Read with BonusRead with Bonus

Chapter 1: Welcome to Valor Inc.

Seraphina

“Good morning, Sera. It’s Polly!” Polly’s perky voice came through the phone.

“Morning, Polly. What do you have for me?” I say, barely awake. I look at my phone’s screen to check the time and see it says 5:37 a.m.

“One of the girls canceled at the last minute and I was wondering if you could fill in for her. Due to short notice, we could give you the $200 assignment bonus, including the hourly pay.” She spoke the last sentence in complete desperation. The perkiness in her voice dwindled.

“What’s the assignment?” I say as I force myself out of the bed.

“Well, it’s a personal assistant position at the Valor building, the office manager will provide the details. We will send your information to security and the office manager. Do you need a parking pass?”

“No, I take public transportation. What’s the length of this assignment?”

“The office manager will determine that.”

Polly rattled off all of the necessary information that was needed for me to complete the assignment while I filled up my Chantal Vintage Tea Kettle so that I could have my morning cup of green tea. It was a tradition me and my grandmother had that I’ve never been able to shake.

I ended my call with Polly and quickly hit the shower. Deciding to rock the boy cut was perfect for my naturally curly hair. My curls barely touched my freshly plucked brows. With shorter hair, I feel like my face is the main event with it showcasing my honey skin and freckles. I applied some mascara and paired it with a rhubarb colored lipstick.

After about 20 indecisive minutes, I chose a simple black, fitted turtleneck, a pair of high waisted pants with burgundy buttons and a pair of my most comfortable 3-inch, black, pointed-toe heels.

The subway ride was full of commuters and the hump day crowd all sat with melancholic looks on their faces. It was sad that not one person displayed an ounce of passion or happiness on their way to work. If they felt that way, they weren’t too great at expressing it. It’s part of why I like to temp.

My gran thinks I have a fear of commitment, but I just hate to feel tied down. She’s the only constant thing in my life and I like it that way.

I walked the downtown street that was unusually quiet, mostly because it was in close proximity to delicious restaurants and exclusive boutiques. I paused and took a step back so I could take in the beautiful structure known as the Valor building.

It was a work of art. A sleek spire of luxuriousness that pierced the clouds. A building made with translucent aluminum and shatter-resistant glass. It was adorned with the Valor crest, two swords shaped into a V with a jeweled crown.

I entered the building and the interior was just as beautiful with bronze-veined marble floors and walls.

I must have stuck out like a sore thumb looking for a directory to tell me where I needed to go because the security guard from behind the desk walked my way.

“Miss, you need a badge to go any further,” The towering security guard spoke calmly.

“I’m here from the Assist U temp agency, I’m Seraphina Fulton,” I said reaching into my laptop bag for my name badge.

“Of course. Follow me,” He proceeded to scan my ID and create a badge for me to enter and exit the building.

The guards advised me that in order to enter, my badge must be worn at all times. Once I received the badge, I waited for the sleek, black and bronze elevator.

Although just about everything else inside was see-through, the elevators allowed privacy.

Twenty-two floors later, I was greeted by a wall of gorgeous glass that framed the double-door entrance to the reception area. The receptionist sat at the crescent-shaped desk with a polite smile as she buzzed me in.

“Good morning. Are you from the agency?” The busty brunette inquired.

“Good morning. And yes, I am,” I greeted, admiring her welcoming smile. She was poised and upbeat.

“I’m Alexis and I was alerted by security that you were here. I’ve already let Constance know that you’ve arrived.”

"Thank you. Is she the office manager?"

Just as I spoke my last word, the door opened and a thin, older woman entered the reception area.

“Seraphina, thank you for filling in on such short notice,” She stretched her hand out to mine and held it briefly.

“It’s no problem.”

“Thank you, Alexis. I will show her to her desk. Please, follow me.”

Constance led me through the quiet corridor. Confusion must have been plastered on my face when we reached the second set of doors.

“Mr. Valor likes his privacy.”

She may have been older, but she aged gracefully. Her salt and pepper hair was pulled into an elegant bun and her ivory skin only showed a few wrinkles. She had piercing sapphire eyes and a calming voice.

“Polly stated you would tell me the length of the assignment once I arrived.”

“Actually, I will not be the one in deciding the length of your stay. It would be completely up to Mr. Valor. I advised them we would need someone with great flexibility. Is that a problem for you?”

“It’s not a problem. I just like as many details as possible, but I understand completely. Every job is different,” I say with a polite smile.

“Good.” Her tone was short, borderline curt. “First, we will go over what a day here will look like for you. Mr. Valor is very particular about what he wants.”

I wasn’t sure how to feel about the way that she spoke about him. He was probably like all the others I had previously worked for. Old and set in their ways.

“I trust that you have no issues with signing a non-disclosure agreement?”

A non-disclosure agreement? For what exactly?

“I don’t, but is there a reason why this is needed? I am a temp after all.”

“You will be working directly with Dimitri Valor. This includes access to his financials and you may see or hear some things that should not leave this office. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I do and I understand confidentiality.”

“Women and men would pay heavily to be as close to him as you will be,” She said with a wink. “Intrigued?” She said with a raised brow.

“I would be lying if I didn't say I was very curious about Mr. Valor, but I’m here to do my job. Mr. Valor nor you have anything to worry about.”

“I’ll have you review the documents.”

She handed me the forms and I briefly read over the document. I didn’t know much about law, but it looked pretty damn solid. I signed the document and handed her the contract. If he requires discretion, I have no problem supplying it.

We stopped at an area just outside of frosted glass doors. Everything about this building amazed me. The reception area was state of the art with a sleek bone-white desk. Behind the desk was a direct view of the lake that outlined the city.

“Wow,” Was all I could muster up.

“It’s a great view. Mr. Valor will be here in the next ten minutes.”

“I can do that. Where is the restroom?”

“Down the hall and to the left. Good luck, Seraphina.”

“Thank you.”

I took the walk to the bathroom and was relieved when the walls weren’t glass. I took one last look at myself in the mirror before I exited the bathroom.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s ok,” I said as I assisted the young woman with gathering her papers.

I crouched down and she extended her hand to me, showcasing her beautiful ruby red colored nails. "Thank you so much." We both stood and I admired her beautiful chignon bun.

I smiled back. "No problem. I've been there."

I turned to see another of her papers that had gone astray. I hurried to grab the paper when a pair of luxurious black Christian Louboutin's draped in tailored black slacks came into my view.

I paused for a moment, but he didn't budge. I tilted my head back to allow my line of sight to rise. I swallowed as my eyes trailed his custom 3-piece suit. Our eyes met and I felt the heat of his gaze all over me. When he flashed me a sinful smile, I went down for the count.

The man was a walking flame and at the flash of his gaze, I was ignited.

Next Chapter