FOUR

C H A P T E R - - - F O U R - - - - S EL E N A

Selena made every effort to conduct herself professionally. The most crucial aspect was to project strength, assurance, and self-assurance. And helpful. Selena had to be useful above everything else; else, she wouldn't know how to function.

Making a good first impression, however, was quite difficult because her new employer came across as odd and was staring at her with flaming eyes as though she had just committed a terrible crime. Even though all of her internal organs were churning up a storm inside her stomach, she focused all of her effort into remaining motionless and keeping her hands still in her lap.

Finally, after forcefully averting his eyes from her and clearing his throat, Reidan murmured, "So. We need to talk about your position in this company."

Selena took a long breath, bracing herself for the worst. She had thought that she would be able to keep her work, even though the new Don wasn't as pleasant as the previous one and may perhaps reduce her income, but she found out a short while ago from one of the servants that Matteo had been passed up for his father's post. But now, it was taking place. She was about to lose her job, run out of money to cover her dad's medical expenses, and then the doctors wouldn't perform the necessary operation to save him.

"I realize how important you were to my father in his final months."  Reidan answered, "Thank you for that, but his face was hard and serious, and his brows furrowed as if she had said something to irritate him.

Selena said hesitantly, "You're welcome," keeping her eyes on Reidan throughout. Even though she knew it was illogical to think that way, she felt that turning her head would be tantamount to admitting defeat. He was significant to me as well.

Reidan clicked his tongue from beneath his teeth, "Yeah, I bet."

Selena's skin started to itch like a million little bugs had decided to use her body as a dance floor, making her feel even more uneasy.

"To be honest, there is no issue. I got it. But don't worry—not that's how our relationship will be, will it? It will be entirely professional."

Selena struggled to understand what he was saying for a considerable amount of time, repeating his words in her thoughts repeatedly in an effort to grasp his meaning. But then, all at once, it washed over her skull like a sudden downpour of icy rain. She genuinely thought she was going to puke. Reidan made the implication that she had slept with his dad.

Selena jumped to her feet as she felt both embarrassment and rage fill her cheeks. She spoke in a tone that was harsher and harder than she intended, saying, "Excuse me, sir, but I think you're confused."

But she didn't really care at this point. In her entire life, she had never felt more repugnant and humiliated. For her, Giovanni Bianco was significant. When no one else would, he gave her a chance, but the thought of them having an affair made her sick to her stomach. "I had a business relationship with your father, just business. Nothing elese."

Reidan gave her a doubtful gaze as his incredulity was evident on every inch of his face. “Sure. Anyway, I just wanted to make sure I was clear with you—"

To urge him to stop talking, Selena waved her hand in front of him. "Let me be clear—no. I never had a sexual relationship with your father, regardless of who told you differently. Period. End of story," Selena looked up at her prospective boss, watching as his eyes flitted back and forth as if he were attempting to read her mind and determine whether she was telling the truth. She shook her head and moaned.

"That's it, I tell you. Later today, I will formally submit my resignation. Thanks for your time"

Despite a heated, burning sensation that was about to burst from behind her eyes, she turned on her heel and marched as forcefully as she could in the direction of the door. She assured herself, setting her jaw, "I'm not going to fucking cry." It's fucking not going to happen. This is not over. Not with these scumbags. Selena grabbed for the door handle, but she was stopped in her tracks by scuffling sounds that captured her attention before she could push the door open.

Reidan's hand quickly tightened over her shoulder to keep her where she was. "Please wait a moment. Just a second," Reidan replied, softly turning her to face him.

Selena glanced up at the new Don with her jaw firm and her eyes venomous, wanting him to know how much she despised him right now. She had never felt so mistreated, and she wasn't going to submit to his orders without a fight.

Reidan motioned for her to sit down once again as he exhaled and withdrew his hand. This time, she declined and crossed her arms to show that she was uncomfortable rather than acting for Reidan. Reidan didn't press the issue, though, presumably realizing that she wasn't going anywhere.

"All right, well, let me just explain. You and I had never met before today. I have no knowledge of you—

Selena interrupted him once more and added, "Yeah, that's right. You do not.

"Fair enough. Reidan nodded in agreement with her. "You are correct. I shouldn't have made that judgment about you before even getting to know you. I was only basing my decision on what my brother said.

"Oh, Matteo?"  Selena scoffed as she said, " Yes, he does appear to be a reliable source."

Reidan then chuckled, sounding much more youthful and loose than previously. "Valid point. He enjoys speaking out loud. I'm truly sorry, listen. I made a mistake by implying that you had an affair with my father. It was utterly unnecessary."

Selena peered up into Reidan's eyes, looking for any indication of dishonesty but failing to see any. Instead, she found nothing but sincere feeling, true sadness, and regret for what he had spoken. Until she felt her heart sink in compassion for him, she thought his gaze were slightly breaking through her armor. After all, his father had passed away only a few hours prior. Perhaps he merited another opportunity.

She sighed and moved past him to a chair in front of the desk, where she sat and awaited his arrival across from her. “Well?" After a little awkward pause, she turned to face him and added, "I'm sorry, I'm not sure what I'm saying. You want to learn about the company, don't you? ”

Selena briefly thought she could feel the sun's warmth on her face as it shone down on her from above while Reidan grinned at her. As soon as Reidan turned his head away from her, she shook her head, inwardly chastising herself for feeling even the slightest bit flirty toward the guy who had just insulted her so severely.

She was thinking this as Reidan returned to his father's desk to take a seat. "Don't be a fool," he said. He's not necessarily a good person just because he's handsome. It does not imply that he desires you. It doesn't imply that you ought to desire him.