Chapter 3

3

F iona

A Week Later

When I decided to stop by Daddy’s office to ask for more cash, I wasn’t expecting to run into Elias Peterson. I’d had a crush on him since he became Daddy’s mentee years ago. Since he was eleven years older than me, Mommy told me not to even look his way until I graduated college. That was two years ago, but his visits to the house and country club had been far and few between. A part of me believed Daddy kept him away because he knew I liked him, but since I had no proof, I assumed that was the way of life.

Elias wasn’t just fine; he was wealthy and had status too. He wasn’t deep into the socialite circuit, but he did enough networking to be known in a few different circles. I got a vibe from Elias that he wouldn’t be like the typical wealthy man my parents wanted me to entertain.

Growing up, I saw Daddy provide and care for Mommy, but he ignored her. There was no romance or intimacy, at least none I saw. Seeing as there were rumors that he had other kids, there was no doubt in my mind that he was a cheater. Certain morals were honored in our home, though, like respect and loyalty, and if he did cheat, the world would never have proof.

At the sight of me, Daddy’s smile spread as he stood. Elias looked back to see what or who had gained his attention, and he smiled and stood as well. Daddy gave me a hug before Elias extended his hand for me to shake. I wanted his hard, wide body on mine. I wanted to walk out of here drenched in his scent. Since it didn’t seem like that would happen, I put my dainty hand into his, positioned for him to kiss.

“Am I interrupting something important?” I asked as Daddy pulled the empty chair that was next to Elias’s seat back for me to sit down.

“Not really,” Elias answered. “I was telling your father about our old assistant stealing from us.”

Gasping, I clutched my imaginary pearls. “Oh no. I’m so sorry to hear that.”

His expression was solemn as he nodded. “Yeah. Now we have to find her replacement—quickly. My brother’s getting ready to leave the country, and I want to make sure our firm runs smoothly in his absence.”

Being his assistant would be the perfect way to get close to Elias. While I wouldn’t outright pursue him, I was the type of woman to position myself for a man’s pursuit.

“I can take her place,” I offered, avoiding Daddy’s eyes.

Daddy chuckled and sat back in his seat. “Are you crazy? You’re not about to be anyone’s office assistant, even if it is one of my favorite people.”

“Daddy,” I whined.

“I don’t want to hear it, Fiona. The answer is no.”

As I pouted, I crossed my arms over my chest.

“If it makes you feel better, you wouldn’t have been my assistant anyway. You would have been my brother’s,” Elias added.

“Daddy, please. You complained about me wasting your money going to college. At least this way it will be worth it. I know you don’t want me to work, but I want to. At least until I get married.”

He sat back in his seat with a long sigh. Rounding his desk, I sat on the edge of it and looked at him.

“You just insist on going against the lifestyle your mother and I have worked our asses off to give you.”

As much as I wanted to respond, I didn’t. If I did, it would lead to a disagreement and me not getting either of the things I wanted. I didn’t mind Daddy funding my lifestyle, but this job was my way in with Elias, and I was going to take full advantage of it—regardless of how Daddy felt. I knew he wanted me to get used to being taken care of so I’d have the right expectations and role when I was married, but if I played my cards right, Elias would be proposing to me in less than a year.

“Will you just think about it, Daddy? If Elias needs the help, I think we should help. You know I did two years of work-study at your company, so I know how to be an office manager or executive assistant even though I’ve never really worked before. I really want to do this.”

With a huff, Daddy tilted his head and looked over at Elias. “Would you be okay with my princess working at your firm?”

“Of course. I can’t technically hire her, but I can put in a good word for her with our head of HR. As long as she can catch on quickly, she shouldn’t have any issues. And we do need the help.”

Daddy’s head bobbed once. “Alright. If you can get the job, you can work there, but don’t get your hopes up. You did the work-study, but you have no other real work experience.”

I squealed and hugged his neck. “Yay! Thank you, Daddy.” Shifting slightly, I turned to face Elias. “And thank you. I promise I’ll catch on easily and be all the help you need.”

He gave me a soft smile before standing. My eyes lowered to his pocket as he went inside to retrieve a business card for me. After telling me to call the number listed and ask for Kyle to set up an interview, he left.

“Now that it’s just the two of us, to what do I owe the pleasure of my baby girl coming to visit her old man?” Daddy asked as I returned to my seat.

“Paisley, Emily, and I want to go to Malibu. Can I have some cash to put into my bank account?”

“Anything for you, princess.”

With no hesitation, he stood and went to his office safe that was behind a large painting he’d gotten from Neko. As he pulled one stack of cash out behind another, I said, “If that’s true, can you make sure I get this job, Daddy? And if possible, I’d really like to work with Elias. I would be more comfortable with him since I already know him.”

“I’ll see what I can do, but that’s his domain. Even though he and I have been in business together for years—”

“He wouldn’t have that business if it wasn’t for you,” I said. “You gave him the money he used to open it with his brother. I think he owes you more than a share in the company for that.” As I stuffed the five ten-thousand-dollar stacks into my tote bag, I added, “So thank you in advance because I know you’re not going to let me down.”

All he did was smile because that was true. Whatever I wanted, Daddy provided. This job as Elias’s assistant would be no different. That…I was sure of.