6. An Uncomfortable Interview

"Nikolai was asking about you when he came back today." Rory says, licking the ice cream off of her spoon, carelessly letting it drip onto her shirt.

"Why? What was he asking about?" I frown. I hope he didn't talk shit about me or anything, just because I asked him a few questions. I mean, if anything, he was the one being a bit of a dick.

"Just if you enjoyed working at the cafe..." She shrugs. I raises a suspicious eyebrow and lean back on the couch, eyeing her up. After yesterdays encounter, I don't need anymore weird stuff happening in my life. And I wish Leon was the least of my problems, but I'm still stressing about the call I received not too long ago. I'm surprised he hasn't tried calling again, though it makes me all the more suspicious that he hasn't. It means he's up to something. And the last time he was, I had absolutely no idea until the last second. And he knew that.

"He actually liked you. He said you were trying to get to know him, and that you acted really confident and personable." Rory doesn't sound jealous or anything, she actually sounds kind of proud, which I guess is a good thing. It seems I made more of an impression on the man than I thought I did. Which is surprising since I thought he hated me after that drive.

"Okay..."

"He wanted to ask me if you'd consider applying to be his personal assistant."

Wow. What? Hold up. Why the hell would a man I just met want me as their personal assistant? Let alone the person they're fuckings' best friend. That is just weird, and wrong in so many ways, and yet I still find myself asking Rory for more details.

"He said it pays really well and that you'd be able to work less hours than you do. By the way, I kind of told the both of them about your working hours." She gives me a sympathetic look. I honestly can't blame her, she is like a love sick puppy and I don't think she'd be able to deny them of anything. And it's only been a few days since she met them. "I have all the details, and they are holding interviews tomorrow morning." She passes me a folder, as if had already been readied for me. Kind of odd, but I am not going to complain if it means I have a chance at earning more money and moving out of Rory's as soon as possible.

I flick through the folder and quickly read over the brief and requirements, which I meet mostly. If I get this job, it'll probably boost my chance at getting jobs in the future too. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise and I'm overthinking how weird this is. I mean it's not like I'm the one they're even obsessed with, I'm just a random person who they thought would suit the roll.

Totally not weird at all.

***

The next day rolls around fast, and between study and worrying about receiving another call and having to prepare for the interview, I'd completely forgotten about texting Holland about tonight. I actually had forgotten it all together, and while I do feel slightly bad about it, I can't help but also feel relieved I haven't been worrying about it. I'm yet to decide if I even will text him and cancel, because while the thought of going out to dinner tonight seems draining, I can't help but want to piss of Leon .

The man is the definition of entitled, thinking he can just threaten me into doing what he wants. Even if he was just an average Joe, he's probably be the same ass he is today. However all that money, power and entitlement has boosted his arrogance to a whole new level. I can't believe he actually threatened me. What would he even do? He acts like he's involved in illegal business or something, and might just knock me off the face of the earth. Does he seriously think I'm going to fall for that shit? Because if he does, he's got another thing coming.

It's not like I'm going to see him anytime soon anyway. At least not intentionally. Because I plan on doing everything within my ability to avoid the fucker, even if it's the last thing I do.

"You look perfectly professional," Rory compliments as she examines my outfit.

I tie my hair up into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun. I decided to go full on professional and where long black pants that reach my ankles, and a short sleeved white blouse that has a delicate v-neck. I also opted for some low nude heels. I look like a business woman, and I feel like one too. I feel empowered, like I could take on the world. "Thank you," I smile.

"Alright, well I'm off to class, so I'll see you tonight. I just know you'll get the job!" She squeals with excitement as she gives me a tight hug before leaving through the front door.

I take a deep breath and grab my bag doing the same.

When I arrive outside the address, I can't help but stare up in awe. The building is massive and towers over all the others around it. It looks so modern and contemporary, like it was made yesterday. A part of me hesitates before entering inside, not quite sure if I'm thinking this through enough. But the thought of money and independence enters my mind once more, and I instantly wave away any doubt.

Here I go, I guess .

Once I enter the building, I'm instantly blasted with warm air, which is a welcome feeling after walking through the brisk streets. The interior of the building is just as magnificent as the outside, maybe even more so. A grand spiral staircase branches out onto the second floor, which from what I can see is a collaborative working space and restraint. This place has everything.

I walk over to the reception and am greeted by a man. "Hey, I'm here for the interview with Mr. Volkov." I say.

"Of course," He types something into his computer, "Mr. Volkov is on level thirty. Please just take the elevator over there, and Amy will direct you to his office once you arrive."

I thank him before doing just that.

By the time I arrive on level thirty, I am a sweaty mess of nerves. I don't know why - normally I'm calm and cool when it comes to interviews, but something about Nikolai and this whole situation just rubs me the wrong way. It doesn't quite feel right.

Just as the man at reception had said, Amy was there to welcome me as show me to his office. As we make our way down the hall, I find myself staring at the very empty arrangement of chairs outside. Am I late to the interview or very early? It did say ten o'clock in the folder, I am positive of that. "Oh, don't worry," Amy says reading my mind. "The interviews are scheduled."

I nod my head, that makes more sense.

I'm barely given any time to think before Amy opens a door and I'm urged inside the large office.

At the end of the room is a huge oak desk, utterly organised and pristine, and at it, sits Nikolai, looking just as intimidating as he does every single time I see him. He's wearing another suit and has his hands rested flat on his desk.

"Good morning," I beam as I enter further into the room. "Thank you for informing me of this job and giving me the opportunity at an interview."

Silence.

Okay, now I definitely regret coming here.

He lifts one of his large hands and directs me to a chair opposite his desk. Taking a seat, I pull out my resume and experience within it's neat folder and hand it over to him wordlessly. After a few minutes of silence and his looking through the folder, he finally speaks. "What makes you think you'd be fit for the job as my personal assistant?"

"Well, I am very time efficient and am one of those people who likes to double check everything to make sure it's perfect..." I answer all of his questions and quickly ease into the interview. His questions are normal and nothing I haven't answered or prepared for before. Maybe I might have a shot at the job after all.

"Do you have any family members who have worked with the business of international trade?"He asks, looking directly at me.

"My family?" I suck in a breath.

I squirm in my seat slightly at the personal question. While it's not like he's asking me something outrageous, it is rather strange he'd ask me about my family.

"No," I shake my head. "But, I am an eager learner and guarantee, despite my minimal experience, I will be able to pick up everything within a week."

It's as if he doesn't even register my answer. "Being my personal assistant, will require you to travel with me as I conduct business in between Russia and the states. Would that impact you and your family at all? Your parents?"

"No," I repeat. "No, my family wouldn't be a concern." My bright attitude slowly dims. I don't feel comfortable anymore.

I think Nikolai picks up on this and leans back in his chair in a more causal manner, removing his hard stare. "Well Phoebe, I thank you for your time, and you will be contacted within the next few days on whether or not you receive the job."

I release a breath,thankful that the interview is now over and I can get a coffee before class. "Thank you," I stand from my chair and remove myself from the room before he has the opportunity to say something else. With my eyes glued down on the floor and my ears ringing, I don't notice my haste and unaware of those around me, I accidentally slam into someone.

"Sorry," I mumble, not in the mood to be cheery and rainbows anymore. I just want to get to class and get this day over with.

"Well if it isn't the little college brat,"

I snap my eyes upwards and internally groan at the person before me. It's like he's everywhere!

"I am not in the mood." I growl, moving past Leon. I don't even give him a second glance, too focused on getting the fuck out of here.

"Have you finally realised your place?" He taunts from behind me. "Or are you lost? The child centre is just round the corner." He says smugly.

Alright, I was going to leave this alone. But clearly he has no plans of shutting the fuck up.

I turn back around. "I was actually on my way to call Holland and let him know how excited I am for tonight. Maybe he'll invite me over for some dessert."

His smirk instantly falls and he takes long strides towards me, about to spit some insult in my face no doubt.

"Leon," Nikolai's voice saves me from whatever verbal assault Leon was going to follow through with. "I don't have all day."

Leon  looks at me with a crazed expression before turning around and leaving me alone in the hall. He slams the office door behind him.

If working for Nikolai means that I have to deal with that man and his stuck up his ass, I'll gladly pass. Not that I think I even want to work here anymore after that very uncomfortable interview. Why did Nikolai even ask those questions? Is that not unprofessional? Either way, he asked them, and I just need to get over it.

My family is not important.

###

Unedited

Hey Guys!!!

Wow, Leon is such a bitch and Nikolai is getting a lil personal

Hope you enjoyed todays chapter! <3

Love ya'll!!

-FoggyCloudyWords

xxx