Free Burned Deep by Calista Fox Page A

envelope that matched his business card, though larger and rectangular in shape. He set it on the table.
    My full name—Aria Lynne DeMille—was neatly, artistically centered in the middle.
    â€œI’ve set the date for the grand opening. New Year’s Eve. We’ll start off the new year—the first year for 10,000 Lux—with a huge bash the night before. I want you in charge of it, and all the associated functions leading up to it, including the soft launch and the press events. And think of the weddings and galas we’ll host here.” With two fingers, he pushed the envelope toward me. “Take a peek.” The flicker of excitement in his eyes had curiosity clawing at me.
    I wasn’t sure this was a sane path to travel. But I couldn’t stop myself from reaching for the envelope. I untucked the flap and withdrew the matching card inside.
    There was nothing on it, save for two numbers, centered as my name had been and stacked on top of each other. Figures that made my heart nearly leap from my chest.
    I tore my gaze from the cardstock and asked, “Are there typos here?”
    He smirked again. “No typos.”
    â€œYou’re serious?”
    He nodded. “First one’s an annual salary. I also provide a rich benefits package, including free golf for my senior executive team, of which you’d be a part.”
    My brow dipped. Did he know who my dad was?
    Not missing a beat, Dane added, “The second figure is your yearly budget.”
    â€œOh.” Wow. My fingers trembled again as I held the note card.
    â€œConsider your environment, Ari.” He spread his arms wide, indicating all that was 10,000 Lux.
    â€œSure, but—” All these heart palpitations couldn’t be good for me. “Dane.” I glared at him, incredulous.
    He glared back. “Not enough?”
    I was just about to launch into an all-out this offer is obscene and I can’t do this! when he stood abruptly.
    â€œWhy don’t I show you to your office?”
    â€œMy—” Oh, crap. My office?
    He really was the devil. He knew all the threads to pull in order to unravel me.
    Rib eye and crab béarnaise be damned, I was on my feet in a heartbeat. He grinned knowingly. I ignored his arrogance. Despite the daunting flash in my mind of this could be an episode of 666 Park Avenue unfolding, I followed him.
    He ushered me inside and down the hallway to a discreet bank of elevators. Exhilaration chased through me. I’d devoted so much of my time and energy to fulfilling others’ wishes, it was surreal to be thrust into my own fairy tale. Even when I wondered if giving in to my dreams might bend more toward nightmarish than fantasy when it came to a man who seemed determined to win at all costs. A man who seemed resolute about possessing … me .
    We left the elevator on the top floor and traveled the wide, marbled corridor. Dane stopped halfway down and retrieved a card key from his inner jacket pocket, swiping it over the electronic reader. He opened the door and we moved inside.
    My gaze swept through the room, my jaw falling slack. It was huge, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the gardens and fountains, the majestic canyons in the distance. A plush white sofa and two stylish armless chairs were situated on one side with a glass coffee table in the center, along with matching end tables and tall exotic bamboo trees and birds of paradise to accent the living room setting.
    The floor was a dark, polished hardwood that set off all the pristine white. In the far corner was a large desk situated on the diagonal, also with a glass top. There was a conference table that accommodated eight, and a marble-countered wet bar. I had no doubt it was fully stocked with FIJI water, champagne, and scotch for the Lux’s upper-echelon clientele.
    â€œYou don’t have to keep this furniture,” he said from behind me. “We can replace all of this and