Dark Favors

“No,” she said. “But he’s a go-getter, and he chases after whatever he wants. When he’s focused on something, nothing distracts him.”

“Nothing?”

“Nothing,” she said. “So be careful.”

“I’m not dating him,” I blurted out. Not that I owed Amber an explanation. She seemed to think that was funny because she just started laughing, and then she grabbed a pen and wrote something down.

“Here,” she said.

“What is it?”

“My phone number. Text me if you ever need to talk, but you should get going,” she said. “You’ll be late, and he hates that.”

“Okay,” I said. “Thanks.”

Amber nodded and went back to sorting some papers, and I headed toward the elevators. I got inside and pressed the button, but then I just stood there thinking. Amber and Rebecca had been friends. Was that why she worked for Locke? Had he hired her as a sort of favor?

Maybe he really wasn’t the bad guy he pretended to be.

I understood what Amber was saying. Really, I did. She had this idea that he was some sort of do-gooder, and I could see that. She was right in saying that he was hyper-focused, too, though. He kind of had to be, after all. He ran one of the wildest and most successful companies in the world.

He wasn’t going to let distractions stop him from that.

When the doors opened, I wasn’t surprised to see there was no one in the little lobby by the doors. It was Saturday, after all. Caleb probably had other plans for the weekend besides taking care of stuff for Locke.

Then again, maybe I’d be taking over Caleb’s duties. I looked at the reception desk. The mini-lobby really was a nice little place. Caleb’s desk was in the center, and there were several comfortable-looking places to sit. Glass end-tables held magazines and books, and there was a hug drink dispenser in one corner of the area. I hadn’t noticed it before. It was like a Keurig on steroids. I knew I needed to hurry to see Locke, but I couldn’t stop myself from peeking at the huge drink maker. Maybe one day I’d take the time to choose one.

My phone buzzed and I pulled it out.

STILL COMING?

I looked at it, but ignored the text. It was time to head into Locke’s office, I knew, so instead of loitering, looking around at the strange and unusual art that lined the walls of this little lobby, I headed down the hall to his office.

It was time to face Mr. Locke.

Chapter 10

Locke

She knocked gently, and came in and soon as I called her.

“Hello, Paige,” I said when she walked in.

“Mr. Locke,” she nodded politely.

“Manners today? I’m impressed,” I told her. I was, too. I eyed her outfit: a pink dress with black ballet flats. It was cute and comfortable-looking: a good combination since she didn’t know what I had planned for the day.

“Well, you know, I was rude the other day,” she said, closing the door and coming to the center of the room. “But somebody was kind enough to teach me a lesson.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“I hope it was at least a fun lesson.”

“It was slightly fun,” she said. The edge of her mouth quirked up just a little. Was that so? The little minx had liked it, had she? A thrill shot through me. I’d loved spanking her. It was fun, and the kiss she’d given me after had been just about the most perfect thing in the world to me. I almost felt guilty about using her to get back at Extrance.

Almost.