Page 14 of Mafia And Maid
“There are no jobs available here.Not for someone like you.”
It takes all my effort to keep my lips from wobbling. “Please, I’m a hard worker. I can clean the rooms. I can take the trash out. I’ll do anything.”
Stella gives a brief wave to someone behind me before she turns her attention back to me and her face hardens again. “We don’t have any openings at this time.” Her tone is terse and hostile.
“I…” But my voice fades as a man steps into my peripheral vision. I flinch and cower into the front desk, waiting to be grabbed. I can just feel Grayden’s hand wrapping around my arm and squeezing, bruises in the shape of his fingers blooming in its wake. Terror paralyzes me.
“Hey,” a male voice barks into my ear, pulling me back to the present. He gestures toward the door with a sharp jerk of his hand. The wired earpiece in his ear and the straight buzz cut complement the serious downturn of his lips. My eyes catch on the golden embroidery on his blazer:Security.
“You’re making a scene,” he snaps. “Do us both a favor and leave quietly. Follow me—”
“Wait!Please.” I clutch at the front desk for dear life. “I need a job.Anyjob.”
Tears blur my vision. I’ve failed yet again. And I slump my shoulders in defeat. What’s the use? There’s nothing for me here.
Stupid. Useless.The words Grayden has said to me so often echo in my ears.
“What’s going on?”
I startle as a deep rumble sounds from behind me, sending a shiver skittering down my spine.
The way the security guard halts and makes his tone suddenly respectful makes me think that the new man is important. “Mr. Marchiano, it’s nothing. We’re just escorting someone out.”
“Leave her.”
“Boss?”
“I saidleave her. Do I need to repeat myself a third time?”
“N-no, boss.” His hand drops, and he steps away from this man who is now standing next to me.
He’s imposing with wide shoulders and a broad chest that strain against his black shirt. I can’t keep my eyes off his rolled-up sleeves which showcase his strong forearms—they’re breathtaking: muscled and with magnificent dark ink scrawled across the tan skin. Everything about him is as beautiful as it is terrorizing.
My heart labors in my chest as my eyes lift to his face. A powerful jaw covered with dark stubble. Luxurious, black locks are pulled back from his face in a half knot at the back of his head, allowing the thick strands to just brush the back of his neck and curl gently around his ears.
His rich brown eyes scan me from head to toe, and I fight the urge to curl inward and make myself smaller—a worthless endeavor if there ever was one. I take an involuntary step back. I’m only five foot two, and the way he towers over me makes it clear that he’s definitely well over six feet tall.
“What are you here for?”
I flinch at his voice. And I can’t even form an answer as my mouth feels like it’s full of thick cotton.
“She’s looking for a job, Mr. Marchiano,” the woman at the front desk sneers, leaning over the desk so her chest is more pronounced.
But the man doesn’t spare her a glance. His eyes are solely fixed on me.
“I told her we don’t have any positions open. At least noneshe’ssuitable for.”
Stella’s words make me want to curl up into a ball. Again, his eyes flicker over me, and my fingers can’t help but tug at my baggy hoodie. I should leave, but for some reason, my feet are rooted to the spot.
He tucks his large hands into his pockets. “We’re looking for a maid,” he says carefully. “Well, the family is, not the casino.”
“C-can I apply?” I stutter out the words, lifting my gaze to his for just a second before my eyes drop.
“Follow me,” he commands.
“But Mr. Marchiano—” Stella starts to say something in an appalled tone.
But all he does is shoot a look at her to make it clear that she should stop talking.