Beautiful Pain Read Online Free PDF Page A

someone knocked the door and Michael walked in looking slightly uncomfortable.
     
    “ I do apologize for the intrusion, however I need you to come with me into the reception, it’s pretty urgent,” he said, scanning the room. His eyes stopped on Harry, then moved to Sophia.
     
    Susan stared at him for several seconds, contemplating what to do. Harry obviously wasn’t happy with Sophia, so maybe she should tell him to wait downstairs until she was going to be back. On the other hand, Susan wanted to give Sophia an opportunity to build a rapport with him. She was going to be working with him from now on.
     
    “ I will be back in a few minutes. Just continue with the standard questions, Sophia. Everything is on the screen,” said Susan, glancing at Sophia who nodded. Susan got up and departed the office, leaving Sophia alone with Harry.
     
    Sophia moved her chair to face Harry, feeling that her flushed cheeks were out of control. She clicked on the computer screen and inhaled the scent of his cologne. He smelled of grapefruit blossom and ginger. She cleared her throat, trying to calm her galloping heart, and sucked in a sharp breath. The next set of questions were about employment, so this was easy.
     
    “ I can see here that a previous officer asked you to apply for a few construction jobs, so have you had any—”
     
    “ You are pissing me off with these pointless questions’ he thundered cutting her off ‘Just tell me, how old are you?”
     
    Sophia looked at his dark brown eyes that reminded her of pools of warm chocolate. She knew that he was trying to make her uncomfortable; his techniques of intimidation were good but she could play this game as well. She ignored the cold flush of sweat that suddenly covered her body and decided to carry on.
     
    “ So have you applied for those jobs or not? It’s a simple question.”
     
    “ Just tell Susan that you don’t feel comfortable in keeping me on your caseload. We both know that I would be better off staying with her,” he replied simply, not taking his dark eyes off her. She held his gaze. It was time for her to show him that she was in control here and he has to listen to her. She drew a breath and leaned towards him.
     
    “ You better start treating me with respect. I can make one phone call and you will be back to prison in no time at all. My age is my business, so start responding because you are staying with me whether you like it or not.”
     
    She didn’t move away, waiting for his response. Her face was only a couple of inches away from his, she could clearly see his beautiful features. His Irish accent rang in her brain. She felt a cold shiver that travelled down her spine as he narrowed his eyes. He couldn’t have been more than twenty-five, but she wasn’t sure. She could easily check later.
     
    He didn’t move; instead, he leaned even closer, challenging her. Sophia thought that he looked like he was enjoying this game, but she wasn’t going to show him that he intimidated her. She wasn’t afraid of him. His eyes moved down to her lips.
     
    “ I have applied for all the jobs that she asked me to apply for, so now are you going to tell me how old you are?” he asked, leaning back into his chair. Sophia moved back, breathing heavily. She had to control herself more effectively around him, he was just a client. Harry O’Donaghue was a challenge. She never felt anxious at work. Dealing with people that weren’t related to her gave her confidence and strength.
     
    “ So what sort of jobs are you looking for then? Susan left a few notes on the system saying that you don’t mind what you are going to do.”
     
    “ You don’t stop, do you?” he asked, arching his eyebrow. “I want to know why you are so far away from home.”
     
    “ Harry, my patience is going to run out soon, so please let’s just try to communicate here. I am not Susan, but I can try to help you. However, you need to start working with me here