Hired To Be Mine

Chapter 5

The air conditioned room was not at all helping the nerves of Nicole. She was fidgeting like a school girl who had been called into Principals office after getting caught doing something naughty. She bit her lip and let her eyes roam along the waiting area. There were four more women sitting beside and right across from Nicole, dressed in tight, formfitting suits which can be described in only one word - Fashionable. But that wasn't what was bothering Nicole, cause she wasn't dressed any less compared to these women. She wore black pencil skirt that reached below her knees and coupled it with a peach colored silk blouse. She paired her dress with gold ear rings and two slim gold bangles in each hand.

Nicole looked confident. But that was it. She looked confident, not that she actually was. She took a deep breath to calm her raging nerves.

She opened her file and looked through her resume for the final time. Perfect. She flipped the pages of the folder that she placed behind her resume. Her designs. It would be a shame if Salim Sheik didn't recognize her talent. Nicole wasn't over confident but she knew good work when she saw one. And she was extremely talented which she didn't doubt one percent.

"Ms. Miller, Mr. Sheik will see you next" a petite woman, who introduced herself as Mr. Sheik's personal secretary, said politely. Unlike the other secretary's she came across in other office's she seemed genuinely warm and lovely. Nicole smiled, thinking how pleasant it would be working here with such friendly company. But alas, that is, if she got the job. Apart from lack of talent, there are other reasons for getting rejected for a job. Though she was extremely talented, she was a single mother of three kids who owns a coffee shop and not to forget, looking for a seasonal job. Who would want to hire a person who would most likely leave the job after a few months?

The woman, Ms.Miller, Nicole presumed to be, walked out of the office with a flustered look. She stomped all the way out of the room. Nicole looked shocked, it didn't take a genius to guess what must have happened. Clearly, Ms. Miller hasn't got things the way she wanted.

"Ms. Thornton", Nicole's head jerked up at the mention of my name, "You are up" said the same lady.

"Oh. Thank you" She said to the secretary and walked in.

Kelly was taken aback. None off the other six women whom she called in thanked her or at least acknowledged her. They just passed by her as if she wasn't even there and Kelly didn't mind it because she was used to this kind of behavior. But hearing the words of gratitude, and that too when the person is not even aware of the words they have just spoken, meant something. She smiled at the closed door through which Ms. Thornton just went, hoping that she might get selected. Only Lord knew how Salim was keeping up with all those women who went in for the interview. They were 'no-brains-only-looks'. Or 'brains-looks but-complete-sluts'. She shook her head at the thought and sighed, waiting for the interview with Ms. Thornton to get over.

*****

Salim was beyond frustrated. He didn't understand why women thought that just because he was a Sheik, he would be up for anything they'd offer. He immediately regretted the decision to have the interviews done by himself. He should have let the H.R department to handle it. But he was also curious to know who the extra candidate was who sought secret ladders to climb up to this room.

So far he interviewed six women and none were that candidate. That sole excitement was the only thing which kept him going through the process of interviews.

A knock evoked him from the thoughts and he responded with a curt, "Come in". The women who walked in was beautiful, that was all he could think of. "Good morning Mr. Salim", she said in a sweet melancholy voice. I bet she sings wonderfully! He mentally shook his head, not right now Salim.

"Please take a seat" he motioned to the chairs in front of him. She sat down and gave him a file, which he took and flipped through it. He was done flipping through files for the day, which read only one thing, 'I have done this, I have done that, I am good at this but not at that blah blah blah'.

"So Ms. Thornton, tell me about your work experience" he said still looking into the file. Though he wasn't reading anything particular, he just didn't want to look up. Afraid that he might get lost in those big brown eyes which captivated him the moment she walked in or afraid that her full pink lips would become too distracting. Being devoid of physical pleasures did certain things to men and Salim was no saint.

"Uh.. okay. Honestly, I don't have any work experience regarding fashion industry. I mean.. I've mentioned it, that I am a fresher, in my resume" she said and Salim could hear the frown in her voice. Blast! i***t, you were studying her resume and you didn't notice the lines that were mentioned right under your nose? FRESHER!

"Uh.. I mean to say.." he looked up from the file and into her big brown eyes, "I am sure you worked somewhere before.." he trailed off.

"Oh yeah" her eyes lit up with realization which he found very amusing. "I own a coffee shop downtown. It's called 'Amore'" she said.

"A coffee house? Why the interest in fashion?" he asked leaning back into his chair. The file long forgotten.

"I was always fascinated by the new trends and fashion. Its the one thing I am good at. That's the reason I pursued 'jewelery designing' as a major, but couldn't finish it due to some family reasons. I always wanted to work for the fashion industry. I believe I have talent" she said motioning to the file. He looked at it and raised his eyebrows. She nodded eagerly, urging him to take the file and look into it.

He wondered what could be, other than the old regular resume. As he flipped the resume, he saw a small folder and opened it. Holy Mother! The jewelery designs or the sketches, were exquisite. Salim was familiar with the design trends enough that he knew that these weren't copied. He saw the talent that she was talking about right in those designs. He was so captivated into those designs that he didn't notice the fidgeting woman in front of her biting down her finger nails.

"So.." she asked in a small voice.

"They are....marvelous" he said and heard a long sigh from her. He flipped the file back to the front where her resume was pinned. Nicole Thornton, he saw the name.

"Nicole" he said the name out loud to see how it rolled off his tongue.

"Yes Sir" Nicole straightened at the mention of her name. Salim didn't realize that he said her name out loud.

"uh... " he shook his head and leaned forward, intervening his fingers. "I think you are very talented, but the thing is I am looking for an assistant not a-" he was cut off, which never happened by the way, by Nicole.

"No problem. I just wanted to show you that I am talented though I have zero work experience. I am okay to work as your assistant", he rubbed his jaw contemplating her words. She looked desperate for the job and she didn't have any work experience. The pieces of puzzle started to fell in place,

"I don't understand, you have zero work experience, yet you got qualified to the interview. How?" he gave a confused look though he knew the answer,

She gave an airy laugh and waved her hand dismissively, "I have connections Mr. Salim. I pulled a few strings to get here, which I am not proud of, but don't regret either" she looked into his eyes. He felt the sense of determination in her eyes, "And I know that you knew it. That I am here only because I have used my connections",

"I figured" he said nodding his head. He didn't expect her to accept the truth so easily. He expected some denial, may be a little emotional story to back up her deeds. But not a straight forward answer.

"I know I shouldn't have. But life has taught me one thing very well. That its not what you know but who" she quoted and Salim couldn't help the laugh.

Nicole furrowed her brows wondering what made him laugh so hard, suddenly. Salim noticed her confusion and sobered up. "You just quoted the lines of my best friend, Ms. Thornton. Perhaps you know him?" He asked raising his eyebrows. Nicole raised hers in question wondering whom he was talking about. "Eugene Winston. The Eugene Winston. Famously known as the Scarred Billionaire?" Salim suggested her so that she might remember his famous friend. But she looked genuinely confused and clueless.

"I am sorry sir. I am afraid I don't know who you are referring to" she said apologetically. Salim even caught a hint of fear in her eyes.

"Don't you worry" he waved it off as if it wasn't important, but deep down he knew that this was a huge thing. Ever since his friend returned from the war, he has been all over the news. With his ugly scar covering his face, he got the title 'The Scarred Billionaire'. The gossip column, page three, tabloids are always after him, trying to know what Eugene is up to now.

And the fact that Nicole had no idea who he was meant that she was disconnected to the social life outside. She doesn't know what's going on in the outside. It was bad for his business. Fashion industry is directly connected to the social media. What's going on in the social circle matters a lot. And Nicole being oblivious to such things was a definite negative mark. But somewhere deep down, a sense of satisfaction filled him. Finally! There is some woman who isn't gushing about the gossip. Such women were rare to find. Though he didn't want such woman, he still wanted Nicole.

There was something about her which held him hypnotised. He wanted to hire her, yet he didn't want to change her a bit. She looked perfect. Her posture, nothing like he expected, her walk, not the cat walk he preferred, her hair, not the style he'd recommend, yet everything about her screamed perfection.

He was in a turmoil. Having a battle within himself.

****

Nicole waited for Mr . Salim to speak. She cursed herself for not knowing the man Salim mentioned. Surely he was of great importance to him if her not knowing him bought this kind of reaction upon him.

Salim was staring at her but looked as if staring into space. He looked to be in deep thought. Ans she didn't know if she should disturb him or not.

"Sir" she said, almost a whisper.

"Yes" he sat up attentively as if he hadn't zoned off minutes ago. "So, tell me more about yourself, Ms. Thornton" he said in a autopilot tone.

" well, I own a coffee house, Amore. It's a historical romance themed coffee shop, always filled with young couples. Perfect for a coffee date. I manage all the financial stuff alone, so you can say I am a good manager and also good at finances. I have three kids and I manage my job just fine so-" she was cutt off by Salim,

"Sorry, did I hear three kids?" Salim asked, shock written all over his face.

"Ugh yes?" she said,

Salim looked at her from face down as if asking, you have three kids? Like seriously?

Nicole let out a shy laugh. "I know. I get that a lot. But yes, I have three kids. Three boys. Triplets, to be specific" she said.

Salim's eyes grew wide in amazement. Nicole saw the awe in his face. That look which Salim gave her, filled her heart with pride.

"And may I ask what the father does? I mean, only if you don't mind" he asked carefully.

"He is no more. He died even before the boys were born. It's just me and them" she said keeping her voice strong.

"I am sorry" Salim apologised and Nicole caught a flicker of concern in his eyes which disappeared immediately almost as if she imagined it.

"Well, I have few more questions. But let me tell you, you are doing great so far" Nicole nodded and mumbled a thank you. She was filled with determination and wouldn't let this go wrong.

"How long do you wanna work for us? Because you would be signing a contract with us for at least a year. That means you cannot work no where else" his business tone sent a shiver down her spine. She could imagine this voice cracking deals and it sent a delicious pleasure to her. Only if I knew how this voice sounded in... she shook her head, No Nicole! Concentrate. she yelled at herself.

"Um. About that Mr. Salim, I would love to continue working in such prestigious organisation. But you see, the job here would require tremendous amount of time and dedication. Which I am willing to afford.... for now. But in a long run, I don't see myself in the fashion industry. I need this job very badly right now. But later on, I just want to continue my life at Amore" she said with all honesty. She didn't want to lie for her job. She might be desperate but she wasn't a liar and she wouldn't be one just because a situation demanded.

"Well, when will this long run be, Ms. Thornton" Salim asked. Did she imagine or was there a hint of disappointment in his voice?!

"I would definitely fulfil the term of course. But after that I would like to leave" she said wih finality.

Salim was silent. His gaze cold and calculating. Nicole felt uncomfortable but still looked into his eyes with her chin up.

"Well. Welcome to Sheik's Collections Ms. Thornton. You are mine for the next one year" he said and Nicole skipped a beat. What does he mean by mine? She thought but held her tongue.

She wasn't a woman to get into any kind of relationship just for pleasure. Sure she would like some fun but she also had three son's to consider. Their lives come first after all.

"One year" she said firmly as Salim got up and held his hand to shake. She gave a firm shake.

****

"One year" he repeated with a smirk. Her doe shaped eyes narrowed on her a little when he said she would be his. And Salim couldn't explain what a turn on it was.

He meant what he said. For the next year she would be his.. and even after that.

He saw Nicole compose herself quickly and his smirk grew wider. She was tough. Obviously! She is a single mother. Said a voice inside his brain.

She gave a firm handshake and withdrew her hand quickly. "I will see you tomorrow" he said to which she gave her consent and left his cabin.

Some interview it had been. He thought to himself as he buzzed Kelly.

"Yes Mr. Salim" she asked.

" The last candidate, Ms. Nicole Thornton is selected. Get her papers ready and arrange for her work table in my cabin over there. I want her closer to me" he said without giving his secretary a glance.

Kelly need not be told that he wanted her to get rid of the rest of the candidates. She knew it would be a tough job asking for them to leave but she had no other choice.

"I am sorry ladies and gentlemen, but the position has been filled. Thank you so much for coming and you can try next year" she told the ladies her well practised speech as they all got up and started to leave grumbling under their breathe. Kelly sighed as everyone left and went to fulfil her boss's orders.

I want her closer to me. Kelly had a secret smile on her face as she remembered her boss's words. Surely the upcoming days were going to be interesting. She thought.