Chapter 18: EIGHTEEN

Jasmine's POV

I walk down the hall of the hotel, a box clutched under my hand as I make my way to the Manager's office. A few minutes ago, I received a package for the manager. While people don't usually leave packages in front of the hotel and usually make it through to him themselves, it isn't exactly out of the ordinary either.

And so, sometimes I do go and hand him his orders myself, as I already work at the front desk.

As I make my way up the elevator, it clicks open. I heave a sigh when I see that no one is there. The truth is that I'm still giddy from yesterday with Nico Ferrari.

He might have taken me against my will in his car, but then again, I find myself not regretting any moment.

The more I try to pull out, the more I find myself falling deeper into his intricately crafted net that seems to be designed to get me trapped in his words.

The door of the elevator slides open, indicating that I am already at the top floor where the Manager's office is.

A man in an Italian suit walks past but not before glancing at me as he enters the hotel. I immediately recognize him as one of Nico's men. The hotel is still occupied by members of the mafia.

I keep my eyes down and avoid him as best as I can.

A lot is already happening without catching the attention of another one of the dangerous members of the mafia, and I can do just fine without the additional attention that I keep getting.

I grip the package that I'm carrying tighter as I walk forward. It's rectangular and rather large. I can't help but wonder what the hell is inside. Shaking it a little, I try to guess, but my mind comes up completely blank.

Sighing, I knock on the big metal door and wait for someone to reply, assuming that he is even in.

"Come in," the manager says. His voice comes up a bit muffled from the other side, but it's still thick with his accent that, for some reason, the rest of the staff in the hotel finds funny.

"Good morning, boss," I push open the door of the office and step inside. It's a spacious place. My eyes first dart towards the bookshelf at the far corner of the room that lies next to an inner door.

The table is well-arranged with stationery on the left side, and there is even a cup of half-finished coffee just beside his laptop.

The manager sits in front of his laptop with his eyes focused on the device while he moves the cursor. If he sees me at all, he makes no effort to acknowledge my presence. Then I remind myself that he's the boss, and he is literally allowed to do anything he wants to do.

"Sir," I call out again, still standing by the doorway, not sure if I can walk in.

He looks up, finally, and adjusts his glasses.

"A package came for you," I inform him, slightly waving the heavy box that I'm holding.

"Indeed, I've been expecting it." He motions to the corner of his office. "Over there, I'll take it from there. That's if you're tired of carrying it."

I nod and take that as a hint that he wants me to drop the package over there, so I do just that, and when I'm done, I turn around to leave.

My post at the receptionist desk is most likely not occupied, and even though I'm not the only one on duty right now, I prefer to not give him any reason to cut down my salary.

"Oh, and Miss Taylor," the manager speaks just as I am about to open the door and head outside back to my post.

"Yes?" I turn back to face him.

He beckons me forward towards a seat.

Nervously, I sit down, feeling that something is most likely wrong now.

He takes his time, silently killing me with the suspense before he speaks again.

"For all the good work you do here, I've decided to give you a fifty percent raise," he says, breaking the news to me.

I gasp and stare at him in disbelief. A fifty percent raise? My eyes widen in shock.

Why does that seem too good to be true?

"T... Thank you, sir," I stutter, still unable to believe it.

"Oh, it's nothing," he waves his hand like it isn't a big deal. "And your pay is going to come in earlier than usual," he continues. His free hand navigates through his laptop while he takes his cup of coffee in the other hand.

I am still unable to believe what is happening. Earlier than usual? And I am getting a raise?

I know that recently I haven't even been putting half as much effort into the work. Hell, I am usually distracted by Nico Ferrari himself, and now the manager is going to give me a raise and an early pay?

I look back at him, feeling that something is amiss.

"Thank you, sir," I say, still completely lost.

"The company cares, you know," he gives me a warm smile. "There are some paychecks that should clear all your bills too. Being a single mother must be tough. Allow us to support you in any way possible."

I nod, completely at a loss and not knowing what else to say. The manager isn't usually nice at all, and this is a little creepy, but I can only count my lucky stars. Not only am I not penalized for not working as efficiently as usual, he's rewarding me instead, just like the last time...

Just as I stand up to go, it occurs to me that Nico Ferrari is behind this.

I pause. It has to be.

"And Mr. Ferrari sends his regards," the manager adds, watching my reaction with the slightest of grins.

My hand stiffens on the doorknob just as he confirms my suspicions.

"The Ferrari Corporation would like to have you. You must have heard of it, in Los Angeles. It just so happens that they need a secretary, and Nico himself asked to borrow one of my staff."

The Manager's footsteps sound behind me, and he places his hand on my shoulder.

"Be smart, Miss Taylor, you're a lucky one."