Crimson shadows

ly twisted her ankle in those sky-high heels she'd chosen for the occasion. I wasn't against the heels-they were gor

argo's voice cut through the air, calling for an impromptu meeting. The department heads we

left my lungs. It was him-the man from the club, the one who had been on the receiving end of my unfortunate drunken mom

my way over, feeling his gaze on me the entire time. His cologne hit me, intoxicating and familiar, as I sat down. My mi

e year for two years running. P

g. "My name is Liara Rivera. I work at the front desk, and I've been with The Meridian for the past two years. Nice to meet you, sir

he rest of the staff, it's either 'sir' or 'Mr. Deville.' I'm sure you all enjoyed working with my father before he passed. I expect diligence and

nearly laughed when I saw his personal assistant looking like she might burst

linger either, practically fleeing to the safety of the front desk. Only whe

ked it up, and that same commanding voice sent a

rive. This is it, I thought. My time here is over, a

eady crease-free skirt with trembling hands.

aid curtly from

from the files in front of him, so I seized the moment to apologize. "I'm really sorry about wh

t, and poorly, I might add," he cut me off, leaning back in his chair. I flushed wit

ports about you from the

I began, but he cut me off again,

king over these reports and guest reviews, it's clear you've been due for a promotion for a while. Margo is being transferred to our Lo

six, I knew I wanted to work in hospitality. I've always been fascinated by the beauty of this industry. I earned my degree in hospitality management because my dream has always been to manage a hote

his eyes locking onto mine as if he were trying to figure me out.

ve a good day." His expression gave nothing aw

ist clearing the air. "Uhm, sir?" He looked up, raising an eyeb

Lia that,' especially from the guests. But when I call you by a name, for your sake, I'd advi

rge to roll my eyes and forced a poli

r, Imani stopped by with food, and though we didn't have time to eat together, I pro

hone chimed. I picked it up, nearly

. Liara

e role of hotel manager at The Meridian Hotel, New York... You

atula

sion. Before I could process what was happening, Shantel snatched my phone o

otion! Congratulations!" she sque

I got the promotion. I got my dream job. The words echoed i

r. The apartment was eerily quiet, and I noticed that James still

r rang through the phone, a sound that usually made

cing the call on speaker as I started to prepare dinner.

mumbled that Spanish. If looks could kill, you'd be six feet under, girl." She chuckled. "But hey

.. well, awkward is an understatement. His face was unreadable, like stone. The tensio

. My heart sank. The last thing I wanted was to share this

ing this soon. And be sa

yeah. L

you

ced myself for whatever

ooked up, surprised to find him smiling at me. Smilin

seen a ghost, babe," h

ing him warily. "I'm jus

sorry, babe. Losing my job, not knowing what to do next..

couldn't help but wonder if he'd had some kind of epiphany-or maybe an

kay?" I asked, m

smiling. "I'm sorry I didn't come home ove

retort. You w

instead, forcing cur

off him at the casino, and we talked. I think he can help me out. I just need to ge

The more he spoke, the more my stomach churned with unease. W

upportive. "That's... great. So how

his. I'm going to be the man of the hou

o steer the conversation back to somethi

plans, babe," he said, a hint of i

. "I'm just exhausted

r dinner instead? My treat. We can go to that Chinese place you love,

ut

ed, Lia. Let'

. As I headed to the bedroom to change, I couldn't shake the unease that had se

g, elegant decor-but I can't shake the feeling that James isn't the person I'd choose to share this with. The se

o see if he's still sure about this pla

his voice full of a confidence

see him like this again, almost like the man I fell for three years ago. But I can't let myself get comfortable, not after everything. Still, I find myself slowly easing into the conv

en have just walked in, and one of them is Lamar. My boss. The man I accidentally puked on and who

kip, but just as quickly, he looks away, dismissing me as though I don'

think we should head out," I say after a while, hopi

almost like the guy I fell in love with-the one who made me believe in us-and

ed us earlier returns with a smile that feels odd

so your meal is complimentary," the waiter repli

ffering a polite thank you instead. We stand to leave, and James pulls me close, holding me tight agains

sation that we're being watched. My skin tingles with the awarene