The Nanny Affair. Nani Khabako

almost looked away because of the intensity of that gaze; her pride was the only thing that kept her from doing so. She would not be intimidated.

      “Fine then,” Vusi stated. “But there are some ground rules. Firstly, I’m not in the market for a girlfriend, so if that’s what you came here for, you might as well quit now. Secondly, you’ll be paid for the job you do as my children’s nanny, nothing less or more. Thirdly, I’m not a man to be toyed with. The minute I sense ulterior motives for you being here, I’ll kick you out on the street.”

      Satisfied that he’d laid down the law and that she understood him, Vusi made his way to the door. He secretly hated how forlorn it made him feel to turn away from her beautiful heart-shaped face. He was suddenly haunted by her full-lipped pout, her catlike eyes the colour of honey and her rich, dark skin.

      “Mr Khumalo?” Sam called out before he left.

      Would this be it? he thought. Her devious plan thwarted, would she now quit and prove herself the schemer he thought she was?

      “I assume you haven’t read my CV, which would explain why you know absolutely nothing about me. I’ve been a model, a very successful one, for the past seven years. In that time I’ve been courted by men richer, more powerful and more attractive than you. Men who could’ve taken care of me, as you put it. Yet I didn’t let them . . . So please understand, I’m just here to do an honest day’s work.”

      Vusi let her have her say, then he walked out.

      Sam remained sitting motionless, dismayed to find that tears were forming in her eyes.