look forward to?—"
"What the hell is this?" A high-pitched voice calls out, and before I can blink, something is shoving past me, and I'm forced to take a few steps backward while a tiny little figure steps between me and Reginald.
"I told you I didn't want this. I told you this was a terrible idea and that I wasnotgoing to be kept prisoner in my own home. Father, youcannotdo this to me. I barely get out as it is, and now you want me to stay cooped up in here until you're finally satisfied that I'm not going to be hauled off the property in some sack?"
I have to keep myself from chuckling at that one, because the image of somebody stuffing the tiny woman into a sack is actually pretty hilarious.
