Page 33 of Shattered Queens: Veronica
She commanded his attention the moment she stepped into the portable site office. Despite meeting at a dusty construction lot, she’s in full professional attire, high heels, and a wrap dress. Brandon, thecontractor, is laying out the project’s next steps and timeline, but his words are lost on me. I’m fixated on the way he smiles when he addresses her, acting as if I’m not even in the goddamn room. I find myself wondering how easily I could fire him and find someone else. I look at my watch and decide to end the meeting.
“I’m sorry to cut this short, Brandon, but could you email these details to me? Ms. Kayde and I have to head out.”
“We do?” Veronica looks at me, confused.
“A work emergency,” I lie.
“Is everything all right?”
“It will be,” I say, not wanting her to worry over a lie. “I need to ask Brandon a quick follow-up. I’ll meet you at the car.”
She nods. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Brandon.”
“The pleasure was all mine, Ms. Kayde,” he says, smirking at her.
“Veronica. Please, call me Veronica.”
“Very well, Veronica,” he replies.
I stand there, forced to witness the interaction. I shove my hands into my pockets, seconds away from beating some professionalism into him. The moment the office door clicks shut behind her, I lunge at Brandon.
“What the hell, Mr. Villanueva!”
“You are not to make eye contact with Ms. Kayde. If I catch you openly flirting with her again, I will fire you. I’ll have you blacklisted faster than you can say 'concrete.' Do you understand me, Brandon?”
“Ye-yes, Mr. Villanueva.”
I straighten my suit jacket and walk toward the car. This wasn't about her dating life; it was about respect. From the second he laid eyes on her, I knew exactly what was running through his mind.
Dammit, he is going to be on-site for months. I pull out my phone and dial the office, a place I rarely visit. I speak with my assistant, who I almostnever use. My instructions are clear; find me an alternative contracting company. We haven’t officially broken ground yet, which means I still have time to replace him. I won’t blacklist Brandon—yet.
Veronica is leaning against my car, checking her phone, again. She seems worried, but I know if I ask, she won’t tell me the truth. I also can’t help the image that pops into my head. Me on my knees with her leg on my shoulder.
“Is everything okay with Brandon?” she asks.
That brings me back to reality.
“You mean besides him openly flirting with you. Undermining your professionalism?”
“Cam, it’s fine. I’m used to people not taking me seriously.”
Fuck, her saying that pisses me off. “You may be used to it, but I’m not going to let some idiot undermine you in front of me.”
“Cam Villanueva, are you defending my honor?”
“Don’t get used to it.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” I see her smile. A rare, genuine smile.
Fuck, what is happening? I open the car door, and she enters. No snarky remarks, nothing. She does as she’s told. Fuck me.
Veronica
Chapter 18
Cam and I hada busy week. We met with a new contractor for the project. Brandon was replaced within a couple of days. I don’t know what to make of that. One minute, Cam is antagonizing me, the next he’s defending me. All Brandon did was flirt with me. Not being taken seriously is not a new concept to me, but I didn’t make that decision.
We break ground in the next couple of weeks. The new contractor accelerated the completion date, so in ten months, the project should be fully completed. That means ten months of working closely with Cam. I can handle that. The rest of the volunteers and I are putting the finishing touches on the community event that’s in a couple of days. It’s been a whirlwind.
