GAVIN

The previous night...

I wasn't kidding when I implied Demi Perez caught my attention at first sight, and evoked an immense amount of care I haven't felt before.

In one night, I've done innumerable things, including taking her home.

After she gulps down the last remaining glass of wine, it doesn't take long before she blacks out. I scan the house looking for the room that might be hers. I find the one that has pictures of her on the wall. I'm specifically captured by the one in which she's wearing a graduation gown, with the most beautiful smile, that a few seconds pass before I realize I've been standing in the same spot for longer than I should.

I get back to the living room and carry her to her bed. I cover her well, and then watch her sleep peacefully for a while.

I wish I could stay with her, it feels bad that I have to leave.

The best I can do is find someone to guard her door. I call one of my best men for the job, Edward.

I instruct him to get me a new phone and I send him the address. I can't use her phone because that would be a breach of privacy and I don't want her to wake up feeling betrayed. That is the reason why I get the new phone.

When he comes with it, I use it to set an alarm with the most annoying song that she wouldn't ignore the next morning. She'll have to wake up.

Even though I've already made my decision, I don't want her to beat herself up tomorrow morning in case she wakes up late.

I also get her painkillers for the hangover she might wake up with.

After ensuring everything is in place, and she's safe and sound, I leave, right after giving Edward my credit card with clear instructions.

"If anything happens to her, kill yourself before I do it myself," that's the last instruction I give Edward, even though I know he's the best at what he does, and I'd trust him with my life.

I head to Reagan's house and luckily for me, today is one of those nights where he pulls all-nighters.

His maid leads me to his study where I find him buried in paperwork.

I think one of the reasons we've been best friends for a long time is because we're both workaholics.

He raises his head when I walk in.

"If it isn't the most annoying friend on the planet," he drowls, spinning a pen in his fingers. "What are you doing in my house at this time of the night? Come to confess your feelings for me? I'd love to see your face when I turn you down."

I laugh as I take the seat opposite him. "How delusional does one have to be? And since when did you change your sexual orientation?" I ask, making myself comfortable.

"Anyway, jokes aside, why are you here?" He shifts to a more serious face.

"I have an emergency," I tell him.

"What happened?" His brows furrow, his face displaying concern.

"You know you're my best investigator, right?"

He smiles, "I told you you're in love with me."

"And I told you you're delusional. I need you to look into someone."

"Oh, you can leave me the details and I'll deal with it tomorrow." He says nonchalantly.

I lean forward with cocked brows, "I mean now."

He exhales loudly. "The things we do for love."

"Yet, I'm the one who's in love," I mumble under my breath.

"Who's he?" He probes, pushing away the load of papers before him, and replacing them with blank one.

"She." I correct him.

Reagan pauses everything and looks at me with widened eyes

"You want me to look into a woman at this time of the night? Did you suddenly develop an interest in a one night stand?" He asks.

This is what I have to deal with to get a job done.

"No, you idiot."

"Then, I can look at it tomorrow," he says, returning to his paperwork.

That's him trying to manipulate me, and somehow today, he's winning.

"Okay," I give up.

"It's a woman I met at the club tonight," I confess.

"Oh," he starts laughing which takes a while.

"We're finally going to have the real wedding?" He asks, sarcastically.

"Are you going to help me or not?"

Trying to look into Demi feels like a betrayal, but again I'd also love to know more about her apart from the paranoia that I have, thanks to my past experiences with traitorous women.

I narrate to my best friend about the events of the night leaving out details that involve emotions and those he would find funny.

"Okay, brother, let's get to know more about your future wife," he jokes, and I ignore.

"What do you know about her?" He asks, getting to his laptop.

"Apart from her name? Nothing much. Just that she's beautiful."

Reagan gives me a brief glance and then returns his attention to his laptop. "That's a first from you. Since when do you..."

"Just get the job done, Reagan."

I'm not about to explain to him the kind of interest I have in her.

"Going through her socials right away...aaand...Damn!" Reagan sighs and smiles.

"Now I get why."

"You're an idiot, you know that?" I mutter.

"That's why we're friends," he counters.

He moves to my side, and in the next few minutes we're looking at Demi Perez's beautiful pictures.

It's hard to lose concentration with each picture highlighting her beauty. A few of the pictures she's with her friends.

Makes me wonder which one is the traitor.

There's one man in most of the group photos. I'm almost jealous of how close they are.

I'm about to question when Reagan says, "he's gay."

"I thought so too."

There's also some romantic photos among them and I assume that's the traitorous ex. Seeing him in the pictures makes me want to tear him apart for hurting Demi.

"I want to know the traitor," I tell Reagan, who shoots a glare at me. "Yeah, and I also want to know your plans."

"Not happening," I snort.

"Cool." he lets go and I find it too easy to be true."Then I'll look into each one of them," he says, walking back to his chair.

After a few minutes, he slides the laptop to my side.

"That's Laila Wilson."

"This is the one who'd been sleeping with her boyfriend?" I inquire. "I mean ex boyfriend."

"That's not the only surprise. He works at Morgan Industries. Are you sure you've never seen this face before?"

"It's a big company. Am I supposed to know all the..."

"Oh, I forgot," he cuts me off.

"You said your Demi is set for an interview tomorrow? Well, Laila too. She was working at a lower level, I'm guessing she wanted to shift to a higher rank," Reagan concludes.

I nod and smile in realization.

Recalling Demi's tears and how hurt she looked, she didn't deserve it.

This woman on the screen is responsible for her tears. I'm going to have a field day tomorrow.

At the end of the day, I only needed one secretary. So I give Reagan the work of cancelling all other invitations and to leave only two interviewees. Demi and Laila.

And I'm going to interview them myself.

DEMI

The hottest thing I've seen today is Gavin in that black suit. The coffee I had earlier can't even compare. I find it hard to tear my gaze from him.

Yesterday's Gavin and today's Gavin look like two completely different people. If I were to choose, I'd be confused as hell, because all of them look hot.

While he was being casual the previous night, today everything about him is official.

It takes a while before my mind comes to reality.

But what is he doing here?

Silly of me.

Of course this is his company, he can be anywhere he wants.

Laila quickly walks towards him and stretches a hand. "Good morning, sir."

In response, Gavin looks at the hand and then back at her. The unsaid words are evident, making Laila retract her hand awkwardly.

"We're just here for an interview," she goes on speaking, while Ernest and I watch.

"Who do you think is in charge of the interview?" he reveals, making my eyeballs almost pop out.

Was I too drunk or do I recall him saying he had nothing to do with this interview? He mischievously steals a glance at me, and I see the smirk on his face.

Yeah, he knows exactly what he's doing.

"Oh, I didn't know, sir. It's such a pleasure..." Laila goes on but is cut off again.

"Your determination amuses me, Miss Wilson," he says.

"You know my name?" The excitement in Laila's voice is undeniably annoying.

Gavin sighs and walks past her.

He approaches me with a smile that sends sparks to my insides.

Come on it's just a smile, don't get ahead of yourself. I scold myself.

"Good morning, Miss Perez," he offers a hand, "You look lovely," he adds.

What is he doing?

I slowly shake his hand with a smile. "Thank you, Mr Morgan." We lock eyes for a short while until we suddenly remember we're not alone.

Gavin turns to Ernest and cocks a brow.

"Didn't you get the memo?"

Ernest barely pats his lips when Gavin speaks again.

"Oh, you didn't get the memo at all. Let me be kind today and repeat this. Only two candidates qualified for the interview," he gestures with his index and middle finger.

"I'm not here for the interview," says Ernest.

"I know," Gavin responds, rendering Ernest confused.

"Why are you here?" Gavin asks with furrowed brows.

Ernest sighs and pulls Laila to his side. For a moment I see the awkwardness in Laila's eyes. I might not know what's going on with her, but she didn't suddenly start feeling guilty. Especially since she was proudly yapping five seconds ago.

"I brought my overqualified girlfriend for the interview. And...man to man? To save you some time, I don't think you should waste your time on an interview."

Gavin puts his hands in his pockets and narrows his eyes at Ernest.

"And why is that? Mr. know-it-all?"

Ernest's lips curve into a smile. "Let's just say, I've known both of them for years. I can tell you who's the best." He nudges Laila close to him.

I look at the man I've known for a long time in disbelief. The man I considered the love of my life. It only dawns on me that their relationship must have started much earlier than I thought.

Just five seconds ago, he was telling me how he didn't mean to hurt me and now he says that in front of my potential boss? It feels like I'm a stranger to him. Like he never cared about me at all?

Gavin moves closer to him, they are almost the same height, so they look eye to eye on the same level.

"In case you haven't noticed, it's my name in this building. So Mr. Know-it-all, you can apply that rule to a building with your name on it."

I feel like clapping. At the same time, I can't control the chortle that escapes my lips. My heart melts with every word coming off Gavin's mouth.

"He didn't mean to offend you, sir," Laila cuts in. "I promise, he means well."

"Well, he can mean well in his own company."

I could laugh for the whole day. Did karma come too soon?

It's the fact that Ernest doesn't even have a company that makes it even more hilarious.

"Now, if you excuse me, I have an interview to conduct, according to my rules."

There's silence in the air for a few seconds.

"I was just trying to help," Ernest says, flashing a fake smile.

"I don't need your help." Gavin counters with another fake smile.

"Do you have a problem with me?" Ernest asks.

Which gets me thinking. Does Gavin know who he is? I don't recall showing him even his picture. All I did was narrate the heartbreaking story.

"Let's just say I have a problem with idlers in my workplace. And you're wasting my time."

"Okay," Ernest raises his palms and turns to Laila.

"Good luck, babe." He kisses her forehead, shamelessly, and leaves.

"Please don't mind him, he was just trying to help me," Laila says as soon as Ernest disappears.

"I can do better with my time...follow me," Gavin orders and we both walk behind him, as awkward as it is. This was the guy I had drinks with yesterday. And if I got this job, he's probably going to be my boss?

The thought of my words yesterday makes me want to crawl to the floor and disappear.

I asked him if he wanted to fuck me, and now he's going to interview me?

Gavin leads us to an office on the same floor.

I step into the biggest office I've seen since I became aware of my existence.

The glass walls give a beautiful view of the city. There's a large desk almost at the center, with everything in it neat in place. To the left, there's a white couch large enough that I would spend the night on it without the fear of rolling to the floor.

There's a small cellar at the corner, which makes me wonder. Who'd have a mini bar in his place of work?

"What's wrong, Demi?" Laila taps my shoulder as she whispers. "Never seen an office this big?"

The shock on my face must have been evident.

"Well, are you sure you'd manage to work here? You wouldn't last a day." She adds.

Gavin turns around. "I've never seen a match as perfect as you and your boyfriend. How long have you two been together?....Don't answer that," Gavin says, and then circles his desk before ushering us to take the seats opposite him.

"Are we getting interviewed at the same time?" Laila asks.

"As a matter of fact, yes." He nods.

He switches glances between us and says, "There's a reason why you both qualified to the last round. My own reasons." The last statement is said with his eyes boring into Laila's.

I've been quiet for most of the time, trying to process everything. In twenty-four hours, my life has taken quite a number of turns. To add on that, I'm trying to control the anger boiling in my blood every time Laila opens her mouth. Because if I spoke, I might end up doing and saying things that could cost my potential job. So, I've been maintaining my cool.

"Well, that's good to hear," Laila says leaning forward with a smile that makes me want to kill her.

Is she trying to use seduction?

"Now," Gavin begins, as he leans backwards in his chair. "There's one thing I value the most. And that's loyalty." He looks at Laila and asks,

"Miss Wilson, can you affirm that you're loyal enough to work for me?"

DEMI

Gavin shocks me with every move he makes. I've lost count of how many times he's done that this morning, yet I'm still trying to process the fact that he might actually be my boss.

And now, a loyalty question, really? It's almost as if he knows what he's doing. Like it's something calculated. I didn't mention names while I was pouring my heart out last night. Neither did I mention anything about me and Laila being set for the same interview today.

I maintained the story along the lines of, My ex and best friend betrayed me.

Now Gavin is acting like he knows the whole story. Not that I'm complaining. Everything he does and says warms my heart in every way possible.

Putting Laila and Ernest in their place? Serves them right.

I shift my glance to Laila, eager for her response.

She gives me a brief glance and then flashes the fakest smile at Gavin, holding her head high.

"I value loyalty more than anything else." She says.

Liar.

Liar.

Liar.

I find myself rolling my eyes.

"Are you sure about that?" Gavin asks.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" She responds.

"Well, we'll find out about that in a short while," Gavin says nonchalantly.

"How do you mean?" asks Laila.

"That's for me to know, and for you to find out later," he says, turning to me, his lips curving into the most perfect smile.

The way he eyes me, makes me shift from my seat. It's not that I'm uncomfortable but his eyes look so sexy and is it just me or is there some heat from his gaze? It makes my insides tingle.

"Tell me about loyalty, Miss Perez?" He asks, the smile never leaving his face.

Somehow, it makes me feel at ease.

"I wouldn't betray anyone important to me, either. If I'm working in this company it would mean it's important to me, and I'll always stay loyal to it... and to you, most importantly." I say, the words coming out so naturally.

His eyes linger on me for a few seconds.

"Can I say something else about myself?" Laila's annoying voice breaks the silence. Gavin and I must have been in a staring contest for longer than we should.

"And what is that?" Gavin probes.

"I work in this company, currently." She says, the pride evident in her voice.

"I know," Gavin snorts.

"You do?" She leans forward excitedly.

"I know that you're looking to work at a higher level."

"And my colleagues can testify about my impact and productivity..."

"If I wanted to listen to testimonies, I would have scheduled this interview in a courtroom." Gavin cuts her short. Laila now looks like she want to crawl under her seat.

"I'm sorry," she mumbles.

My days have never been better.

Gavin is dealing with Laila in a very appropriate way.

"Anyway, I'm not going to bore you with stupid questions. I have something more interesting," he announces.

"Really?" Laila jumps in quickly. On the other hand, I remain calm but still wondering what my probably, future boss' intentions are.

"Ever heard of a polygraph?" He asks. I nod at the same time Laila says, "yes."

"Good. Because it's on its way. This is going to be fun, don't you agree?" He asks, looking at Laila, who's excitement has suddenly faded.

___________

I've seen polygraphs in movies and social media, but I never thought I'd have one connected to me.

While I was researching interviews last night, this was the last thing I'd expected.

Gavin had instructed for Laila to begin. After fixing her, a woman seats on the opposite side to record the response.

"Are you ready?" Gavin asks.

Laila sighs and says, "Yes."

"Good. First question," Gavin crosses his arms, standing before her, while she's on the couch. I watch on the other side.

"Do you believe you're fit for this job?"

"Yes, I believe in myself and I know I'm fit for this job."

Gavin eyes the lady and she nods. "True."

"That was just to test if this is working."

Laila smiles in response.

"Now, back to the billion dollar question that will determine whether you'll get hired or not."

I see the exact moment when Laila swallows.

For someone who was completely sure she's getting the job and is better than me, she looks like she's dreading the question.

"I value loyalty. So much." Gavin begins.

Uh oh..

Why do I have a feeling I know where this conversation is headed?

"You said you value loyalty, and I took your word for it. Someone close betrayed me before, and if we're going to work together, we should be on the same page, don't you agree?"

Laila is silent for a while before she replies with a nod.

"Laila Wilson, have you ever betrayed your best friend?"

Oh God...

I know, I thought I knew where this conversation was headed, but I didn't know it would be this straightforward.

Laila shifts on her seat. Uneasy. She gives me a brief glare, and I wink.

She quickly looks back at Gavin and stutters.

"I don't...I..."

"It's a simple yes or no question, Laila," Gavin reminds her.

Now, this is more fun than I thought. I don't take my eyes off Laila.

After fidgeting in her seat for a while, she suddenly gains momentum and holds her head high as she says. "No."

Immediately, there's a sound that tells me it's nothing good.

Gavin looks at the lady behind the machine who shakes her head.

I didn't know what his reaction would be, but I wasn't expecting a laugh.

When he's done laughing, he glares at Laila.

"So much for someone who values loyalty, huh?"

"There must be a mistake," Laila says with worry written all over her face.

"Yeah sure," Gavin responds sarcastically.

When the machine is disconnected, Laila moves closer to Gavin and tries to hold his hand but he avoids it.

"What do you think you're doing?" Gavin retorts.

I see the desperation in Laila's eyes that I almost feel pity until I remember the pain that came with her betrayal.

"But that wasn't necessary," pleads Laila, while I watch silently, in amusement. "I can prove my loyalty in so many ways."

"Except that was all the proof I needed." Gavin concludes nonchalantly.

He knew what he was doing. He knew everything. All this was planned. He must have investigated enough to know this much about the whole situation. I don't know how to feel about it.

On one hand, it melts my heart. It feels like he's fighting for me. Who wouldn't feel that way if a man like Gavin Morgan does something like that for you?

On the other hand, I still don't understand why he would do all this for me. I'm just a stranger he met at the bar. Everything else was a coincidence. Yet here we are.

"Now, listen to me carefully, Laila," he says. "I woke up feeling kind today, which is why you'll still retain your job. But...if I hear any form of disrespect, a single mistake and you're gone," he warns. "You can leave."

Laila stares at him for a while then back at me