The Purest of Diamonds(22)

                There wasn’t going to be anything else, Leila reassured herself as Raffa handed over her jacket. And this opportunity to inspect his famous gem collection was too good to miss. If Raffa would allow her to display some of his world-famous pieces, it would really put Skavanga on the map.

                ‘Ready, Leila?’

                ‘Ready,’ she confirmed.

                This was her breakout year after all, she consoled herself as they walked towards the bank of elevators. And she was good at her job. What did she have to worry about? This was an amazing opportunity and she should seize it with both hands.

                Let the mouse roar?

                Yes. But couldn’t she have started at a lower volume with a milder man?

                It was too late to turn back now. Raffa was already swiping his card for the penthouse floor. ‘After you,’ he said as the doors slid open.

                There couldn’t be anything more to this invitation, could there?

                Almost certainly not, but as she stared into the small steel cabin she got the sense that once she stepped inside her fate was sealed.

                So go back home. Drink cocoa for the rest of your life. Resume mouse duties.

                She chose to be bold.





                                      CHAPTER FOUR

                LEILA SPENT MOST of the journey up to his suite rattling off her credentials, perhaps because she needed to reassure herself that her degree in Gemology and Business Studies was the only thing that could possibly interest him. She kept this going until the elevator slowed and he pulled away from the wall where he’d been leaning.

                ‘Very interesting,’ he assured her. ‘But the fact that you played hockey for the university team, and have Grade Eight piano with Distinction, isn’t really relevant to me.’

                ‘What is?’

                For a moment there was something in his eyes that really, really made Leila wish she hadn’t asked that question. But then the look was gone, leaving her wondering if she’d imagined it, as Raffa returned to being the soigné billionaire with the slanting smile that could conquer the world.

                ‘Your enthusiasm, Leila,’ he explained. ‘Your enthusiasm when you talk about the mining museum. Your plans for it, and your dedication to the work you’re doing there—with the children especially. You impressed me.’

                ‘Are you saying you were giving me a job interview all the time we were sitting in the lounge?’

                ‘You could put it that way.’

                ‘I see.’ Raffa’s job offer was no joke, she realised as her heart began to pound.

                ‘I’ll square it with Britt,’ he added as she frowned in thought. ‘I’m sure your sister can get someone to cover for you while you’re away.’

                Leila smiled at that suggestion. ‘I’ll square it with Britt. She is my sister, Raffa.’ And would have plenty to say about this plan, Leila was sure. ‘I should get word to Britt now, in fact, to let her know where I am.’

                ‘You don’t have to tell her everything tonight. I recommend choosing another time. You don’t want to spoil her party, do you, Leila?’