Ahead of the Darkness by Simone Nicole Read Free Book Online Page B

had to start working for the hot Scotsman.
    I built up my shields in a desperate attempt to hold on to myself, and hoped that under a more professional setting they would hold, surely I wouldn’t still be attracted to my boss. It a fruitless fancy, but I could hope. My story was at the ready, if asked. I hated that part; the questions that always came. Who are you, where are you from, tell me your life story. Why everyone felt the need to know every little inconsequential detail is beyond me, but somehow, I still walked through the door.
    As promised, Drew was waiting against the bar. He straightened when I entered the room, and the dimpled smirk I had begun to expect was replaced by a more...professional smile, flat and lifeless. I didn't like it. It didn't sit well with me. He looked...cold.
    ––––––––
    “H ello, Drew. Or should I call you boss now?” I grinned, and he seemed to relax a bit in his shoulders. And his smile became a little more natural.
    “Drew’s fine, but I did want to talk to ye about this morning. What happened, well naught happened nae really, I guess. I mean ...” He stumbled, his thick Scottish brogue breaking through. By the way he had trouble saying what he needed to, he seemed for the first time genuinely uncomfortable and unsure around me. I liked that.
    “So, aye. It cannae happen again, ye know, what dinnae happen. I ah, have a nae-relations policy with work. At work.”
    “No diddling the staff. Right?” His eyes travelled to my lips for a heartbeat before he snapped them back to mine and I noticed his hands flexed at his sides.
    “Aye, something like that.” He cleared his throat and continued. “So, let me show ye around, and then ye can fill in the paperwork."
    "Paperwork? Oh right."
    "Aye, just the standard stuff. Most of the others will start to arrive soon, so I can introduce ye to them.” He promptly turned on his heels and walked off towards the stage. “Jules and Mac are on tonight. They work most days.
    “How did I get the job?” He paused, and turned around to look at me. “I mean, if anyone asks.” I was sure it wouldn’t go over well with the staff and the no-fraternising police.
    “Oh, aye.” He chuckled. “The truth wouldnae be the best, like...”
    “I could have handed a resume in last night, when I came in for a drink. Just the one drink, though...” Please don't tell them I got pissed.
    “Aye, ye are a clever wee thing. That would work. Cannae tell ‘em ye got blootered and wound up naked in my bed.” He laughed and continued walking.
    “Yes, real clever, just not while drunk,” I muttered under my breath.
    “Aye, true, but ye were entertaining, mind.” He threw over his shoulder, and continued his breakneck pace.
    I quickened mine to keep up with him and his changing demeanour. I almost laughed myself, but I didn’t. Instead, I stopped in my tracks at the thought. Drew had me smiling and laughing more in the last twelve hours than I could remember doing before. Given he’d also frustrated me more, too.
    I was so lost in thought that I didn't realise Drew had been talking to me. I looked up to see him staring at me with a contemplative look.
    "Sorry, I ... was trying to think if I remembered my keys." I smiled sweetly at him, making him frown.
    "Dinnae dae that."
    "I'm sorry? Do what? Forget my keys? I try not to."
    “Nae. The falseness, that sweet smile. Nae with me. Ye had some kind of moment, whatever it was, but don't hide behind some false act. It doesn't suit ye."
    My mouth fell open. I was rendered speechless.
    "I ... I don't understand ... what ...?"
    “Ye face is an open book. I read right through it. Aye, look, it closed...just like that." And he was right. The walls and armour I always had, that seemed to slip, instantly went back up.
    "Won't happen again, Boss." I was going to make sure it wouldn't. The perplexed look crossed his face briefly.
    “Right. This door here.” He walked off to the left and opened the