The Obsession Book 2

“This job is a nightmare,” Mira complained to Kaley when she met her for lunch that day. Kaley still worked at the restaurant, a block away and took her break when Mira did, so they could catch up. Her best friend shook her cropped, red-streaked hair and sipped her iced tea before responding. “Your boss sounds like a real piece of work.” Mira huffed out a breath.

“Tell me about it!” she said. “I thought I was actually going to do something worthwhile here.” Kaley shrugged.

“Maybe this is just a test,” she told Mira. “Maybe they want to see how committed you are to the job.” Mira mulled that over.

“Maybe.” Kaley patted her hand comfortingly.

“This is where you always wanted to work, Mir,” she reminded her. “Just do the grunt work for now and hopefully they’ll see how amazing you are and you’ll be moving up in no time!” Mira gave her a smile in gratitude.

“I’m glad someone believes in me.”

“So,” Kaley began, her eyes downcast, “have you heard from Nicholai at all?” Mira stiffened at the question.

“No,” she said, her voice a little cold. “Have you?”

Kaley looked up then and sighed. “No, and I don’t plan on it,” she told Mira honestly.

“He still has his henchmen following me around,” Mira commented. “The black SUV still parks on my street every night. And sometimes I swear I see someone following me.”

“Maybe he’s just looking out for you.” Kaley shrugged. Mira shook her head quickly.

“He needs to just leave me alone.” Kaley saw the hurt that still lingered on her face and searched for a change of topic.

“So the new girl did something funny today…” Mira looked up at her friend and tried to pay attention to her story, but her thoughts were now firmly back on Nicholai.

Why was he still following her?

***

Mrs. Morris came over to babysit Jahan, while Mira attended the event that night. She bought a floor-length, emerald-green, strapless dress, with a full chiffon skirt and sweetheart neckline. She did her hair in a chic upsweep and accented her ensemble with simple jewelry.

She knew she looked amazing. She was planning on getting as many investors on board as she could. She really wanted to impress Natasha and start making a name for herself. She grabbed her silver clutch and headed out to meet the taxi waiting for her.

Well into the first hour, Mira couldn’t stop smiling. She had already gotten three investors to sign onto the Shorelands project, which was a new housing development due to start early next year. She figured she deserved a sip of champagne for her efforts and was reaching for a glass from a nearby waiter when someone tapped her on the shoulder and offered her one instead. She looked up into gray eyes, as she took the offered glass.

“Hello. I’m Jake Taylor,” the good-looking gentleman introduced himself. He looked to be in his mid-forties and she could tell by the way he wore his suit that he kept in great shape.

“Mira Singh,” she responded, taking his hand in a firm but gentle shake.

“I’ve been watching you, Mira,” he said, still holding her hand.

“Excuse me?” Mira pulled her hand away, her heartbeat accelerating.

“I’ve been watching you work the room,” he clarified with a frown, watching as her eyes grew cautious. “You’re one of Natasha’s interns, right?” Mira let out a sigh of relief and a nervous laugh.

“Yes. Yes, I am,” she responded. “How can I help you, Mr. Taylor? Are you willing to invest in the Shorelands project?” He let out a laugh.

“Actually, no.” He was still smiling. “I wanted to offer you a job.” Mira’s smile turned into a look of confusion.

“A job? I already have a job…,” she said slowly, with a look of dismay.

“Come work for me,” Jake said, one hand in his slacks while the other held his champagne glass close to his chest. “I can see your tenacity and know you could be an asset to my team.” Mira considered him for a moment and took the opportunity to sip her champagne. His casual nonchalance that accompanied this offer perplexed her.

“What exactly do you do?” He took her elbow and started walking her toward the ballroom balcony.

“Walk with me,” he said. “I prefer to discuss it in private.” A few people were milling about the balcony but they more or less had privacy. Mira faced him.

“I have a team that’s working on the development of a brand-new chain of hotels around the world. You would be working on tenders and help sort through bids.” He watched as her eyes lit up at the prospect. “There would be lots of travel involved as well.”

His eyes raked over her. “You’re young—unmarried I presume—this is an opportunity for you to travel around the world.” Mira’s mouth went dry. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. One she’d been looking for. But then, there was Jahan. She couldn’t leave him. No matter the allure of this job.

“I have responsibilities here, though,” she said, almost regrettably.

“Here is my card.” He handed her a business card. “Think about it and give me a call, whatever your decision is.” Mira took the card and noted the name of the company with a gasp.

“You’ve heard of us.” She nodded mutely.

“It was very nice to meet you, Mira,” Jake said, touching her arm lightly before walking back inside, leaving Mira stunned on the balcony. She was still reading the card over when a voice behind her made her jump.

“Hello, little girl.” She twirled around and came face to face with sapphire-blue eyes.