Page 25 of Heated (Burned, Inc.)
You can’t put your hands on him. An arrest would look really bad to the partners. Not to mention it’s hell getting blood out of wool.
I heed my conscience but barely. I’ll be damned if I ruin my chances at a partnership I deserve and give him the satisfaction of knowing he dug under my skin. Fuck him.
“Thanks.”
The smile dips a fraction, and confusion flickers in his gaze. Probably wondering why I’m not going for his throat. Because contraryto what his elitist ass believes, I’m not one step above an animal just because I wasn’t born in a certain zip code.
“Sure.” He lowers his leg to the floor and straightens his tie. “It’s such a shame. Valerie Summers by your side added to your credibility and integrity here. So now you not only don’t have a partner but no prospects of being a family man.” He tsks. “That partnership is not looking good for you, my friend.”
“Thank you for taking time out of your busy day and coming in and sharing that with me.” I keep my voice flat, void of emotion, and my unblinking gaze leveled on his face.
On one hand, Derrick isn’t as confident in my loss of this partnership race as he seems, if he’s sitting here. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be trying to pull this psyching-me-out bullshit. He’s here because he still sees me as competition, and he wants me to take my own self out.
Yet ... I’m worried. As much of an arrogant motherfucker Derrick may be, he’s not wrong. The partners do have certain criteria for the associates they choose to make partner. Yes, they hired me knowing my background, but Val had been a strategic choice for me. She provided me entrance into upper-echelon social circles to which not even my clients have been able to grant access. Now she’s no longer by my side; I no longer have those connections. I’m also not family-man potential, which is important to some of the partners. My billing hours, work ethic, new business record, and client retention can take me only so far in their eyes.
Panic scales my gut, crawling on sharp talons for my throat. Ice-cold sweat rolls down my spine, and a dull roar moans low in my head. But I refuse to reveal the dread threatening to strangle me.
Not to him.
Not to anyone.
Another knock on the door interrupts whatever he’s about to say next.
“Come in,” I call out.
The door opens, and Donald Ryson enters. Both Derrick and I rise from our chairs to greet the silver-haired, distinguished founding partner of the firm. Tall, wide shouldered, and fit, he is one of the few men I respect and admire. And as his clear, shrewd green eyes scan the room, taking in me and Derrick and undoubtedly the temperature, he proves why he’s a brilliant, astute attorney.
“Good, I’m glad I found you two together. Saves me from having to hunt you down individually. You know I’m an old man.”
We both laugh as expected, but truthfully, the older man plays racquetball three times a week, golfs two times a week, and runs every morning. He’s more fit than a man half his age. Including me.
“I’m planning a small weekend retreat a month from now, and I’m inviting the both of you. Your wife and significant other are welcome. We’ll be flying up on the corporate jet on a Friday afternoon and returning on that Sunday.” Donald smiles and claps his hands once. “It’s going to be wonderful to get away from the office for a few days and spend time with each other. I’m counting on you to rearrange your schedules to make it.”
In other words,You have no choice. You’re going.
“A getaway sounds perfect, Donald,” Derrick says, his ingratiating voice grating on my nerves. “Jill and I will definitely be attending.”
“Great. Cyrus? I hope you can make it.” He arches an eyebrow, waiting for my answer.
There’s only one to give.
“Absolutely.”
Donald smiles and inclines his head. “Wonderful. Well, I’ll leave you to get back to work. Be on the lookout for an email with more details.”
“I’ll walk out with you, Donald. I wanted to speak with you regarding Gerard Clifton. He’s coming in later this afternoon and ...”
They exit, and as soon as the door closes behind them, I sink to my chair, staring blankly at the computer monitor. Donald’s and Derrick’s words rewind and play on constant repeat in my head.
Your wife and significant other are welcome.
So now you not only don’t have a partner but no prospects of being a family man. That partnership is not looking good for you ...
Fuck.
As in, that’s what I am.
Totally and royally.
