My Sweet Punishment by Amelia Brooks (best book club books of all time .TXT) 📕

Henry

       As I drove home, I kept playing back in my head recent conversation with the girl. Fuck! And I wasn’t kidding. I actually asked her to sleep with me first. But when I saw her reaction to my offer, I immediately overplayed the situation. For some reason, I wasn’t ready to let her go now.

      And this stupid offer to become my assistant. No, I’m really upon the look right now. Previously the work of my secretary was enough for me. But the business is growing rapidly, and now I constantly need someone to help me, not just at the office. For Wednesday, I have already reserved some time specifically to conduct an interview with the selected candidates. And now…

      Last year of the University of Economics, huh? When did this become a significant criterion for hiring an employee, Henry? If the girl knew that the former Harvard graduates send resumes to my company. And by the way, I’m not in a hurry to hire them right away.

      And that helpless look in her eyes and constant trembling knees. Pisses me off! Am I that terrible? I saved her twice. I think it’s time to return the favor.

       I need to sleep with the girl as soon as possible and forget about her, or even better to fire right after. Our chance meetings are a bad influence on me. Instead of thinking with my head, I start thinking with what is in my pants. For example, I ladle out job offers. And how her eyes lit up when I mentioned a decent salary. Hmm... maybe, I should have offered her money back then. I would have slept with her today and forgotten. Okay, there’s still time until Wednesday. I will think about how this issue can be resolved.

      And what do I see in her? Initially, I was interested in the mystery woman from the gazebo. And now... I wouldn’t say she’s that beautiful. And those ridiculous clothes of hers. I smiled at the memory of her nervously fingering the edges of her hoody with… Minion? Seriously? How old is she?

Mia

      God, I didn’t sleep well last night. If I can even say that I slept. I couldn’t stop thinking about what is going to happen on Wednesday. I kept tossing and turning, and it seems that I fell asleep only in the morning.

      And it wasn’t the sound of the alarm that woke me up; it was that damn erotic dream again. Only this time, I clearly saw the face of my “tormentor” – my future boss. And I felt so vividly everything that he did to me. As if in reality. I think I won’t be able to look straight in his face after this. But I couldn’t have done it before, though…

      Maybe I should get on a dating website? Go out on a couple of dates, and my “illness” will finally go away. As soon as I have time, I will definitely do it.

      I took my phone to turn off the alarm that still hadn’t rung, and again I saw one unread message from Mike.

      Mike: “Good morning, babe. I’ve got a lot of work to do today, but I’ll still be thinking about you. Have a nice day.”

       When will he stop bugging me? Although, let him write to himself. I’m not going to answer it anyway. The main thing is that he doesn’t wait for me at the house with his useless apologies anymore.

       I deleted all messages from the guy and dialed Olivia’s number. The girl picks up the phone almost after the first beep.

      “Hi! Mia, I’m so glad you called me.” My bestie was obviously waiting for my call. “What happened at the reception, I left you and…”

      “Olivia, I’m not mad at you. So you don’t have to worry about making stupid excuses anymore. But this is my last night out with you… Next time, I’ll only come to your wedding.”

      “But, Mia...” the girl apparently wanted to object something.

      “I’ll hang up the phone, Olivia.” I interrupted the girl.

      “All right, all right!” Apparently, my blackmail worked, and my friend gave up. “How are things at work, by the way? When will I see you again?” Olivia peppered me with questions.

      “I’m quitting the club.” I decided to share the news with the girl.

      “What do you mean, quitting?” Olivia was surprised.

      “I was offered another job, and I accepted it.” I sighed heavily.

      “Well, that’s terrific, Mia!” My friend was happy for me. “You should have left the club a long time ago. You always worked your butt off, and for such pennies!” Well, for me they weren’t pennies. “So, what’s the other job? And who offered it?”

      “I don’t know,” I answered honestly. And this answer made me feel like such an idiot.

      “How can you not know?”

      “Like now. All I know is that I’m going to work as an assistant and for some company.”

    “Damn it, Mia! I thought I was an adventuress in our couple. And it turns out, still waters run deep...” laughed the girl.

       But for some reason, I didn’t share her joy right now. Damn nerves. Should I take a sedative?

      “Wait!” Olivia exclaimed suddenly. “What are you going to wear on your first day?”