Stitch

her the job at my clinic.” Elijah motioned to Demitri to follow him to his office. “She asked the right questions, like what her role would be here. She’s a go-getter, and you know, I like that quality in a person, especially a member of my staff. I think I shocked her when I told her she could start taking patients her first day.”
“She’s really that good? You aren’t just looking for a piece of ass?” Demitri joked, but Elijah could sense there was some seriousness there as well.
“I know a lot of veterinarians, including those who’ve been around for a while, and believe me when I say that Mia can run circles around them.”
They each took a seat in the chairs in front of Elijah’s desk.
“Just to make sure she’d take the job, I sweetened the compensation package.”
Demitri grinned. Elijah could tell that Mia had caught Demitri’s attention. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. Demitri wasn’t a one-woman man. Demitri used his charm, money, and good looks to hook the woman he was interested in, and then once he satisfied his needs, he’d kick her to the curb. What many people didn’t know was that Demitri had a dark side. He owned several businesses, both in the United States and in Europe. Buried beneath those legit businesses were illegal dealings. His European business was his money maker. He was the majority stakeholder but silent partner of the top lingerie design firm in all of Europe. Rumor was he ran a small but profitable high priced prostitution ring using some of the models. However, it wasn’t as if Elijah could cry foul, since he, too had his own dark secret.
“Are you attending the Fur Ball gala tomorrow night?” Demitri asked.
“I am. I’ve got a few people I need to catch up with. I’m going to ask—"
“Excuse me, Dr. Walters,” Mia said from the doorway, and Elijah smiled. Right on time, he thought to himself. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to let you know the puppies are tucked in for the night.  If you don’t need anything else, I’m going to head out for the evening.”
“Mia, please come in for a minute.” He motioned to her. She came closer but appeared nervous. She looked toward Demitri, who was eating her up with his eyes. Elijah cleared his throat, drawing her attention back to him.
“Do you have any plans tomorrow evening?”
She drew her eyebrows inward and shook her head. “No. No plans.”
He smiled. “Well, if you are interested, I have an extra ticket to the Fur Ball. There will be numerous clients and associates of the clinic in attendance that I’d like to introduce you to. It would be a great networking opportunity for you.”
“Really? I’ve heard that it is one of the hardest tickets to obtain here in the city. As far as galas go, that is.”
Elijah nodded, “It is the hottest ticket in town, and I’d very much like to allow you the opportunity to attend. I’ll be attending.” He stared at Mia, and a thought came to mind. Maybe tomorrow night would be an opportune time to get a little closer to Mia. Maybe give her a taste of what it could be like being with him and a chance to find out more about her. “I’ll even pick you up.”
Mia’s eyes widened, almost making Elijah laugh. “You don’t have to pick me up.”
Elijah smiled. “So, is that a yes to attending as my guest?”
Her face lit up, and he knew he had sold her on it. “Yes! Thank you so much.”
“You’re very welcome. And, I do insist that I pick you up. You’ll be thanking me once you see the line to the valet.  It is a nightmare. I’ll be at your apartment building around six-thirty. Take tomorrow off if you need to.” He didn’t leave any room for an argument. He knew from past functions such as this one that women needed a whole day to prepare.
“Okay. If you really don’t mind me sharing a ride with you, I’d appreciate it.”
He gave her a soft smile. “Go on and get out of here.  Great job tonight, and I mean it, take tomorrow off. You’ve earned it.”
She nodded her head and then turned toward Demitri. “Demitri, it was nice meeting you.”
Demitri smiled, “I’m sure our paths will cross again. Take care, Mia.”
With one last wave over her shoulder, she exited the office. Elijah waited until he heard the side entrance door close before he spoke. As the metal door slammed shut, he turned toward Demitri, who had a wicked grin growing on his face.
“Well, my friend, it looks as if you have a date tomorrow. And if I’m honest, I’m pissed at myself for not beating you to the invite. It would have been a joy to have that beauty on my arm.”
Elijah smirked. Typical Demitri. He needed to make sure he kept Mia out of Demitri’s grasps. If not, it could possibly lead to trouble.
“I’d say Mia bought your sob story about the puppies being thrown out with the trash.”
Elijah ran his hand through his hair. “I think so, but she’s not the one I’m concerned about.”
“You’ve got a snitch?”
“I think so, but I need to set a trap.”
“Someone here at the clinic.”
Elijah stared at Demitri. He knew he could trust him; hell, Demitri would probably help set the trap.
“Willow.”
Demitri looked surprised. “The receptionist?”
“I think so.”
“Holy shit. That woman is like a mouse. She hardly says anything or makes eye contact with anyone. Are you sure?” Demitri questioned.
“She gossips. And lately, she’s been asking some questions that shouldn’t concern her.”
Elijah shook his head. “I’ve got some of the guys keeping an eye on her.”

Chapter Two
Mia felt that tingling sensation start to creep along the back of her neck. She always got that feeling when she felt something felt off. She pushed the creepy feeling aside as she tried hard not to appear disrespectful in the middle of what had to have