7 Wrestle And Wriggle (1/2)

The conviction in my words seemed true when they came out of my mouth.

”What are you good at?” he asked, a calculative look flas.h.i.+ng across his eyes. All traces of humor had left his eyes, what remained was the businessman. He stood up abruptly, took his phone and muttered a quiet 'come in' into it.

I was bewildered by his actions.

”Anthony?” I heard someone call from the door. Anthony just waved the person in. The man who entered was tall, burly, and had black spiky hair.

”Scott, please join me.” He gestured to the chair in front of him. Scott turned to me with a serious look in his eyes and looked me over once.

Anthony too was staring at me, and his look held excitement. I mulled over the option carefully, I wondered if he liked what he saw. From the hint of amus.e.m.e.nt I found in his eyes, I had a feeling that he wasn't going to go easy on me in this little 'interview'.

”I like your spirit, but if you want to work in this industry, you need to turn it down a notch.”

The graveness of his voice stunned me, if only for a fraction of a second. He did mean business. While his playful side was irritating, this gruff and businesslike att.i.tude was something I preferred. He was easier to predict in this mode.

”Now tell me what you're good at.”

”Everything.” I couldn't help but smirk. I could do everything that he could. Maybe not better, but surely not far behind his level. I had prepared myself for it my whole life.

He reached to his waist and pulled out his gun and threw it towards me. I caught it without exerting much effort. I just gave him a confused look.

”Dismantle it,” he ordered.

'Dismantle it? Has he lost his mind?'

”You're not good at taking orders, are you?” he snorted. ”I said, 'dismantle it'.”

I furrowed my eyes together but didn't question him as I dismantled the gun piece by piece.

”Good. Now, put it back together.”

I leaned forward to take the trigger and he stopped me.

”Wait. I want to time you. I'll give you thirty seconds to put it back together. Scott here will shoot you if you take longer.” His voice was filled with authority. I shuddered in excitement.

'What is he playing at?'

I roved through the parts and realized the problem. There was a part missing.

”b.a.s.t.a.r.d,” I hissed under my breath as I took out my own gun and pointed it at Scott.

Both the men looked shocked at my reaction.

”You didn't finish the task. You pulled your gun out, instead. Should I ask Scott to pull the trigger?” His threat made no difference to me. I wasn't scared of him. I held the gun at Scott's head, knowing full well that I had pa.s.sed the test. I had overcome the challenge. It didn't matter if I put the gun together. What mattered was my reaction.

”I don't have time for your stupid games, Anthony.”

”But this was supposed to be a lesson, darling. You should be vigilant at all times.” His tone was almost taunting. ”I'm impressed that you caught my little trick and had the b.a.l.l.s to point your gun at him. I like to be prepared for the worst and I am glad that you feel the same way.”

He walked straight to me and handed me the bullet.

”Nice work,” he whispered into my ears. My eyes narrowed at him and he burst into laughter.

”You can leave now, Scott.” His voice was friendly again. ”Are you good at combat?” he asked after some time of silence. I fidgeted under his scrutiny but nodded.

”Isn't it a bit too hot in here?” He tugged at his s.h.i.+rt and opened it.

'What the—'

I tried not to ogle, and at last, looked towards the ground. This man was twelve or so years older than me and certainly no movie star that I could form an immature crush on. I wasn't so weak.

”You should take off that jacket, you know,” he said with amus.e.m.e.nt.

I didn't flinch back as he touched my shoulder and tried to open the first b.u.t.ton. I slapped his hand away. Swearing under my breath, I jumped away from him when he tried to come near again.

'What a jacka.s.s!' I thought to myself as I got hold of his misbehaving hand and strategically twisted it so that I was pressed against his back, and his hand was locked behind his back in my tight grip. He laughed, impressed by my little show.

Before I understood what hit me, I twirled around and flinched as he grabbed my hand and locked it behind me.

'Son of a b.i.t.c.h.'