Cruel (The Buck Boys Heroes 2)

I glance at it and then at Mr. Marks’s smiling face. “I’ll need a moment to look it over.”

He looks at Hugo before his attention settles on me again. “Take all the time you need.”

The document is short and sweet and outlines that I can’t share any details about the meeting. That’s it. There’s no mention of the reason for the meeting. It’s a standard NDA that essentially states that I’ll keep my mouth shut about what’s about to be said in this room.

I pick up the pen and sign it, knowing that all three men are watching my every move.

Mr. Marks slides the document back into the file folder, folds his hands together on his desk, and looks me dead in the eye. “You’ve been hand-picked for this assignment, Juliet.”

Hugo decides now is the time to say something. “I’m not surprised. I think Juliet is the ideal person to interview Kavan Bane.”

Kavan Bane?

Is that a real person or the name of a random guy-next-door movie character before he transforms into a superhero?

I swallow back the urge to ask that, and sit silently hoping someone will say something that will help me understand what the hell is happening right now.

“Mr. Bane has asked me to meet with you on his behalf.” Nigel taps a finger against the armrest of the chair I’m sitting in.

“We all know the story that others want us to believe about him.” Mr. Marks shakes his head.

No, we don’t. Some of us don’t have a clue about Kavan Bane’s story or who he is.

“Juliet doesn’t listen to the noise,” Hugo says. “She respects the facts put in front of her. I’m confident that she’ll handle this piece with tact and integrity.”

Hugo looks to me for confirmation of that. I stare at him, blinking twice with the hope that he’ll view it as a sign of distress.

Margot would since it’s our secret way of communicating when we’re with other people, and one of us feels uncomfortable.

Hugo smiles and gives me a hearty thumbs-up for good measure.

“You’ll be compensated at the same rate as anyone else writing their first article for New York Viewpoint.”

I turn to look at Mr. Marks, unsure if I heard him correctly. “New York Viewpoint?”

Straightening the already straight bow tie around his neck, he smiles. “Yes. Consider this your probationary assignment for a position as a lead journalist in that division.”

Feeling as though I’m in my bed dreaming this entire encounter, I reach down to pinch my thigh.

It hurts, so maybe, just maybe, this is reality?

“You’ll accompany me to my office now,” Nigel announces. “Naturally, we’ll have another NDA for you to sign. It will be more detailed, but you understand that.”

I don’t, but I’ll sign anything for the chance to land my dream job. I’ll read it over, but there’s a ninety-nine percent chance I’ll sign it.

Mr. Marks slides to his feet, as do the other two men, so I follow their lead, unsure if I can manage not to jump up and down in delight.

“Shirlene will be available to give you the grand tour of your new office anytime.” Mr. Marks smiles. “It’s a corner one. The views are brilliant. She’ll set up your expense account and handle anything else you need.”

“Thank you,” I say quietly, not sure what to add.

“Juliet will be working in an office that we provide for her for the duration of the assignment,” Nigel directs that to Mr. Marks.

The duration of the assignment? How long will it take me to write an article on this Bane person?

“Understood. If you have any questions or concerns, Nigel, you have my cell number.” Mr. Marks’s gaze drifts to me. “Shirlene will text you that number, Juliet.”

I nod.

He goes on, “I’m available for you night and day during this assignment. It’s an important one for us, so I expect you to make us proud.”

“I will, “ I say assuredly, even though I have no idea who the man I’m interviewing is or what the scope of the article is supposed to cover.

Mr. Marks looks at Nigel. “We appreciate the fact that you came to us with this.”

Nigel nods. “Mr. Bane insisted.”

Mr. Bane seems like a guy who gets what he wants. I have no idea why he picked me for this assignment, but maybe he’s a fan of my stellar work covering gossip for RumorMel.

I glance at Mr. Marks again. “Thank you, sir, for this opportunity. New York Viewpoint is my favorite magazine. I will give my all to this.”

He leans forward. “I expect no less, Juliet. A lot is riding on your shoulders with this exclusive, but I trust you’ll rise to the pressure.”

I will. I need to. I’ve just been set on the fast track to my dream job, and I have no intention of failing. That’s not an option.