Strife: Part Three (The Strife Series Book 3) (5 page)

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After returning from checking out colleges and looking through the brochures, I nap long and hard. It's crazy how a day spent walking around campuses in the heat can drain a person.

When I wake, my mood is just as good as it was when I went to sleep. Today has been a perfect day, and I can't imagine anything screwing it up. Even the thought of going into James' office doesn't bring me down.

I put on the other insufficient dress I bought, knowing that James is going to bitch at me about it though I don't really care. At least, I'm mentally prepared for it this time. I'll just tell him that I'll buy better dresses when I get paid. More than likely, he'll lend me another outfit for the night. I highly doubt he'll fire me now that I've proved to be such a valuable asset to his company.

I put on my makeup and decide to wear my hair down since that seems to be James' preference. Then I take the dress from last night, fold it up, stick it in a plastic bag, and head out the door with it. James will probably be mad that it's not on a hanger, but it's better to keep it hidden while I'm riding on the bus.

I arrive at his office on time and take confident strides through the door. For once, I don't have to fake it. I feel good about myself, hopeful for another night with Dmitri. The thought of seeing him again makes butterflies flutter in my stomach.

James glances up at me from his computer, though he doesn't seem happy to see me. His face is set in a scowl as he looks at my dress.

I hold my hand out to him before he has a chance to say something negative. “I know. I'll buy something better when I get paid.”

He huffs at me, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. “It doesn't matter anyway.”

“Why not?” I set the bag on his desk, nervousness welling up inside of me from the discontent in his tone.

“Because you're not working tonight.”

From the Author

I hope you've enjoyed Strife: Part Three. Part Four will be available shortly.

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