Page 15 of Fangs with Benefits

Tilting my head, I try to assess if he means it.

Part of me resents that he thinks I need his help to get the promotion I deserve by my own merit, but maybe even he can tell how much Drummond management prefers promoting men.

Ultimately, though, he’s right. If the frustrating conversation with Ryan told me anything, it’s that he’ll believe Elijah over me, no matter how much I’ve proven myself over the years. I’ve tried getting promoted and have been passed up multiple times now, every reason more stupid than the last. He has better people skills–he has less experience, but more education–he was the better candidate.

‘You’re shit with computers,’ I tell Elijah. ‘It’s embarrassing. You should be embarrassed.’

‘Desperately so,’ he agrees, and his almost-smile reveals a dimple in one cheek. I will not be charmed by it. ‘I am embarrassed.’

‘I won’t do your job for you.’

‘Wouldn’t dare ask it,’ he vows.

His apparent sincerity annoys me as much as it convinces me. It very well may be that I’ll never get promoted without him, which I resent. But he needs this job, and if he wants to contribute even a little bit, he knows he better stay close to me. Sounds something like leverage.

Dammit.

‘Fine.’ I sigh and hold out my hand between us. He eyes it warily, then brings his palm to meet mine. His skin may be cold as hell, but he has probably the softest hand in the world. He might be so shitty at technology because he’s just made a career change from being a hand model.

‘Fine?’

‘I’ll help you not suck. You’ll help me get a promotion,’ I say. He squeezes my hand one last time before letting it drop. He stuffs his in his pants pocket and smiles something delighted. It pisses me off.

‘I won’t let you down,’ he vows. I turn away after a short nod and he calls after me, ‘I will be locating PO addresses in no time!’

‘IP addresses,’ I correct without looking back at him.

Teams messages between Devi Jain and Molly Mason, 8 October 2026, 2.35 p.m.

Molly: Have you ever seen the new guy eat something?

Molly: Or drink a cup of coffee? Like ever?

Devi: I see you are having a productive afternoon!

Devi: But, no. Now that you mention it.

Molly: See, now that’s weird to me.

Devi: Everything he does is weird to you. You do not like him.

Molly: I walked in when he was drinking from his water bottle, and whatever he had left his teeth RED.

Devi: Like he’s just nursing cranberry juice all day as if he has an extended UTI?

Molly: No, not like that. Like a dark red protein shake??

Devi: Maybe he does meal replacement shakes, he’s fit like that!

Devi: Or maybe he doesn’t like people to see him eat?

Devi: Or maybe he has an eating disorder.

Devi: Omfg if he does, you are literally bullying him.

Devi: Stop bullying the new guy, Molly.

Molly: ??? I am not bullying him????? Just making an observation!!??