Chief ended our conversation by saying, “Under no circumstances can Ricci identify you while you are at RSS. It will not only blow your cover but potentially spark a full-out war with the Mafia.”
I nodded in understanding before I walked out of his office, determined to get this job. It was my best chance yet to take Ricci down as the thumb drive I had stolen beforehad led us to more questions and shown to be inconsequential with the lack of evidence on it. I had to give Ricci credit, he was good at hiding, more so than I had anticipated. All the thumb drive had given us was some property that he owned. Which none had any links that we could fine to his other dealings.
The next morning, I opted out of my usual jeans, converse, and t-shirt in favor of a look that said ‘corporate America's lady boss’ in a navy-blue skirt suit. My matching navy heels clicked on the floor as I rushed around my apartment, grabbing everything I needed for the day. Before stepping out the door, I kissed Alfredo and threw some cat-themed Snoozie slippers in my purse. I was never a heels kind of girl, so I knew I wouldn’t last the day and needed backup shoes.
The building, or rather skyscraper, couldn’t be missed. After finding a parking space in the visitor lot, I glanced in my visor mirror one last time. I’d kept my makeup neutral and let my light brown hair cascade in loose curls. I wanted to come off as professional but also not overdone.
Walking into the lounge, I was mesmerized by the modern architecture. Floor-to-ceiling length windows lined the perimeter of the building; shiny white marble floors seemed to sparkle from the sun's rays. After getting my visitor pass, I took the elevator to the 55th floor.
A redhead receptionist greeted me with a warm smile. “You must be Evelyn.”
I returned a warm smile. “Yes, ma’am,” I shook her hand.
“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Mowers. My name is Christine. Let me bring you to Mr. Romano.”
Following her lead, I couldn’t help but stare at her gorgeous hourglass figure accentuated by her black dressand black pumps. She knocked on a frosted glass door before a deep baritone voice called for us to enter.
My breath hitched when I saw him. The pictures of Kaden Romano did not do him justice. He stood leaning his backside to the front of his desk, wearing a charcoal-gray suit with a crisp white shirt that fit him like a second skin. Tattoos peeked out at the end of his sleeves. He looked like an Italian god, with jet-black hair tousled on top and trimmed on the sides.
Dark whiskey-colored eyes seemed to stare into my soul. Everything from his trimmed beard to how he leaned against his desk oozed power, masculinity, and dominance.
As he stood, he extended his hand. Now that he was closer, I half-craned my neck to look up at him. His large hand engulfed mine and I swallowed hard. It took a lot for me to get intimidated, and Kaden Romano wasa lot. I tried to ignore the lust that pooled between my thighs as I plastered a smile and returned the handshake.
“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Mowers.” His voice was a woman's wet dream laced with a hint of an Italian accent.
“Nice to meet you, sir,” I responded, trying to keep my voice strong.
“Please have a seat.” He gestured to the seat opposite his office chair. I obliged, neatly folding my hands on my lap over my notebook. Christine took that as her cue to leave and gently closed the door behind her as she exited.
Mr. Romano shuffled some papers on his desk. “So Ms. Mowers, how does a person who works at an elite gym think they will be an asset to RSS?” His whiskey-colored eyes continued to bore into me.
Well, at least he was straight to the point. I cleared my throat before answering. “Well, as you know, since you mentioned the word ‘elite,’ the clientele I currently workwith is different than what you’d find at a regular gym. My job is to ensure all of our client's information remains confidential while ensuring that our facility is fully secured from anyone wanting to get their next story. As a successful businessman, Mr. Romano, I hope you can see the value of a candidate who understands the importance of discretion and security.”
A small smirk came across his gorgeous face. “Fair enough.” He stood up and walked over to the window with his back to me.
It took all of me not to drool over this man’s physique, especially from behind.
“Tell me, Ms. Mowers, why could I only find little information about you? Your online footprint is slim to none. It's like you don’t exist.” He gazed over his shoulder at me with a raised eyebrow.
I had prepared for this question, knowing he would research the fake file. Without my voice wavering, I made eye contact with him. “What potential could I provide to a security employer if I did not ensure that my identity and personal information were secured and confidential? If I were careless with my information, that would defeat the purpose of why I am seeking this opportunity. And please, call me Evelyn; Ms. Mowers makes me sound old.”
I was greeted with a smirk and a chuckle. “Very well, Evelyn. Since I could not find out much about you, tell me something about you that is beyond the stereotypical information.” He turned to face me and crossed his arms over his chest.
I couldn't lead with, ‘Oh well, my so-called stepfather is responsible not only for my father’s death but is one of the lead sex traffickers in the country, so I am wanting to destroy him, and I’m here to infiltrate as much informationas I can since he’s a client.’ Instead, I responded, “My work is my life. Some people would call that unhealthy, but to me, it’s everything. Our world runs on data, and it's essential to understand the value of that data and how it affects people's lives. I have always liked being in the shadows, absorbing information, while remaining anonymous and undetected.” For this undercover assignment to work, I knew I would need to divulge some truth to succeed.
“Like a ghost,” Romano said quietly.
“Exactly.” My cheeks flushed.
“If I offer you the job, Ms—Evelyn,” he cleared his throat, “you will be responsible for one of RSS’s biggest accounts. Do you understand that no matter what you find, you must always remain confidential? You may not discuss client information unless it is with a superior or a meeting warrants discussion. Do you understand that there may be times that may test your moral code, but understand that you should remain a neutral entity as long as it doesn’t involve a security risk? Do you understand that you will be required to sign an NDA?”
I nodded my head in agreement. “Yes, sir.”
“Do you have any questions, Evelyn?” Kade sat back in his seat and reclined. He was completely relaxed, while my heart felt like it would thump out of my chest. I thought for a moment before responding.
“I believe we all have evil in us. It’s what we do with that evil that defines us. So I ask you, do you use your evil for good or bad?” I knew all about the tall, dark, and dangerous mob boss that I was speaking to. It was a bold question; however, I knew that to make an impression, I needed to be brave.
He took a moment to give my question some thought. “Some would say that good and bad are inferred differently.Some might think that I use my skills for ‘evil’ or for bad; however, I would argue that I use my evil for the greater good. Sometimes, we are forced to do bad things for good outcomes.”
