Chapter 1

A girl for hire

"I hate waking up to my own alarm clock" was no doubt the most cliché phrase for everyone in the world at 6 am and Astrid Hofferson wasn't an exception. Even my favourite song couldn't ease the anguish of leaving warm sheets and soft pillows. With a loud groan I threw the cover off my face and blindly started searching for my Samsung which was ringing somewhere near me. Only two minutes later I found it under one of the pillows and till the moment I switched it off I was completely awake. It was a very important day after all.

"Today is the 21st of February, Friday…" the news announcer was quietly speaking on the background when I managed to make myself a big cup of coffee. My body finally stopped shaking with cold as I took a sip. Spring was coming soon but winter decided to have fun for the rest of the week – sixteen degrees below zero and lots and lots of snow. That was something I couldn't get used to, having two very thin windows in my rent bachelorette: during winter it was unbelievingly cold in here. Probably, that was the reason of a very cheap rent or… that was the only thing I could afford.

Something warm and fluffy touched my bare foot, purring and yearning for my attention.

"Hey, Toothless," I greeted him as my hand went down and patted the black fur, provoking him to purr louder. He looked at me with big green eyes as though his beseeching gaze could make me forget my decision not to spoil him any further. Toothless was a five years old cat I took at my last year in college. He was my loyal companion since then; he moved from flat to flat without any complains, he was never angry with me being late or leaving early like today. One of my exes –didn't remember his name – even said that living with a cat was more comfortable for me than with a man and he was so damn right! At least Toothless would never lie on the couch, drinking bear and watching TV when I came home from work, tired and looking for a little bit of sympathy, but forced to cook dinner instead. Toothless would never leave his things all over my place or would never cheat on me with my best friend. So I would rather spend the rest of my life with that puffy 8 kg cat than with another disappointment of the stronger sex.

I took my heavy baby and put him on my lap with the intension to cuddle him before I needed to leave for work. He continued to purr though his gaze was focused on my sandwich or on big slice of ham in it, to be exactly.

"No, buddy," my hand moved the plate out of his reach, "you still haven't finished your pâté."

He gracefully jumped off my lap, holding his tail high in the air as he passed by his filled bowl and disappeared in my bedroom. I let out a chuckle and returned to my breakfast, knowing it would be empty in the evening. Taking another sip of coffee, I frowned when the news announcer started his report about traffic in London and it didn't sound good.

My coffee was poured in the sink as I hurried to my wardrobe to get a white shirt, high waisted black pants and got dressed. Toothless was peacefully sleeping on my bed when I managed to create a messy bun and put my make up on, so he didn't see me off as usual, still unhappy with his diet. I quickly zipped my high knee boots, pulled my white wool coat and locked the door, praying for no problems with my beloved old Volkswagen. Luckily, it started well when I had gone outside and five minutes later I was on my way to the main office of design company "Dream House". No, I wasn't a designer and had no idea how to create a simple daft. I was the personal assistant of Drago Bludvist, the CEO of the best company in London. It was good to serve coffee and accept phone calls for that rich and successful businessman then cleaning tables in my sister's restaurant. Speak of the devil, my phone started ringing as soon as I turned left and got stuck in a traffic jam.

"Hi, it's me," Ruff said when I finally had found my phone in my bag and had pressed the button. "What are you doing?"

"What do you think I am doing at 7 o'clock?"I hissed, looking at the Bentley on the second lane. We were close to the crossroad and its driver was honking to me, asking to stop and let him change the lane so he could turn. And I would gladly do that if he didn't cut me off three minutes ago. I knew I was being silly but that would teach him to respect drivers in old cars.

"Apparently, you are driving to your new cool job," she pouted and I could imagine her rolling her eyes as she spoke. She was still angry with me for leaving. After college I couldn't find a proper job so my kind step sister hired me as kitchen maid when she and her husband had opened their restaurant. Well, six months later they promoted me to a waitress. However, it wasn't my plan to work for them forever.

"Driving? Are you kidding? The whole lane is stacked!" was my response as I carefully changed the gear and moved one meter forward. If it continued to be like that, I wouldn't be able to get in the office at time.

"As usual. However, I'm not in the mood to listen to your complains. Do you know what day is it today?" the excitement in her voice was so genuine but I was so afraid to be late on the final day of my probation period and couldn't think about anything apart from my job.

"My last day at Dream House, I guess."

"Stop thinking about yourself, you drama queen!" Ruff grumbled, upset with my apathy, though she gave me a hint: "On this very day, two years ago your lucky sister…"

I almost slapped myself on the forehead, completely ashamed I had forgotten about the event of all times. I had never missed any dates before, always calling to congratulate and making cool handmade gifts. Moreover, it was me who usually did all preparations for celebrations like that. To say I was sorry was a big underestimation.

"Your wedding anniversary!" I yelped, bracing myself to face the repercussions of being the worst sister and the braid of honour.

"Finally!" she gave a sigh of relief. "Dinner will be ready at seven. Don't be late!"

Hold on, where were all screams and curses as well as threatens to leave me without any cake? It couldn't be that smooth!

"Wait! Is he going to come as well?"

There was a confused laugh on the other side of the phone.

"Of course, he is. It's family dinner after all. Oh, Snotlout's served my breakfast in bed. See you in the evening!"

She quickly cut off without any chance for me to make up an excuse and cancel the invitation. Oh, no! If that was my punishment for forgetting about the celebration, it was so damn cruel.

I startled as the loud horn returned me in the middle of the finally moving traffic jam. I stamped the clutch and shoved the shift gear into first so I could reduce the distance between my car and the one in front of me. After a few meters I stopped again, shifting the gear into neutral position and wishing to do the same with my angsty mind. For God's sake, it wasn't the end of the world after all.

Well, he definitely had a name and he was the only reason I hated attending all family dinners in the first place. As usual, it all started when I was 10 and my elder brother Fishlegs was 11. We were living in Scotland when our widowed father married the Thorston widow who also had two children – Ruffnut and Tuffnut. They decided to move to London in hope to start a new happy life together. It meant a new big house for all of us, new work for adults and a new school for kids. That was the moment I met him – Hiccup Haddock. That skinny, short, auburn-haired muttonhead and his cousin Snotlout were in the same class as me. On my first day he stared at me, smiling slyly, and when I was late for math because I got lost, he laughed at me. Probably, he thought I would be a perfect target for his brilliant ideas so everyone could enjoy the show. Sometimes Haddock stepped on my foot or pulled my braid but when I started to defend my honour with fists he fight back with words. One day we were even punished together for another fight – I was happy about his black eye though – and after an hour being locked in the same room everybody understood that we would never come to the peace. Surprisingly, he got along with Fishlegs pretty quickly and a few years later his cousin started dating my step sister.

After graduation Haddock left for Ireland – he turned out to be offered some kind of cool engineering scholarship and no one was happier than me on that day. I could enjoy my college life and new friends, parties and boys. In school I was more like a boy, always ready to defend myself whereas in college I learned not only management but also how to love my own body and soul, how to charm a man and how to feel beautiful. However, he came back and I wasn't the only bud burst into bloom.

Even I was in shock, meeting that tall and slender man with bright emerald eyes under two perfect bushy eyebrows and with thin lips curved in a teasing grin. His messy auburn hair still lived on their own but in more attractive way. Everyone hoped that we get on well as adults and then he opened his clever mouth, saying something about hot and steamy night together in his apartment. "Though you are a handsome bastard now I would rather spend a night with anyone but you," was my reply, which ruined all hopes for a mend. So after Ruff and Snot's wedding we were forced to spend Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and all family birthdays in the same house, hating each other from opposite sides of the dinner table.

And If I would be fired today, tolerating him in the evening would be almost impossible.

Luckily, I arrived in office just in time to greet Mr Bludvist and make him a cup of coffee. As soon as he closed the door of the conference hall to start his weekly meeting with designers, I collapsed on my chair, thanking all Gods for having a mercy on me.

The next hour I spent answering tons of e-mails and checking documents for today's appointments. I had already drawn up my boss' schedule which needed his approval so I could correct it if necessary and make further arrangements. At eleven o'clock designers started to go out; some of them who weren't busy with notes kindly smiled at me. It was nice to feel like an equal part of the big family, working together to stand up to the company name. I missed that as a waitress though my sister treated me just fine when our guests didn't. I was no more than a useful decoration to their meal, polite and patient to their demands, so I'd rather work 24/7 in the office than come back to where I started. The tall muscular man caught my gaze and winked, passing by and I allowed myself to return the favour. Mr Bludvist was the last one to leave the conference hall, his face expressed nothing as he headed to his cabinet. His moody appearance screamed "very serious" and his dark skin and hair made him look a little bit scary.

"Ms Hofferson, come with me," he asked and it was impossible to guess the reason by his voice. I picked up documents for him, the new schedule and my datebook for any notes.

The Dream House was one of many others companies in high-rise building, located in City, on floors 19-22. Managers, accountants, designers and others shared floors 19-21. The highest one belonged to Mr Bludvist: there was a conference hall, some small meeting rooms, my post and my boss' cabinet. The first time I walked in I was astonished by its beauty and simplicity. The opposite wall was one big window and the view alone could take my breath away: multiple roofs, busy streets, bridges, well, everything. In front of that there was a large wooden table with black glass as a table top whereas on the grey walls there were some modern works of art. Mr Bludvist was in his chair, reading something on his computer, as I walked to another chair in front of his table.

"These are needed to be signed," I nervously said, giving documents to him, "and here's your schedule for the next week, sir. I haven't made any arrangements before your approval and in case you'd like to change something."

He took the schedule and studied it for long four minutes before he replied, "It's impressive, Ms Hofferson though I would rather deal with Francis as quickly as possible."

"I see what I can do," I nodded, making a small note in my datebook.

"For my break I would like you to order me lunch from that lovely restaurant next to our office. I want well done stake and some vegetables," my boss continued as he kept looking through the papers I had brought. Examining one of the contracts, he frowned and seemed to already forget about my presence.

"Yes, sir," my lips were trembling as I whispered those two words, stood up and turned to the exit. He said nothing about my probation! Suddenly I was afraid I wasn't good enough. Maybe he did notice my almost late arrival today. Maybe he had found someone better and more experienced than me.

"And Ms Hofferson," Mr Bludvist called when I almost opened the door, "you did a great job this week and I hope you will continue to do so as my assistant."

The widest of smiles was already on my face as I swallowed with relief, "Thank you, sir."

I was still on the cloud nine, calling to the restaurant and leaving an order with a promise to come in twenty minutes. Too happy and proud of myself I couldn't wait to tell my family that their youngest sister had finally succeeded. No, seriously, Fishlegs worked in engineering company as a lawyer and some kind of document advisor, always wearing tailored suits and design ties. Ruffnut owned a fashion restaurant with her husband as a chef; it wasn't that glamorous but nice for any kinds of meetings and celebrations. On the contrary, her twin brother was completely oblivious to his successful life; in childhood he always did very strange installations and weird drawings which now were called pieces of art and were being bought at a high price. His more sensible friends organized a couple of exhibitions recently whereas Tuff was sure people had come for a party. And now their poor but too stubborn and proud sister was a personal assistant of the CEO. Not so majestic though I wasn't a kitchen maid anymore.

As I put my coat on and picked up my bag, I headed to the elevator, texting to them only two words and exclamation mark: IT'S MINE! No one replied when I reached the first floor, passed through security post and then the main doors. Probably, they are just busy, I thought, wrinkling because of very bright sun and lots of snow. Everything was white: roads and pavements, cars and buildings, giving the wrong feeling of upcoming Christmas. I reached the traffic light when Ruff sent me a text.

Congrats. Don't forget about dinner!

How could I? Still grinning, I crossed the street at green light and entered the restaurant to take my order. On my way back I phoned my dad, telling him my awesome news and chatting about his life – I hadn't seen him for a month! He won't be able to make it to Ruffnut tonight as he had to be on his way to Scotland for business but promised to meet as soon as he'd come back.

I had already passed through the main doors when I slipped on the marble floor, my covered in snow heels loosing the connection with it. Knowing that falling was unavoidable for me, I lifted the bag with food up in intension to save at least Mr Bludvist lunch. However, nothing happened. I felt strong hands on my elbows, holding me carefully as I regained my balance.

"Thanks," I murmured, blushing with embarrassment yet turning around to meet my savior.

"Astrid, are you ok?" asked Eret Ratz, the head designer and that handsome tall man in jeans and roll-neck polo who winked at me after the meeting. His amber eyes continued to study mine whereas my cheeks started to burn. He was very attractive – I understood that during our first encounter two weeks ago. He was one of the clients at Ruff's restaurant and I served him his lunch as I usually did. Yet something in him was appealing, waking the desire to make him like me. And for once in my life I couldn't resist and was so damn happy about it after. He tipped me well and asked how I would spend them.

"I'd pay somebody to hire me for a real job."

He grinned and suddenly handed his phone, "Leave your number, please. My boss is in need of a personal assistant and as a gentleman I must help such beautiful lass."

And they did call me, asking to come for the interview on Friday and here we were one week later: working in the same building, in one company, for the same man.

"Yeah, thank you again, Eret." His hands were still holding mine as if I could fall the moment he let me go. And truth be told, I didn't want him to: first of all, he helped me twice and was so damn handsome whereas I was a single woman with a fat cat. I never believed in miracles and fairytales but that day could become an exception. If it weren't for the entrance hall, full of workers, visitors and security. I slipped away from his embrace, nodding in the direction of elevator, "Shall we keep going?"

"Yeah," Eret chuckled but followed me to the lift, keeping a distance that time. The magic was ruined so both of us didn't know what to do or what to say. It became even worse as we entered the elevator and pressed different buttons – 20 and 22. The silence was so awkward that I started to pray for elevator to move faster. What do two people usually talk about? Nine. Weather? No! Horrible traffic jam in the morning? Boring! Ten. Eleven.

"How was your first week?" he finally asked and I tried very hard not to sigh with relief. Everything inside me was dancing and screaming but I ordered myself to stay calm and focused or at least look like that.

"Tough but in a good way. I've passed the probation!" Well, he should know that his efforts weren't wasted, right?

"Congrats!" Eret smiled charmingly, his magical amber eyes lit up with happiness and when I thought it won't be better than it already had been, he asked me out, "Would you like to celebrate it today?"

Yes! – I immediately wanted to say as my imagination drew a perfect picture of us having dinner at a nice restaurant but the text with another dinner invitation in my pocket dragged me out from over the moon very quickly. My wide smile vanished; Eret frowned, seeing my very sad eyes.

"I'd like to but today is my sister's wedding anniversary so I had to..." I didn't finish because if I did, I would start to cry. He was the first man to ask me on a date in a year and now I should refuse the chance of a possible romance. I hated being a good girl, always choosing family over love.

"That's ok," he looked relieved? "What about tomorrow?"

Perhaps, today was the luckiest day of my life though I truly hoped I didn't waste all of my luck.

"Of course!" I nodded, grinning from ear to ear. The elevator stopped, arriving at the 19th floor, the doors opened as he said:

"I had some meetings in the afternoon, so when I'm done I call you, ok?"

"Ok," I bit my lower lip, watching him going out though he turned around when the doors started to close.

"See you tomorrow then!"

"Tomorrow," I whispered but the doors were already closed and elevator was going up.

My cheeks were still burning as I served Mr Bludvist his lunch. Luckily, he had two major meetings in the afternoon so I was left alone on my post after I had brought enough coffee for everyone in conference hall. There were also a few calls from his partners, wanting to leave a hundred important messages. However, when I had a spare moment I allowed myself to go completely unprofessional and think with excitement about the date. Deep inside I felt like Cinderella: a poor girl cleaned tables in her sister's restaurant just a week ago and now she was a princess, ready to go to her first ball and charm the prince. At least I managed that without any help from my fairy godmother and most importantly there was no wicked stepmother to take that away.