Page 144 of Embriagado

“For work.”

“Can I get your other number, too?”

“No.”

The buzzing made my whole desk rattle.

“Aren’t you going to pick up?” he asked when I pretended to read something on the computer.

“No.”

“Why not?”

The ringing stopped, and I let out a low sigh. I’d call Eduardo back as soon as possible and excuse it somehow. But first, I had to get this rascal out of my⁠—

The phone started ringing again, making my blood freeze. Not answering his call once was bad enough, but twice? He’d send Alejandro, which was the last thing I wanted to happen.

“Looks like someone’s really looking for you⁠—”

“You can go to the club,” I cut into his words.

“Seriously?” His whole face lit up.

“Yes. But go now before I change my mind.”

Thankfully, that worked, because the moron was up on his feet before I could even count to three. I guess he truly was keen on that fight. It was far from ideal, but I’d rather deal with the outcome of him going there alone than with that of sending Eduardo to voicemail again.

“Don’t worry, boss, I’m going to win,” he said, a big smile plastered on his lips right before he left my office. The second he was out, I opened my desk drawer and pulled out the phone.

“Ninety-three seconds.”

“Sir—”

“Do you know what I can do to you in ninety-three seconds?”

I swallowed hard. “I’m very sorry, sir.”

“I asked you a question, didn’t I?”

Fisting my hand tight, I dug my nails into my skin. “No, sir, but I can imagine.”

“Please enlighten me.”

I took a deep breath. “You could kill me, sir.”

“I could do a lot worse than that.”

My throat tightened. “I’m well aware, sir.”

“Clearly, you’re not, or else you would have picked up the first time.”

Holding the phone tighter, I closed my eyes. “It won’t happen again, sir.”

“I’m sure it won’t, as you’re not the type to disappoint me, Ariyan.”

Per usual, that name coming out of his mouth gnawed at my stomach.

“When I call, you drop everything and pick up. Is that clear?”