The pulsing of the elevator’s steel walls inclining upward rattled my thoughts. I gripped the handrail and quelled the remaining—terrifying stories of Grim aside.

This was my first time meeting him. How bad could he be? It was only baseless rumors from scorned employees, nothing more.

The elevator slammed into place, and I stumbled forward before the automatic doors slid open.

My wild heartbeat throbbed against my chest and muffled the smooth jazz resounding up the hall.

Breathe, just breathe. It's not that big of a deal. Maybe he would only give me a little slap on the wrist, and that's it. Another write-up? Doable. I'm the fucking queen of write-ups and getting them removed from my record? Easy-peasy.

I wobbled through the dim light; my legs threatening to give out as the soles of my heels clicked against the gold-speckled obsidian tiles. It was like entering Hell all over again.

My heart pounded harder when I neared the looming bone-white door.

With one more deep breath, I exhaled, shook out the lingering tension in my hands, and pushed the door open.

Moonlight pooled in from the tempered glass windows, illuminating the two gun-metal gray chairs next to the desk. The office chair faced away from me, overlooking the city doused in a kaleidoscopic glow.

My breathing muted the world around me, and I began to question whether I should sit or wait for Grim to acknowledge my presence.

But I had never been the patient type in all my years of living and reaping, and it was painstakingly obvious I entered the room.

Could he be more rude?

I cleared my throat. “Sir?” I waited for a response but only the vibration of keys from a piano echoing off the speakers consumed us.

Was he really going to make me keep gabbing?

I took one treacherous step forward, prompting him to notice me.

All the blood ran cold in my body as Grim’s deep, velvety voice rang in my ears. “Do you know why I called for you?”

My mouth dried up, and the slow ticking of a clock cut through the melody of the song and sent chills down my spine as his voice froze me in place.

Grim clicked his tongue in annoyance and swung the chair around, meeting my wide honey-brown eyes.

He stood up and stalked over toward me.

Grim’s smooth raven black hair shimmered purple hues from the cascading moonlight; his threatening aura fit his physique well as the black suit hugged his muscular shoulders—extra tight around the waist and legs.

His predatorial walk made me want to melt or run away, but neither seemed like a viable option.

I almost forgot how to breathe as he stood above me; his piercing dark eyes boring a hole into my skull. His face had no hint of emotion. If anything—he looked pissed off that he had to meet with me right now.

“Well?” Grim tilted his head and crossed his arms, his pecs flexed with the slightest movement of his suit jacket.

“I… well… yes?” Holy shit. How could I respond to that? Was he talking about recent mistakes, or ones when I first started reaping? Or the ones I covered up?

All I wanted was to go home and snuggle with my cat and eat takeout. But the way Grim glared down at me, told me, I wouldn't be doing any of that, any time soon.

“Good. At least you're not completely incompetent.” Grim turned away from me, and I eased my breathing. He pointed his index finger down at the gray chair as he hovered beside it. “Please, sit.”

He sure as hell didn't have to tell me twice. I scurried my weak legs to one of the gray chairs and plopped down, grabbing the sidearms of it.

If I behaved myself then maybe my punishment would be light.

Grim traced his hand along the back of the chair, sending gooseflesh down my neck.

I didn't flinch, too afraid I’d piss him off. The last rumor I heard about him—he dragged a few interns back down to hell himself because they got his coffee order wrong.

And I swore I would never go back there no matter what I had to do. I'd get down on my knees and beg. Did I have any pride? Nope. Never heard of her.

“I can't tell if your supervisor likes you or pities you. The fact your existence hasn't been brought to my attention until now is astounding.” Grim snatched a file off his desk and started flicking through pages of it. “Estelle Viro. Twenty misplaced souls, fifteen sent to hell, ten turned into revenants, three vengeful spirits. Shall I go on?” He threw the file across the desk and it landed right in front of me.

I gulped, picked the file up, and opened it.

All my mistakes were neatly highlighted in neon yellow and there were a lot. But how could there be this many? It didn't make any sense. I couldn't question him though.

I needed to kiss-ass and get through this alive or well… not dragged down to hell. “No need. I understand why I'm here.” I closed the folder and placed it back on his desk. I stole a peek in Grim’s direction, who held a pinched scowl as he furrowed his dark brows. “I will take your punishment as you see tit.” My breath hitched and my eyes widened in horror and I squeaked out, “Fit. As you see fit.”

Grim’s dark expression didn't waver, and I wished I could keel over and die again and be reborn as something simple. A flower. A ladybug. A cat. Just not a reaper. Not here. Not now. Definitely not with him.

Grim grumbled under his breath, rubbed the nape of his neck, pulled out his chair, and sat back down. “First, I will be accompanying you during your fieldwork where I can evaluate your skills and then you will follow me wherever I go so I can mold you into an exemplary reaper. Now leave.” Grim flicked his wrist.

“Excuse me but did you just say you would accompany me?”

“Would you rather I strip you of your powers and send you back to whence you came?” Grim raised a brow as if I could somehow defy him.

“Nope. All good. I’d love you.” My eyes widened more. “I mean, it's a pleasure to have you accompany me, obviously.”

“Go before I change my mind.”

I nodded my head and sprinted out of the room.

I hit the elevator button like my life depended on it, and it couldn't open fast enough as I launched myself inside.

I pressed my back to the wall, tilted my head up, and laughed maniacally to myself.

Why couldn't I talk properly? Why did my nerves always make me say the most idiotic things?

Ugh, this was bullshit. Anyone with eyes could see Grim already hated my guts. He was going to make damn sure I paid for taking up his precious time. I just knew it.