Page 52 of Carnal Games

Instead of cursing at the traffic gods who seem to be testing my level of annoyance, I go over today’s plan in my head. Mainly, the convincing speech I prepared. The gist of it being not taking no for an answer from the bitter receptionist under any circumstances.

Something I could’ve avoided altogether by not chickening out of moving into Nathan’s apartment at the last moment.

However, after the dreadful information that my boss dumped on me and the tempting offer, the last thing I wanted to be was in the vicinity of Kian. Because once I step into that building, I’ll be going down another path that I can’t turn away from.

But aren’t I already down it?

The minute I sat in the cab this morning, I made the choice. I can delude myself all I want by saying I’m just here to request an interview. But the truth remains the same.

I’m here to investigate the story of those missing girls. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime and I’ll have my dream job as a reward afterward.

A part of me also wants to prove Kian is innocent. No way he’d know girls were missing from his company and do nothing about it. Harshita must be wrong. It’s another reason why I accepted her offer.

But you don’t really know him.

He’s a stranger to you.

Disappointment envelops me in its clutches. Could it be that I’m not seeing past my crush? What if Kian is not a good man, that I’m so blinded by my obsession that I don’t see the danger that surrounds him?

The media has dubbed him as a robot. An unfeeling and savage machine who bulldozes anyone who dares to create an obstacle in his path. One half of the world is mesmerized by his reclusive persona while the other half is terrified to the bone of the mystery around him.

But aren’t we as humans conditioned to fear the unknown? Our first instinct is always to assume something bad lies on the other side. If I react the same way, then I really have no business being a journalist.

I am going to get to the bottom of the truth and learn about the man I’ve watched from afar. Killing two birds with one stone.

The cab lurches forward, and thankfully, doesn’t stop until it takes a U-turn and drives along the beautiful grounds of Kian’s kingdom that houses three buildings. Once it parks in front of the security gate, I pay the fare to the driver, grab my purse, and step out in the scorching heat.

I rush to the shaded path leading to the buildings before the sun scalds my skin. Well-versed in the security checking steps, I let them scan my purse while the female security guard pats me down, and finally I’m given a pass to roam into the main building.

The sharp coolness of the subtly decorated lobby when I step through the revolving doors is nothing short of ecstasy.

My relaxed mood lasts for a tiny second until I lock eyes with the mean receptionist, who lords over the little power she has over me like a god. How sad that sending me away on my ass is the highlight of her day at her boring job.

She straightens in her seat, nudging her friend—the second receptionist—on the side with her shoulder, like I’m their entertainment for today.

It pisses me off, especially since I’ve been nothing but sweet.

As I study her smug expression, her tongue poised to send me on my way, all my plans go to hell. Marching down the lobby with my chin held high and my heels clacking on the shiny floor, giving me confidence with each step, I stop in front of her.

“Hoping to see Mr. Singhania?” she asks with fake politeness.

I hear the laugh in her voice. “Yes.”

“Which newspaper are you from again?”

She very well knows which newspaper I work for. “I’m not here for an interview.”

That takes her aback. Blinking, she stammers, “You…you’re not?”

“Nope.”

Her gaze drops as she taps on her desktop and frowns. “I don’t see your name on here for an appointment.”

“You won’t find one.” She glances at me questioningly. It’s my turn to stare arrogantly. “Because I don’t need one.”

“No one meets Mr. Singhania without a prior appointment.” She scoffs, no longer being polite.

“I’m not no one.” I glare and lean closer. “I’m his sister-in-law. So, tell your boss I’m here and don’t make me wait unless you wish to face his wrath.”