𝐼 𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝒲𝒶𝓃𝓃𝒶 𝐿𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝐹𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 [p]

Grayson allowed silence to wash over them, his stare stationed on the floor. He was as still as a statue, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. Hazel's words of encouragement snapped him out of his stupor and he shuffled his feet. "I want to apologize for earlier today. Your interview." He said at last, his brows kneading. "Hazel, I'm sorry. I don't know what else to do?" He looked up suddenly, a hint of remorse in his brown eyes. "Did you get the roses?"

Grayson lifted a hand as if to quiet her. "Please, let me explain." He said quietly, seeing the obvious confusion that inflicted the girl. He inhaled deeply, allowing another period of silence, before parting his lips and breathing a soft sigh. "Hazel... You have to understand something. The Masarotto Hotel is everything to me. It's my father's legacy." He explained carefully. His cocoa orbs studied her as he spoke, noticing the way her fingers danced across his mahogany desk.

Grayson nodded gravely. He returned his attention to the empty shot glass on his desk, toying with it thoughtfully. "I only want the best staff working there. I can't have anyone lose focus." He continued. Lifting the crystalline glass, he examined it closely, turning it over in his palm and admiring the way the light sparkled on it's expensive surface.

Grayson continued ogling the glass for several more moments before setting it back down and pushing it a few inches away, as if to keep it from distracting him. "Of all the people I interviewed, you were the only one who really was flexible. With this much money and power comes some very easy people. Seduction is their only tactic to winning the position. You, came in ready for business. But, you were very adaptable. Right 'til the end. You didn't argue when I sent you out. Even now, you came with me willingly, keeping yourself unfazed and ready for whatever comes your way." He vocalized. His pupils returned to her own, staring into her soft greenish-brown eyes. "I know my way of doing this is irrational and unconventional, but my last assistant, well..." He paused, thinking back to the woman who he had bestowed so much energy upon. "She broke my trust. It's not something I ever want to happen again." He slouched, a slight frown forming on his lips as his memories ran through his brain. Still, the emotion was short-lived before he straightened up. "I understand if you don't want to hear me out, truly, I do... But, I read over your CV. Your credentials are very impressive, Hazel. I'd love to have a formal, proper interview with you and go from there. I really do think you have what it takes for this job."

Grayson smiled, happy at the girl's acceptance. However, she went on to admit her apprehension, which forced his brows to draw together. He had sat through so many dull interviews, and none had peaked his interest like Hazel Morris. "A job like this would open a lot of doors for you, Hazel." He informed her quickly. He hadn't expected that he would need to make much of an argument for her to join. He wasn't used to people, especially young women, hesitating when he offered them things. He noticed her pupils lingering on the lower half of his face but he refused to show that he noticed. "I'll have my secretary set up an interview for you tomorrow if you like?"

Grayson smiled warmly, perhaps the most emotion he had revealed to the girl since she had met him. "I'm glad I met you. The position was originally only for Alexander, my assistant manager. But... After extenuating circumstances beyond my control, my own personal assistant resigned this morning. I'd genuinely love for you to take on this role, Hazel." He continued. "I had to find you, Miss Morris." He added, his tone becoming more sinister, his pupils staring deeper into Hazel's eyes.

Grayson watched her intently, studying her soft features with his almond eyes. "More like you found me." He corrected her, his simper widening. He was impressed by how well she could hold his stare. Most people became awkward and fidgety under his bold sight, but Hazel returned his gaze with equal intensity. She was certainly something else. Although much of their interview had been a test, he had to admit that it hadn't been entirely procedural. He still thought she was an incredibly beautiful woman. He straightened from where he'd been leaning against his desk, making his way across the room towards Hazel. He passed close enough to brush against her smooth shoulder before striding towards the door. "Come on, your friend must be worried." The tall man said, opening the door of his office. The quiet space was instantly filled with heavy bass and screaming party people.

The millionaire turned, surprise to have Hazel's fingers latch onto the expensive fabric that made up his jacket. He peered down at her curiously, wondering what it was she seemed so desperate to tell him. When she simply thanked him, the male offered a small smile and tipped his head. Hazel was stunning, especially with the flashing club lights dancing across her pale skin, flickers of red and blue bursting on her cleavage. Grayson ignored her beauty, turning back to face the crowds. He mentally reminded himself of how much the Masarotto Hotel meant to him. Reminded himself of the legacy he held onto. "I'll help you find her." He spoke. The tall man made his way easily through the crowd. People seemed to sense his presence, and quickly made room, their glittering pupils cross-examining him. "Do you see her?" He asked, glancing back towards the brunette.

Mimi had flirted with the sexy Cuban for longer than she thought was acceptable before excusing herself to go find Hazel. When she couldn't spot her (or Jay) in the crowd, she began to get nervous. What if Hazel had abandoned her and gone home with Jay? Mimi couldn't face such a betrayal. She hoped that wasn't the case. The latina was now stationed back at the bar, sipping fervently on a wine cooler while her dark optics traveled around the busy room in search of her roommate.

Mimi stood up upon making eye contact with her friend, surprise and anger pulsing throughout her body. She didn't recognize the man that Hazel was with, and although he was plenty tall and handsome, she didn't necessarily care to meet him. "Where have you been!? I've been worried sick, missus." She demanded, a little wobbly from one too many drinks. "And who is this?" She demanded, waving her hands at Mr. Masarotto.

As Hazel introduced them, Grayson gave a bow of his head to acknowledge her roommate. "I'm Hazel's new boss." The brown-haired male tacked on to the end of Hazel's title for him.

Upon hearing who it was, Mimi's brown orbs widened. "Wait a second... This... This is... This is the bastard who tried it on with you?" The girl exclaimed, remembering the reason they'd come to the bar in the first place. She ignored Hazel's question about the tab, her full energy focused on the attractive man in front of her.

Grayson was unfazed by Mimi's outburst. Instead, he spoke politely and returned to his usual emotionless state. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Mimi."

Mimi's almond eyes moved from the man to her friend who stood beside him. "Hazel? Care to explain what in the name of all things unholy is going on?" She spoke tightly, folding her arms over her chest. At the mention of Jay, the girl felt herself loosen up slightly. She'd heard a lot of negative things about this Grayson Masarotto, but she still had more things to dislike about Jay. She glanced back over at the tall man, a hint of curiosity in her features.

"Hazel, I have some business I need to attend to. I truly hope you'll come in for the position." Grayson spoke, looking down at the rolex that dawned his wrist. Giving a nod of pardon to the two women, the millionaire excused himself and disappeared back into the crowd of people.

With him gone, Mimi stared curiously at Hazel, waiting for her to speak.