The Two Families

Chapter Two

"I have a few questions. If you answer them correctly, you can guarantee the position, agreed? Yes, and no answers only. I don't want an explanation," He instructed.

"Yes, sir," I replied.

With a curt nod, he began questioning me, "if I instruct you to do something without any explanation, and you think it's weird', would you still do it?"

"Yes."

"If I tell you to accompany me across the world for business meetings, would you?"

"Yes."

"If I tell you that you must assist my family alongside me, would you?"

"Yes."

"Are you okay with unprofessional nicknames? My team is very keen and friendly."

"I-I guess so, yes."

"Can you drive?"

"Yes."

"Do you own a car?"

"No."

"How did you get here?"

"Taxi, Sir."

"Hmm," he paused, "if something illegal were happening, would you tell the cops and lose your job?"

This time I paused. I stared at the green eyes, twinkling in the sunlight, wondering if he was joking or not. This had to be a joke. He wouldn't have made it this far if he was doing illegal stuff, right? He is just testing me.

"No, sir, I wouldn't."

He looked at me for too long. I felt pressured under his glance, the weight of his gaze pushing me down. I wanted to sink in my chair, but I held my composure.

He leaned forward, holding the stare, "I am going to ask you again Miss De Niro if you walk into my office and saw me holding a gun, would you report me to the police?"

I cleared my throat; he is just testing me. He wants to see if I wanted it, to what lengths I would go for this job. A personal assistant would do anything for their boss, and I intend on making that incredibly clear, "No I would not Mr Marino," I replied, matching his aggressive tone. I needed this job, and I would do anything to get it.

He held my eyes for a few more seconds before curling his lips into a smile, "I think that's all for today. I'll have my receptionist contact you."

"Contact me?" I asked.

"Yes, to give you information for our next meeting. I need to brief my new personal assistant on her roles in this office."

He smiled at me, got up and opened the door, "see you Monday."

I walked out and heard the door close behind me. The corners of my mouth curved ever so slightly. I tried to control the combustion of emotions within me as I mumbled thanks to the receptionist and entered the elevator. When the elevator doors closed, I squealed in excitement. He was going to contact me! The Luka Marino. I felt butterflies in my stomach, thinking that I would officially be putting my degree to use, with the Marino Investments. I wanted to jump around in excitement, but I kept my composure. 

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My interview with Luka Marino was on Friday, but Monday came at the speed of light. I received the call from the Marino office on Saturday, informing me that I would need to be in the office at 9 am. I got dressed in a black pencil skirt with a white dress shirt, pairing it with small diamond stud earrings, a chain and my usual silver watch. I grabbed my handbag, checking my messages as I waited for the elevator. I had called an Uber to take me to work. I really needed a car. I stepped into my uber, nearly spilling my coffee. 

On the way, I texted my group chat, informing them that I was on the way. The moment everyone came back home from their jobs, I was bombarded with questions.

"I heard he was hot, was he?" My roommate, Amélie, had asked.

I stared at her in silence and disbelief, "I think so." I knew he was hot. There is no denying that, but I knew if I said something, they would have erupted in questions, so I kept silent for the sake of my mental health.

Marino Investments

The name sparkled in the sunlight, large block letters on the sleek building. Getting out of the car, I walked over to the building, stopping by the doors and stared straight ahead, not moving.

What am I doing here? Why did he even choose me? I'm pretty sure hundreds of people would want to work for Luka Marino and I am pretty sure they all had much more experience than me.

"Miss De Niro? You coming?" I heard a deep voice rumbled behind me. Turning around in surprise, I was face-to-face with Luka Marino once again. Today he wore a grey suit, once again leaving the first three buttons open. He had sunglasses on, resting perfectly on top of his delicate nose, which showed me my reflection. I looked so out of place. 

"I...Ummm," I started, unable to complete my sentence.

"Come on; there is much to do."

He walked forwards, pushing the doors open with great force. I had to run to keep up with him, despite being five-foot-nine and usually being the fastest person amongst my friends. Compared to Luka, who is at least six-foot-three, I was small. I hated feeling small. 

"Keep up, Miss De Niro. If you want to keep your job, make sure you are at the same pace as me," He called, already halfway across the first floor.

Cursing under my breath, I ran behind him, feeling embarrassed for making so much sound. The only reason I reached Luka was that he stopped to wait for the elevator. The ride up was silent, awkward. He kept on his phone, texting away. Ding. He got out of the elevator, greeting the receptionist and then turning to me.

"I hate rules. Rules are boring, confining, but I do have one single rule for you to follow. Never ever enter this room if the glass is tinted." He made his way into the office, pressing a button, making the glass walls darker, making sure nobody from the outside can see what is happening on the inside.

"Understood?"