AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Fair point,” I admitted, a smirk playing on my lips. “But it’s not just about the jewels. I need someone who can handle the rest of the business. Can you?”
Zazie’s expression turned serious, the playful glint replaced with a sudden look of determination. “Absolutely. I might love the sparkle, but I understand the business side of things. Marketing, customer relations—I’ve got it covered. Your store deserves someone who can not only appreciate the beauty of the jewels, but also make them irresistible to others. That way, I make you money.”
Her confidence intrigued me. Her application certainly hadn’t suggested she had much work experience, but who really knew these days? Everyone had side hustles. Maybe she did too. Or she was lying and just really, really wanted the job. But in a way, wanting the job that much wasn’t a bad thing.
“I like the sound of that, but can you handle difficult clients?” I asked, raising an eyebrow expectantly.
She leaned back, a mischievous smile on her lips. “I’ve dealt with tougher crowds.”
“Have you now…?”
“Definitely,” she grinned wider.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I appraised her with a long look, pretending like I was considering her when I’d already long decided she would be working with me.
I’ve decided she’ll be writhing underneath me before long, too.
“Consider yourself hired.”
Her eyes lit up, and a genuine smile spread across her face. “Seriously? I—I wasn’t expecting it to be this easy.”
I smirked, enjoying the surprise and excitement written all over her face. “Now, when can you start?
Zazie blinked in astonishment, and then a grin broke out on her face. “Right away? I’m ready. Let’s do this.”
I extended my hand for a handshake, sealing the deal. “Welcome to Rails Jewels, Zazie. Let me show you around the place.”
CHAPTER 3
Three months later
Zazie
My brother and my grandmother had been ganging up on me for as long as I can remember. Honestly, I didn’t really remember anything before eight, but they had regularly complained about my “impulsivity problem”.
I thought they were nuts. I wasn’t impulsive. I had an appreciation for nice things!
And then I’d started shoplifting. I’m not talking about stealing gum at the checkout line, either.
And then I’d started shoplifting well.
And now I was working at a jewelry store, surrounded by temptations for nine hours a day, every day.
It was time to realize that they were right. And now I was in the middle of a big goddamned problem, and I was really struggling to keep myself together. I hated working there… yet I loved it. I longed for the place on my days off. And the home shopping network, which normally I watched in my bedroom with my hand down my pants, was barely taking the edge off.
Working around all this shiny stuff wasn’t enough. I wanted to roll in these gems. Would it probably be uncomfortable? Yeah. Penises were probably uncomfortable too, but lots of women wanted those inside of them anyway. Maybe this fantasy was like that—something deep, animalistic. Definitely shiny. So shiny. I just wanted to take them all and run away with them, but the one that was calling my name the most was the gorgeous diamond necklace in Murtagh’s office.
I tried to ignore it at first, but it was becoming harder, not easier.
Murtagh and I had developed a rapport. He could talk about gems as much as I could, only he knew a lot more than even I did. He was one of the most interesting gemologists probably in the world, and I had read a lot about gems from people in-the-know. He had studied them, he was very respected in his field, and he had come from apparently a long line of gemologists. I was super jealous of his knowledge.
I was even more jealous of that necklace, which I stared at a lot during our little chats.
I was closing up for the day and was really taking my time polishing some items while I looked through Murtagh’s open office door at the necklace.
Today was the day. I hadn’t known it was; but it was the day I couldn’t take it anymore. I needed that necklace like I needed air. Maybe not for long. I was just gonna snuggle it for a few… months…? It would just be a wild little fling…
Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I searched my inner self for some hidden supply of self-control, and I did not find it. In fact, the more I focused on breathing, the more I tried to think of a plan to steal that thing. I couldn’t slip into his office undiscovered, unlock the glass cabinet, and stuff it in my pocket before I ran out that door.
