The water runs hot down my back, my body trembling against the beaded assaults as I run the soapy loofah across my skin.
I inhale a deep breath, anxiety rippling through my veins like a category-five hurricane as I prepare for my first day of work.
Eight years of being a stay-at-home mom couldn’t possibly prepare me to enter a world I no longer deem familiar, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
I slam the metal handle across, shut off the water, and step out of the glass shower.
The tile floor is cool underneath my bare feet, and a soft knock at the bathroom door purloins my attention.
I grapple to find the nearest towel to cover my body, to no avail.
“Mama?”
The door pushes open slightly, and I stick my leg out to hinder it.
“One second baby. Mama isn’t dressed.”
I steal one last glance across the tiny white bathroom. No towels dangle from the metal racks or the stacked shelves.
“Darnet.”
I spit out as I shimmy over to the bathroom door; the long curls of my hair are drenched with water as it drips down my back.
As I crack it, I lean forward, shielding my body behind the limber door.
A worrisome look brushes across my son’s face, his curly hair disheveled and uniform in disarray.
“What’s wrong, Kaiden?”
Kaiden drags a deep breath from his chest in preparation for his response, and I wait patiently for my seven-year-old to say the right words.
“I can’t find my belt, my shoe is missing, and I’m hungry.”
My son’s coffee eyes find mine, the distress evident in his hues as he scratches his head.
Gentle cries reverberate through the narrow hall, and I stretch my neck out the door to see where Alex is.
“Great, Layla’s awake, and that husband of mine is not,”
I murmur as my eyes land on the hall closet. “Kaiden, could you do Mommy a favor and grab a towel out of the closet.”
“Ok, Mommy.”
Kaiden crosses the narrow hall to the closet, thrusting open the door and grabbing a towel.
As Kaiden walks the towel over to me, I realize it is too small, but it will still get the job done in the same way.
“Thanks, baby. Go to your room and get your book bag, and I’ll be out in a minute to find your shoe and make you breakfast.”
I lean down and press a quick kiss to Kaiden’s forehead before dragging my body back inside the bathroom.
In an instant, I’m dressed and marching to the bedroom.
A smile touches my toddler’s lips as I swoop her up in my arms and search her crib for her bottle.
My voice stretches in a melancholy tune as I sing Layla’s favorite song, the melody ceasing her frantic cries as I retrieve her bottle.
In an instant, I find myself rushing through the house to make Layla a bottle and Kaiden’s breakfast.
I then begin my search for Kaiden’s shoes, rearranging his black and white uniform while whipping curl cream through his silky hair, all while that husband of mine lay in bed asleep. As if he doesn’t hear all the commotion, but thankfully, the nanny arrives on time.
“Thank you so much, Charlotte, for doing this on such short notice,”
I say to the young brunette while thrusting Layla into her arms.
I give the nanny Layla’s bag and swing Kaiden’s backpack across his back.
“I love you guys so much,”
I say while planting kisses on both of my children’s heads.
I skip to the front door and grab their raincoats, tossing them at Charlotte as she slips them on.
“Remember, If you need anything, Charlotte, I’m only one phone call away.”
“Yes, Mrs. NaVorro,”
Charlotte replies while swallowing Kaiden’s hand in hers.
“Please, Charlotte, call me Jasmine.”
I remind the nanny as the trio vanishes into the aureate outside.
Trepidation riddles me as I wave Charlotte and the kids away before closing the front door behind them.
If only Alex had found a job before the bank threatened to take our home, I wouldn’t have been in this predicament.
“What’s for breakfast?”
I twist to find Alex standing in the hallway, his hands ramming through his straight, dark hair as a yawn escapes his mouth.
“Figure it out.”
I snap while strolling down the hall.
Warm skin grazes me as Alex grabs my arm, quickly spinning me in his grip to face him.
My husband’s dark brown eyes stab into mine as he glares at me.
“Where I come from, the women have breakfast prepared for their husbands.Also, where are my clothes? I didn’t see them sitting out. You’re slacking, Jasmine.”
I snatch my arm from Alex and roll my eyes.
My husband has always viewed himself as a traditional male, constantly reminding me of a woman’s role in a marriage. While I was grateful to have a husband who was the provider, as I was the loving wife who kept things together at home, that is no longer the case. Alex has been unemployed for six months, and it feels as if he has given up.
I stare over at the thick, unopened envelopes on the table, my mind reeling with stress as I inhale what’s inside. If only I could ignore them as quickly as my husband does. Although I hold a bachelor's in business, eight years out of the workforce can make it challenging to get hired anywhere.
“Alex, I told you Tess scored this interview for me a week ago. I asked you to help me this morning so that I can make it there in time.”
But you clearly didn’t; I guess losing the house doesn’t bother you as much as it does me. I war against the words clogged in the back of my throat, not wanting to start an argument right before my interview.
My eyes move to the grandfather clock on the living room wall, taking in the time with a glance.
“And I’m already going to be late,”
I bite, clicking my tongue and darting to my bedroom.
I settle for a mauve-fitted dress. Not too short to where it exposes everything but not too long that my legs are hidden. My boobs lift through the semi-exposed v-line of the dress, and silver sparkles from the crystal straps.
Ok, I don’t have proper interview clothes, but I figure If I wear a dress jacket, I can make it look classy. I blush my cheekbones with shimmer and spread gold eyeshadow across my eyelids, finishing the look off with mauve lipstick.
I slip into dark high heels and grab my raincoat. On the way out, I see Alex lounging on the black faux leather sofa while munching on an oversized bowl of cereal.
I want to ask if he will be job hunting today, but I know that will only start a fight, something that has been a common occurrence for us for the last two years.
My hands straddle the doorknob, and I open it as quietly as possible, sliding through the crack and disappearing before Alex sees me.
Grey slates the skies, and the overcast clouds spit out their beads of water as people hurry through the rain toward their destinations.
I pull my black raincoat over my head, hoping not to wet my freshly dyed hair, and rush to the train station.
The weather in Seattle can be intense, but living here for the past six years has allowed me time to grow accustomed to it.
“You’re late.”
Tess bellows through the phone.
I glance around at the other passengers on the train, hoping no one hears me as I snug the phone to my ear.
“I know Tess. I had to get the kids ready since Alex chose to sleep in, knowing full well I had an interview today.”
“Gosh, Jas, why have you stayed with the man for so long? Alex is such a jerk. I’m worried about you and the children. I don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity. Especially since you need it desperately.”
“Don’t I know it, Tess.”
Tess and I sigh simultaneously, my eyes shifting to the couple sitting just across from me.
I study them with my gaze, my mind venturing off as Tess goes on about the new girl they hired at her job.
The man wraps his arm protectively around his partner, her petite body curling into his as he presses a kiss to the temple of her forehead.
I swallow against the ball of envy lodged deep in my throat.
The woman spins the diamond ring around her wedding finger, whispering something that only the man next to her, who I now realize is her husband, can hear.
The couple burst into laughter, and my eyes glide across the gold band on his wedding finger.
My mind briefly recalls the times Alex, and I were happy back in college. The swelling of my heart makes it almost impossible for me to breathe when images of Alex and I clinging to one another at the Arboretum come into mind.
We were so young and so happy, yet our happiness was taken away when my husband decided to invite another woman into our bed.
I rip my eyes from the happy couple, refocusing my attention on Tess as her voice continues to spill through the phone.
The train comes to a stop, and I climb to my feet. “Tess, I’m getting off the train. How about I call you when I reach Slate Enterprises?”
“Please do; I want all the details. Be careful out in this rain, Jas.”
I end the call with a tap of my finger, cross over to the door, and step out into the deluge of rain.
I promised myself that I would head straight to Slate Enterprises for the interview, but my stomach decides to protest with a loud growl the moment I reached a coffee shop.
It slipped my mind to prepare myself breakfast this morning because I needed to get the kids ready. Therefore, here I am, starving, sucking in my bottom lip while trying to determine if I should go in and grab a bite to eat.
If I go to this interview hungry, I will blow it. Finally, I convince myself that getting breakfast is necessary and slide into the coffee shop.
I judder as much water off my person as possible before racing over to the counter. Thankfully, no one is in line, so placing my order will be a breeze.
I retrieve my phone from my purse and check for any messages from Charlotte, quickly dispelling my order to the barista in the process.
Alex: We are out of milk and eggs. Pick up some on your way back.:
An eye roll escapes me at my husband’s demanding text.
I release an irritated sigh, and as my eyes roll back in place, they instantly lock on a handsome man standing before me.
A slim navy suit paired with a teal shirt outlines his robust figure.
I observe as the beautiful man fiddles with his phone, giving his order to the barista without even looking up.
His black hair is combed smoothly back in rippled waves, and blue fire emits from his sapphire eyes beneath long, thick black eyelashes.
The handsome man looks up for a split second, and his eyes catch mine. Power, glory, and dominance exude from him like poison dousing the air.
I hesitate for a moment, daring my eyes to hold his, but his gaze only intensifies, throbbing my pussy with heat.
The sharp smell of his cologne wraps around me like a heated blanket, and I find myself pooling inside my panties at the thought of his hands on my body.
I drop my eyes, abashed by the unexpected lust that has somehow consumed me.
I can still feel his gaze on me, and sandalwood permeates my nose as he nears me to wait for his order.
Focus on his shoes. I tell myself while keeping my head low. Damn, those shoes look expensive. In fact, everything about this man screams high society; it's definitely out of my league. Besides, I’m married; what am I even thinking?
My raincoat and purse strap straddle my left arm, and I play with my phone to ease my anxiety. My breathing is sporadic as I sneak a look at the gorgeous, well-dressed man with olive skin.
Blue fire strikes me as the man stares at me, his ice-blue eyes studying my frame vigorously.
I wonder what he’s thinking . A frown forms on my face, tugging the side of my mouth up. Realizing the look I must be giving; I carry my eyes back to the phone in my hand.
“Iced coffee and bagel.”
I turn to grab the order, and my hands collide with the strangers.
“You take it.”
We say in unison as we draw back our hands.
“No, it’s ok, you take it.”
Our words, simultaneous again.
A giggle escapes my lips as I reach across the counter and take the order.
“Thank you,”
I say, my eyes barely raising.
I move past the handsome stranger, and suddenly, I’m fumbling to my knees, and my contents are all over the floor.
Flushed with embarrassment, I bend down to retrieve my phone, and the handsome stranger sinks into an elegant crouch right in front of me.
His exquisite masculinity curls around me like thick black smoke, and I get lost in everything that is this man, staring at him with an open mouth.
Something shifts between us, the intense magnetism of his power and raw lust sucking the very air from my lungs.
He drinks me in with his gaze. His blue tie only serves to accentuate the vivid blue of his irises.
Gold flashes my eyes from his Rolex as he picks up my phone, snatching a quick look at the lit-up screen before giving it back to me.
I take the phone and the stranger’s features school into impassivity, forcing my heart to skip a beat, and not in a good way.
“Did I do something wrong?”
I wonder out loud.
Of course, you did something wrong, you clutz. You fell flat on your knees in front of America’s most eligible bachelor .
The handsome stranger reaches out and extends his hand, and onyx and gold cufflinks flicker before my eyes.
With a shaky inhalation, I place my palm in his. My breath catches in my throat as his grip tightens around me.
The feel of his skin against mine is like lightning striking directly through my heart as he holds my eyes with his intense gaze.
I can tell he feels it, too, because a shiver spirals from me and coruscates directly through his veins.
He eats up every inch of my body deliciously with his gaze, summoning a surrendering tremble from me.
“Couldn’t save the coffee.”
He breathes out, finally setting me free from his grip.
“It’s ok; I’m late for an interview anyhow.”
I trudge through the rampant thudding of my heart as I adjust my purse and raincoat and head towards the exit.
“You have children?”
I pause, my embarrassment no longer a barrier to my movements, as I turn slightly around.
Once again, I find myself astounded by this man’s impeccable beauty as he catches my gaze.
“I do, and I take it you don’t?”
The gorgeous man’s lips tighten as he slips his phone into the pocket of his slacks.
“Iced coffee and bagel.”
With his sapphire eyes still locked on mine, the man takes his order from the barista and casually walks it over to me.
I take the order, my legs wobbling from being so close to someone so handsome.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
“Not a problem. Good day.”
He says while slipping by me and exiting the coffee shop.
I spin on my heels just in time to see him sliding into the back seat of a Rolls Royce.
“A driver; who is this guy?”
Well, it doesn’t matter. It’s not like I will ever see him again.
I advance out the door and allow the grey smog to swallow me.
The rain has stopped, and I’m grateful not to have to wear that ghastly raincoat anymore.
“So, what did you say when he didn’t answer your question?”
Tess asks through the phone.
“What could I say? Why did you ask me if I had kids only to ignore the question when I asked you?”
“Well, when you put it that way, Jas.”
I inhale a deep breath as I run my eyes around the nice glass reception area of Slate Enterprises.
The reception desk is large, high, and made of glass. Behind it sits a gorgeous young secretary, her blonde hair dangling just short of the middle of her back as a black dress hugs her slender frame. The fancy office is flanked with nice furniture. Large Renaissance windows surround me, giving a view of the overcast skies and the city beneath us. Yes, we are that high up.
“I am thankful he gave me his order. I would be starving if he didn’t.”
“Can you imagine going to an interview hangry?”
A brief laugh escapes me at my best friend’s question. Leave it to Tess to make me smile even when I’m nervous as hell.
“I can’t imagine working here. All the women are so young and beautiful.”
I breathe as a skinny redhead advances me.
“And you’re not beautiful, Jas?”
Tess’s question is more of an annoying statement, and I can sense the direction in which the conversation is going.
“I just mean.”
“Save it, Jas, you are one of the most beautiful women I know. You can literally have any man you want, and even though you are twenty-seven, you look twenty. Remember, you’re the one that chose to get married and have children.”
“Don’t remind me.”
Tess’s voice is sweet but firm. She always said I was the prettier one of us. Whenever we went out in college, guys would choose me, sometimes clashing with their friends to take me out on a date. But she is right about one thing: I met Alex and fell in love, and now I’m paying the consequences.
“If only I could change the past.”
I sigh while gazing out the window.
“That bad, Jas?”
“He’s not even looking for jobs anymore. Truthfully, I think he’s given up.”
“Jasmine, Mr. Slate will see you now.”
My gaze snaps to the woman sanctioning me. “Mr. Slate?”
I repeat as my legs lift me to my feet.
“Yes.”
The brunette confirms.
“Girl, what kind of assistant job did you recommend me for? I had no idea I’d be interviewing as an assistant for the billionaire himself.”
I whisper through the phone.
“You got this girl, slay.”
Tess ends the call, and my pounding heart bounces off my ears all the way to the pivotal double doors of Mr. Slate’s office.
My breath pauses upon arrival at the doors, and I give my raincoat and suit jacket without thinking to the brunette.
She clicks the office doors open, and I am thrust inside with just my body and purse.
Chilly air penetrates the top of my exposed breasts and arms, and the doors shut quietly behind me before I can ask for my suit jacket back.
The office is dark, and the smell of smooth rum and new leather infuses my nose as I make my way to the oversized desk.
Behind the desk stands a tall male figure conferring on his cell phone, but his back is turned towards me.
I suck in a deep breath as I walk around to one of the chairs situated in front of the large desk, and leather warms the exposed parts of my legs as I sink into it.
I scan the elegant office while Mr. Slate, I presume, talks on the phone
Black marble coats the large rectangle desk, and an oversized leather chair sits behind it. Windows surround the office, but the closed window shade blocks out the light.
My heels glissade against the marble floor, and I look down at the gold S initial carved intricately into the black marble. Even the walls are smooth black, and I find it challenging to relax as I wait for Mr. Slate to complete his call. Trepidation threatens to rip my insides.
A few moments later, Mr. Slate ends the call, and a heavy breath snatches from his chest as he whips around.
“Hello, Mrs. Navarro. I understand you are here for the personal assistant position.”
A clog the size of a golf ball forms in my chest the moment the sapphire eyes strike me, and I can tell by the lift of his left brow that he is just as shocked to see me.
I force the gulp of air down my throat, a huge mistake because a pain aches my esophagus as I struggle to catch my breath.
The handsome stranger, Mr. Slate, walks over to his desk and sits down in his chair; his hands fumble with something under his desk, and immediately, an aura of light breaks free through the now-exposed windows.
The pale dusk outlines our surprise as we stare at one another.
“I want to apologize for being late. As you are aware, I have two children, and it’s difficult getting them ready, and so is myself. I hold a bachelor's in business, but I have not been in the workforce for over seven years. I can assure you I am well qualified for this job.”
The words spill from my mouth abruptly, and I dig into my purse to retrieve my resume, which I sit atop the marble desk.
“Although I’m not quite sure what all the personal assistant position entails. I can only assume it’s for things such as getting your coffee, having your documents set up properly and sent out promptly, and setting appointments.”
A rigid smile splits Mr. Slate’s handsome face, and embarrassment suddenly flourishes within me all over again. But my pussy, the walls of my pussy are throbbing as my clit pulsates with need.
I wrestle against the lust reeling inside me as I suck in my bottom lip. I'm not sure what Mr. Slate is thinking, so I force my eyes forward, not quite looking at him but near him.
“This is silly, but I am desperate for a job. If I don’t get this job, I may lose my house.”
I say, ashamed that I allowed the admission to leave my lips.
Slate sits up in his chair, an enigmatic expression on his face as his hand massages the stubble on his chin.
I take a deep swallow as blue eyes pierce into mine. Damn, those vivid blue eyes pool more juices from my pussy as Slate’s tongue swipes slowly across his bottom lip.
Slate doesn’t pick up my resume, making me even more nervous as I question his thinking.
“You do realize the personal assistant position is an on-call job?”Slate’s baritone voice slices the silence, cutting through it like a two-edged knife as he arrests me in his gaze.
Though he is fierce with me, the only thing I can focus on is the sharp edges of his beautiful face. That chiseled jawline and perfectly cut nose. The way the raven waves ripple across his head and how his thick eyebrows curve in curiosity as he drinks me in with his gaze.
“I do, Sir.”
“What about your children?”
“I have a nanny who is on call, and she is not cheap.”
I am grateful that Charlotte’s University is local.
Slate’s sapphire eyes scan my body, and I perch my chest upward, lifting my left leg and settling it over my right thigh so that my dress rides up and my boobs stick out. Facing the fact that I am not going to get this job on credentials alone, I allow a sexy smile to slide across my face, hitching my cheekbones to the corner of my almond-shaped hazel eyes. Tess always said that made the guys weak for me. I only hope it will work this time as well.
A low growl runs from Slate as his tongue slides across his bottom lip a second time.
I take a small swallow.
“Your husband.”
His voice is stiff, and I’m unsure if he’s asking a question or making a statement.
“What about him?”
I ask softly.
“Will he be a problem?”
What does my being married have to do with getting a job? But Slate looks at me like he expects an answer, so I give him one. “No, he will need to acquire a job of his own very soon,”
I stop myself. What am I thinking? I don’t know this man. I don’t owe him an explanation.
“Or what?”
Slate hoists his eyebrows, interest in his sapphire hues as he rises from his seat and rears around to the front of his desk.
My confidence hammers down as he sits on the edge and crosses his legs. That enigmatic expression once again paints his face as he peers down at me.
The flames of desire dancing in Slate’s ice-blue eyes have me wanting to rip my clothes off, but I remain professional, regardless of how hard my body is fuming right now.
“Or what?”
He challenges once again, his demand forcing my eyes to meet his.
My lips quiver as I struggle to find the proper reply. “Or I may be adjusting to life as a single mom.”
The admission leaving my mouth saddens me, but unfortunately, it’s the truth.
“Go home to your husband, Mrs. NaVorro; I have no use for you here.”
Anger bubbles up inside me as Slate stands from his desk. An amusing expression rides his gorgeous face as he studies me.
God, that sharp jawline is exquisite enough to kiss. Surely Slate isn’t going to dismiss me like this? The man wants me. I can see it in his eyes. I can see it in the way his veins pulse intensely through his skin.
I could use that to my advantage, use the apparent spark of electricity between us to get this job.
I rise from the comfy leather chair, leaving my purse behind as I stroll towards the windows behind his desk. My mind scrambles to find a solution so that I can score this job I need so badly.
I twist to the window and allow the city to devour me as I glance out.
“Surely there is something you can have me do.If not as your assistant, then maybe something else. Perhaps another position in your business?”
I draw in a deep breath as Slate’s footsteps near me, my body tightening as his sharp cologne envelopes me.
The contagious smell of Slate siphons unrestrained lust and desire directly from my core, and I can feel his body behind me, his presence domineering and intimidating. Yet the way my body responds as the pads of his fingers slide down my arm is devastating.
Shivers streak down my spine as his breath blows hot on my neck, the tips of his lips lightly brushing against the softness of the skin of my ear.
“Beautiful. So beautiful.”
He murmurs while inhaling a whiff of me.
Sandalwood dances under my nostrils as he slips his hands to my thighs; his fingers slide up slowly, making my body quake with need.
My clit throbs as he nibbles at my earlobe. It’s been so long since I’ve had a man touch me sensually, and my body is in desperate need of sexual contact.
“I want you.”
Slate rasps as his fingers map their way up my dress.
A light moan escapes me as his digits trace the lips of my pussy through the lace of my panties.
Slate draws me flush against the rigid muscles of his body, and trembles of desire dance through my veins. “And I know you want me.”
Liquid gushes from my pussy, soaking the seats of my panties as he massages my lips, my need giving away the secret I’m trying so desperately to hide from Slate. I do want Slate. I want him badly, but I like this job even more.
“Just say the word, and I will stop.”
A protesting moan escapes my lips, and Slate gives an approving growl as his hands continue to explore the contours of my body.
What am I doing? Has it been that long? Am I really going to let a stranger feel me up just because he’s handsome and wealthy? But I ignore the warning sirens blaring in my head and instead allow myself just this one moment of lust.
“I can see it in how your pretty cheeks flush whenever you look at me, hear your breath as it hitches each time you are near me.”
Slate’s fingers roll across the drenched seat of my panties as he skillfully massages the heated flesh.
I quake as his thumb works my clit, slowly frolicking with the swollen nerve through my panties.
“I’m sure we could come to some type of arrangement. One where both you and I are satisfied. You will have your job, and well, I’ll have you.”
Slate’s voice rumbles deep through me, his desire for me coursing through my veins like lava as butterflies erupt in my stomach.
“OH.”
I exhale as the lust takes over.
My body tightens and then loosens as Slate massages me more vigorously, and I can feel my body rising, my orgasm cresting far more quickly than it should.
Slate can feel it, too, because a guttural noise sounds deep in his throat. “That’s right, come for me, baby.”
He rasps as his tongue flicks my neck.
I relax my body against Slate’s, and my head drops back into the crease of his shoulder as I shudder uncontrollably, bucking wildly against his touch.
“Oh yes!”
The cry rips from the depths of my throat.
Slate slides his fingers under the seat of my panties. His hot flesh lingers in my juices as he pulses his digits along my pussy, just before slipping them quickly into my wet need. His skillful strokes steal a moan from me as he fucks me with them, his thumb still thrusting my clit as he slides his pulsing fingers in and out of me.
“Fuck, you’re so tight, baby, you feel so good. Oh, you and I are going to have so much fun.”
A cry of ecstasy unleashes from me the instant his mouth glides across my skin, sucking and kissing the side of my neck intensely, forcing my vision to blur as more moans escape me.
“OH. OH, yes!”I breathe as my body climbs to the peak.
I buck wildly against the handsome man, unable to hide from the orgasm chasing me.
“Come for me.”
Slate’s words are a demand as I release my control and explode.
“Oh.”
I exhale as I come hard.
My moans are shaky, and my body convulses as Slate holds me against his chest. And for a moment, just for a moment, I forget where I am as I bask in my pleasure.
Slate’s arousal is apparent as his stiff shaft presses against my backside, throbbing against the plushness of my ass as he continues to support my shuddering body.
Once I regain my breath, Slate releases me, lifting his fingers to his mouth and tasting me on them as if I were his last meal.
“Delicious.”
He mummers.
I drag down my dress, suddenly embarrassed by my moment of weakness. My body is still shaky as I return to the leather chair and retrieve my purse.
“Did I get the job?”
My eyes land on the massive bulge in Slate’s pants, and I know I probably won’t be able to take all of him. I’ve never been with someone as well-endowed as Slate before.
I throw my purse across my shoulder and swing my hair back into place.
“You’re gorgeous, Jasmine. Unsurprisingly, you are already taken, but that won’t stop me.”
I don’t ask what Slate means by the latter part of his statement. I just watch as he makes his way to the big leather chair and sits down.
He opens his laptop. “I’ll have the contract sent over by this evening,”
he says, his gaze shifting to the screen.
I twirl around, unable to tame my excitement. Perching my ass up, I twist all the way out of the office, allowing Slate to see my thick peach ass as I exit through the double pivotal doors.