Lana's POV
Lana's phone buzzed just as she came out of her lecture hall, and she looked down to see a new message from Nikolai Sinclair.
It was the location for their meeting, a restaurant she'd only heard of in passing, it was known for its luxurious atmosphere and fine dining.
Mabel was at her side, head craned and peering over Lana's shoulder. "So, he really texted?" she asked, grinning, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Where is he taking you? Somewhere fancy, I hope.
Lana turned to her friend, her nerves percolating. "It's… actually, yeah, it's really fancy. The Luxor Restaurant."
Mabel let out an impressive whistle. "Girl, that's top-notch. You're going to have the best time!"
"Maybe," Lana said with a laugh, though doubt crept into her tone. "But I'm not even sure if I'm dressed right for it. I just have these jeans and this sweater.
Mabel dismissively waved her hand. "You look great, Lana. Besides, if he invited you there, he's expecting you just as you are."
She winked, pointing Lana toward the campus lot where her car, Rusty, was parked. "Come on, let me walk you to the car. I want to make sure you don't change your mind at the last minute."
Lana laughed. "Fine, fine. Let's go."
When they reached Rusty, Mabel gave her a warm, quick hug. "You got this, Lana. It is just a meeting, right? Be yourself. And if he doesn't appreciate that, well, he doesn't know what he's missing."
"Thanks, Mabel," Lana said with a reassuring smile. "I'll text you afterward and let you know how it goes.
Mabel beamed. "Yes, please! Now go knock 'em dead!" With that, she turned and headed off to find her boyfriend, leaving Lana to settle herself and drive to the restaurant.
The Luxor had been all Lana had wanted and then some: glass façades gleaming, elegant decoration which almost belonged to another world-one she had hardly ever felt part of.
She stepped out of her car, swallowing down a wave of nerves. “You got this,” she whispered to herself, straightening up and arranging her sweater.
Reaching the entrance, she flashed the invitation on her phone at the guards on duty. Silently, they nodded and pulled open the heavy doors, gesturing to her toward a private section in the back.
As she walked, her heart was racing with each step, but she was desperate to centralise her concentration on how exciting this all was.
As she entered the space reserved for her and Nikolai, her breath seized at the elegance of it: dark wood, polished marble, soft lighting.
She sat down, looking at the clock. It was 3.30. Half an hour yet before their due time but waiting at the table helped ease the nerves; giving her a few moments to keep calm.
Precisely at four, Nikolai appeared and Lana felt her cheeks flush as he entered the space with an unconscious assumption of control. He wore a sharp black suit that set off his chiselled features, and his emerald eyes softened as he looked at her.
"Miss Lane," he said, "I must say, punctuality is indeed refreshing.”
Lana forced a smile, hoping her voice wouldn't betray just how nervous she was. "Thank you, Mr. Sinclair. I-well, I didn't want to be late. This meeting means a lot to me."
He gave her an assuring nod, his eyes contemplative as he regarded her. "I can see that." After a moment, he followed with, "Please, just call me Nikolai."
She smiled wryly, nodding. "Alright, Nikolai.
There was a moment of silence as they both settled into the conversation, exchanging a few more formal pleasantries. Lana struggled to focus because she couldn't help but notice just how handsome he was, how his piercing gaze and calm demeanor intimidated yet intrigued her. But she pushed her own feelings aside, reminding herself she was here for business.
Nikolai got to the point, his hands folding in front of him. "I'd like to offer you the position of a full-time nanny to my children, Lana. And before you accept or decline, I want you to know that I'm prepared to offer you a salary of $500 a month."
Lana's eyes widened. Five hundred dollars? It was a figure she hadn't even conjured. That alone would cover her rent and bills, with enough left over to actually save.
"That's. generous," she stuttered, trying to hide her surprise.
Nikolai turned his head, watching her reaction. "I need someone reliable, someone I can trust. I know this isn't just an ordinary job, and I value commitment. I also understand that moving into the home would be a big change, but it would give you the proximity needed to look after the children properly.”
"Move in?" she repeated, sounding shocked. It was a thought that had never entered her mind; she'd pictured the commute from her modest apartment day in, day out. To live in the Sinclair household was another story of commitment altogether.
“Yes, easier for you, and the children,” Nikolai explained. You will, of course, have your own room, the privacy, and the freedom to come and go when and where you need to. But I really do think it best for the children to have someone who is always there.
Lana considered it, taking in the news. On one hand, the salary alone was enough to lure her in; living somewhere better, away from the hustle and bustle, seemed appealing. On the other hand, the responsibility hit her. This wasn't just babysitting; it was stepping into the children's lives, into their routine.
Finally, she looked up, her eyes meeting Nikolai's steady gaze. "I… I'd like to accept your offer."
A smile touched his lips. "Excellent. I'm glad to hear that, Lana. You'll start officially next Monday, but feel free to drop by this weekend to get acquainted with the household and the children.
Lana nodded, feeling both excitement and nerves all at once. "Thank you for this opportunity, Nikolai. I promise I'll do my best."
He sat back and his expression softened. "I have no doubt that you will. From what I've seen, you are just the sort of person they need.
An hour later, they concluded their talk, and Nikolai reached out. "Welcome aboard, Lana."
She took his hand, and pressed into his was firm and steady, in the warmth of his hand. "Thank you, Nikolai."