Page 45 of The Unwilling Bride
The air seems to shift around him. The pace, the mood, the temperature, he controls it all without moving a muscle. There’s no question who holds the power here.
I told myself I wouldn't allow myself to respond to his presence. But I realize now, I was delusional.
It’s impossible for me to see him and not have a visceral response.
My palms grow damp. My knees threaten to give way. I reach the straight-backed chair opposite his desk and grip it for support.
“Uh…” I clear my throat. “He has a sick mother.”
“So?”
The word lands flat. No inflection. No sympathy. Just… "So?”
I swallow. "He's been spending time at the hospital taking care of her. Trying to arrange extra help so someone can stay with her while he comes in to work. That's why he's been off his game."
"Your point being?"
Is he serious?
"I…" I force myself to meet his eyes. "I don't think you should fire him."
"Oh?" Something gleams in his eyes. Something that makes my stomach flip. "What would you rather have me do?"
"I think you should cut him some slack."
His lips curl. Not quite a smirk. Not quite a smile. Something darker. More dangerous.
Liquid heat surges through my veins.
Why, oh why do I find this man so attractive? He’s mocking me, and I’m getting stupidly turned on. I need help. An intervention, maybe.
“N-no, that’s not what I mean,” I splutter aloud.
“Then what do you mean?”
He knows exactly what I mean.
He's deliberately misunderstanding me. Playing with me. Watching me stumble over my words while he sits there looking like some perfectly tailored predator who's just cornered his prey.
"All I'm saying is…" I force my voice steady. "Go easy on him. Just until he's back on his feet."
His gaze narrows.
Something flashes in his eyes. Anger, maybe. Or something worse.
My mouth goes dry. My palms start to sweat.
He's looking at me like he’s deciding whether to pounce or circle.
“You want me to reward incompetence?” he asks slowly.
I straighten my spine. "By extending your understanding, you'd be ensuring his loyalty. And you don't want to lose him. He's a good worker. I know you won't regret it."
The silence that follows is deafening.
He goes very, very still.
"Is that your advice?" His voice drops. Dangerous. Quiet.
