Beauty and the Assassin

“No, we can’t. No refund, no return,” I lie.

“What?”

“It’s true. Unless you can vomit out the mimosa, tarts and parfait in the condition they were served in…?”

Her hands fly to cover her mouth. A mixture of horror and shock crosses her pretty little face.

I tighten my mouth. A smile here would undermine my effort. “This is Los Angeles. Things are different here. So just enjoy the free stuff.”

“Exactly,” Lizochka says, knowing better than to correct me. “Besides, he can afford it with all the money he’s been saving. No girlfriends to spend on.”

I ignore her jab about my lack of romantic relationships. Lizochka thinks that just because she’s happily married, everyone should be. But she wasn’t so hot on dating for a long time herself. Not that I’ll remind her of that, since that was also the most difficult period of her life, personally speaking. “I’ll bring Angelika to the office tomorrow.”

“For what?” Angelika says.

Why is my little fawn acting so stunned? Why did she think I asked her to write the résumé? Just so she can say she has one?

I never do anything without good reason, and having her get a job that will actually pay a living wage is one of them. The barista position isn’t awful, all things considered, but the café can’t possibly pay her enough for putting up with that idiot who won’t shut up about how nobly outraged he is.

And on top of that, he’s ugly. She shouldn’t have to put up with that, either.

“An internship position at the Pryce Family Foundation,” Lizochka says.

“Oh.” Understanding dawns on Angelika’s face. “I haven’t applied—”

“I sent in the résumé already,” I say. “As an employee referral.”

Angelika’s giving me a wide-eyed look. Why is she acting like this is some unbelievable turn of events? I’m always willing to pass a résumé on. It’s just that there’s usually no reason to.

Lizochka nods. “Exactly.”

“I’d love to, but, um… I really need…” Angelika’s face turns redder than a ripe chili pepper. “I sort of need a job that pays me.” She says the words fast.

Did she think I’d refer her to an unpaid position? I like efficiency, not exploitation.

“Oh.” Lizochka tosses me a glance. “I can’t believe Tolyan didn’t tell you, but the position comes with a salary. We don’t do unpaid internships because the people who apply for them generally tend to have greater financial need than most of our employees. Not paying them would be taking advantage of their circumstances…and more than a little hypocritical, given the foundation’s mission.”

“I see.” Angelika gives her a small smile. “Okay, I’ll be there.”

“Excellent.” Lizochka checks her phone. “It’s Dominic. Gotta go. Thomas misses his mommy.”

“He always misses his mother,” I say fondly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Chapter Seventeen

Angelika

After Elizabeth leaves, Tolyan and I get into his car and head back to his place.

“Thank you,” I say.

His eyes stay on the road. “For what?”

For taking me shopping. For introducing me to Elizabeth—who I really like and who made me feel like her friend, even though we just met. For giving me a day when I can act like a person who isn’t worried about a deranged stepbrother.

Most importantly, for making me feel safe.

But somehow all those things get caught in my throat. I don’t want to gush like I’m crushing on him, even though that’s exactly what’s happening.