“By the skin of your teeth, you will remain in your internship. But I think maybe we need to come to a better arrangement to ensure your success moving forward,” Dr. Haynes said, peering at me.

“I’m willing to do anything, Dr. Haynes,” I stammered. “I have learned so much from you. I hate that I’ve disappointed you, but my work ethic is spotless.”

Dr. Haynes got up from his desk and sauntered over to me. It was the first time since meeting him that my mentor seemed predatory. My eyes went wide when he leaned on his desk next to me. “Miss Matthews,” he purred, every syllable of my name dripping with sex. This was starting to feel like a cheap porno, but I wasn’t sure if that was just my imagination or what.

“I think I have a way that we could work through this,” he rasped, leaning forward. I wanted to scoot my chair back but also didn’t want to show any weakness.

“And what way is that?” I spat, crossing my arms across my chest.

“You know I do some freelance representation, right?” he then asked.

“Of course. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to work with you. You have such a track record of success, and I really see the value in your mentorship,” I insisted. I couldn’t figure out where this conversation was going.

“I’m working with a company that wants a partnership with your father’s company. Plotify is taking the music industry by storm, and we’d like in on the pot.”

It suddenly made sense. Doctor Haynes didn’t want to mentor me, and by the looks of it, he didn’t even care about my...image. He wanted an in with my father.

“You have his number,” I began with a sneer. “I’m sure the great Zachary Haynes doesn’t need an intern’s help to get the job.” I didn’t like how I was being used.

“We both know you don’t need this internship. We both know you’ll have your dream job after college. You didn’t have to work for it. Hell, you went streaking at your old school, and Daddy covered it up for you. I just figured…”

“You just figured what?” I asked, emotion clogging my throat.

“I just figured you’d like the opportunity to pretend that you deserve this. Half of this job is about who you know, the other half is who you can bribe. We spend years teaching you ethics and best practices, but at the end of the day, we all do whatever is necessary for our clients. And I’m willing to work closely with you for a phone call with your Dad.”

As he spoke, he grew closer and closer, invading my space with a sinister grin.