Morning Breath
The morning sun poured through cheap blinds. The alarm on Eli’s phone buzzed a second time, relentless, annoying, necessary.
He groaned, buried his face deeper into his pillow, and debated whether or not selling his soul for five more minutes of sleep was worth it.
He rolled out of bed with all the grace of a baby deer learning how legs worked, yawning so hard his jaw cracked.
His tiny studio apartment was no luxury penthouse, but it was his.
A single futon, a bathroom, and a kitchenette with exactly two forks. One of which he couldn’t find.
Still, it beat living in dorms back in uni.
Dragging himself to the bathroom, he turned on the faucet and stared at himself in the mirror.
Gray under eyes, pouty lips.
He muttered, clapping his cheeks.
Eli Moore
You’ve got this, Eli.
Eli Moore
Don’t throw up on the CEO.
A quick cleanse, serum, moisturizer, lip balm. He even misted his face.
Then came the outfit, a light blue shirt, black slacks, and a slim tie he YouTubed how to tie three times.
He stared at himself again before leaving.
He muttered, forcing a crooked smile.
Eli Moore
You look like you’ve got your life together.
The breakfast was rushed, toast with a little butter and a banana. He didn’t have time for anything fancy.
The train to Reid Enterprises was mercifully on time, and before he knew it, he was standing in the enormous marble lobby of one of the most powerful companies in the city.
A voice snapped him out of his daze.
Lana Kim
Are you the new intern?
She asked, heels clicking toward him.
Eli turned and met sharp brown eyes, bold red lipstick, and a blazer that screamed I don’t do small talk unless it’s useful.
She was beautiful, confident, commanding and holding a clipboard like it owed her money.
He nodded quickly, offering a nervous smile.
Lana Kim
Don’t call me ma’am, I hate that.
Lana Kim
Also, if you’re even thinking about crying on the first day, go to the bathroom first.
Lana Kim
People here don’t know how to comfort interns.
Lana Kim
They just send you home with a write up.
Her lips twitched, almost a smile.
Lana Kim
You’re cute enough to get away with being clueless.
He laughed, feeling better.
Lana walked him through the halls, fast paced and ruthless.
The office was a maze of glass walls, and quiet conversations.
Everyone looked perfect. Not just good, they looked expensive.
As if their sweat cost more than Eli’s rent.
Lana Kim
You’ll be helping across departments, but your main supervisor is him.
Lana said, stopping in front of a huge double door.
Eli blurted, then mentally slapped himself.
Good job. Drool over your boss on day one.
Lana Kim
Don’t take it personally if he doesn’t remember your name.
Lana Kim
Or your existence.
Lana Kim
Or the fact that humans have feelings.
Lana Kim
He’s.. how do I put this politely... cold blooded.
The door opened as if summoned by their whispers.
Tall, sharp suited, not a single hair out of place.
He looked like he belonged on the cover of Elle Men Magazines.
His dark eyes flicked over Eli for half a second, clinical, bored, and then returned to his phone screen.
Lana Kim
Your intern’s here.
Zack Reid
Tell him to bring the Carter files to me by noon.
Zack Reid
And shut the door.
Zack said before walking away.
Dismissed. Just like that.
Eli stood there, blinking, before Lana nudged him forward.
Lana Kim
Welcome to the jungle, sweetheart.
She whispered before walking off.
Eli’s heart was pounding in his chest, throat dry.
This was fine. Everything was fine.
All he had to do was survive.
He didn’t know it yet, but this wasn’t just the start of a new job.
It was the beginning of the end.
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