Torn (Lords of the City #1) by Alice Ward Read Free Book Online Page A

examined the bills inside. “I don’t have much to spend, especially now that I need to look for an apartment here. Is there a thrift store nearby?”
    “That’s not the way Mr. Stafford operates,” Julia said, gently taking my wallet from me and placing it back in my bag. “He would never expect the expense for his demands to fall on his employees. The company will pay for your new wardrobe. It will also pay for your apartment.” She took my arm and guided me towards a glossy car with tinted windows. “I hope you don’t mind having me as a roomie.”
    My spirits leapt.
    “Not at all,” I said sincerely. I liked Julia. On first impression, she was a doll designed by the company, but her personality sparked through whatever formality was required of her.
    A driver got out of the car and opened the door for us. “Good afternoon, ladies,” he said, tipping his hat.
    “Afternoon,” I returned.
    “Fred,” Julia greeted.
    “I’ve never been a personal assistant before,” I reflected as we settled into the backseat. “Is it difficult?”
    “Not at all,” Julia told me. “It’s demanding. Though our office hours are normal, our contract stipulates that we’re at Mr. Stafford’s beck and call until midnight. But it’s not difficult.” She smiled slyly. “It even comes with its perks. You’ll only be expected to be his personal assistant for a year. After that, you’re free to move on to any department in the company.”
    “Really?” I was surprised. Peter had mentioned something similar, but I figured it only applied to the geniuses.
    “Of course. I have PhD in Business Economics from Harvard. I didn’t spend a year answering phone calls and scheduling meetings for nothing. I’ve proved my loyalty to Mr. Stafford. And that’s why I get to move on,” she chirped. “As long as you remain loyal, he’ll do the same for you. After looking over your files this week, he even mentioned developing a department solely dedicated to the impact the company is having on the environment. You’ve only been here one day, and you’re already inspiring change.”
    I didn’t know what to say to that, so I asked, “Where are we going?” I needed to change the subject. It was too overwhelming. “The high street?”
    Julia tittered. “No high street. Mr. Stafford has his own street, a row full of shops dedicated to his needs. As his assistants, we have access to it.”
    Tucked away discreetly near a park, the street was not far from the company. As we shopped, we were treated like royalty. Champagne waited for us at every corner, and we were offered massages and manicures between fittings, all with the request that we wish Mr. Stafford well on behalf of those who attended to us.
    It was a humbling experience. My skater dress was cheap sandpaper compared to the soft fabric of the garments Julia threw my way, mostly dresses with the same figure-hugging form as the one she wore. They were not my style, but they beat the uniform I’d be wearing flipping burgers, which was probably what I would have ended up doing if not for Corey. It was because of him that I was here, my nails freshly polished, my spirits lifted. Realizing what he’d done for me, my loyalty to him became bulletproof.
    Later that evening, Julia showed me our apartment. The décor was similar to that of Noah’s office, warm but disciplined, everything in its place. It was too late to drive back to Milwaukee to pack. Exhausted, I asked Julia to point me towards my room, where I fell down upon the king-sized mattress and let the day melt into my dreams.
    A few hours later, I woke. Night drifted outside the window, black except for the haze of the city lights. We weren’t in the penthouse, but we were pretty high up. The empty canvas of my room reflected back in the window. As soon as I arrived to work on Monday, I’d receive a credit card designated for expenses like sheets and furnishings but doubted I’d use it. I liked the sheets I had back