Series: Werewolves of Wall Street Series by Renee Rose
Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66669 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66669 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
“No.” She says it so immediately that I believe her. Her flush deepens. “That’s what I mean. I don’t want it to feel that way.”
“You negotiated a salary I’m willing to pay.” I step back, so she can stand while we discuss her livelihood. “There’s no reason to back down from that.”
“No, I’m good.” She hops down and straightens her dress. “I already have that paperwork ready for you.”
Of course she does.
I walk around to sit behind my desk, glorying in the fact that it’s now covered in her scent. That she’s covered in mine.
I didn’t like that hint of defeat around her with the salary thing, though. Madison is the type of person who likes to win. For whatever reason, I enjoy watching her win, even against me. So her backing down doesn’t feel right.
But I understand her concern. Genevieve, my HR Director, would’ve shit a brick at the new salary, which is close to her own.
I pick up the office phone and call Genevieve.
She answers smoothly. “Good morning, Mr. Blackthroat. What can I do for you?”
“Send a fifty thousand dollar bonus to my assistant, Madison, payable today.”
Genevieve chokes and sputters a little. “A-absolutely, sir.”
I ordinarily wouldn’t bother to explain myself, but since Madison is sensitive to people thinking she got a raise because I got into her panties, I say, “She gave up her Thanksgiving holiday and risked her life to make sure an important deal closed, and I want her properly rewarded.”
“That’s…um. Okay. Yes, absolutely. I’m sorry I couldn’t give her your executive team’s personal phone numbers on Wednesday, but I did try to reach them personally.”
Ah. Part of me wants to rip her a new one for blocking Madison from getting things done, but Genevieve was just doing her job. Protecting the personal information of my team is important. “You did the right thing. Madison just went above and beyond.” I hang up, so I don’t have to hear whatever simpering reply she has.
Madison taps on the door and walks in with a sheaf of papers. “Here are the closing documents. Noah will be here, as requested.”
“Thank you, Madison.” Our eyes meet as I take the papers, and she sucks in a breath, as if the contact shocked her. Or maybe it was just my thanks. It’s hard not to be grateful after she just offered her hot little body up to me like that.
Even if she is a hard-to-decode human with a smart mouth and a reluctance to get personal.
Not that I was trying to get personal.
Not at all.
Our just sex arrangement is going to work out perfectly for me. My wolf will stay calm, and I won’t have to figure out what to do about her, beyond being her boss with benefits.
Even so, something about it doesn’t sit right with me. But maybe that’s just my ego. I’m used to women throwing themselves at me, trying to entrap me in a permanent relationship. Maybe my pride can’t take it when the first one I can stand for longer than one night doesn’t show any interest in snaring me.
Madi
“Goodnight, Jerry,” I call to the janitor as I leave for the day.
He’s wearing earbuds, but he must not listen to his music too loudly because he always seems to hear me. He lifts a hand. “Have a good night, Madi.”
Blackthroat offered me a ride home when he left a half an hour ago, but I refused. Things are already weird enough. I don’t need him driving me home like we’re dating.
Instead, Tony’s waiting for me when I exit the building. He smiles as I reluctantly trudge to him. It’s weird to be escorted to and from work in luxury like this, but Tony’s just trying to do his job.
I have him drop me off a block away from my apartment, so I can pick up an order of gluten free eggplant lasagna from my favorite Italian restaurant.
While I’m waiting for my food, I call Aubrey to check in. “Are you at home?”
“I get off in an hour. What’s up? How was torturing the boss?”
“Um… yeah. I slept with him again. Only there was no sleeping involved.”
“Ooh, scandalous! What was involved?”
“The surface of a very large desk.” Heat licks between my legs remembering it all. “I didn’t mean to. But he was all grumpy, and then he confessed that the dude-bros said he’s not supposed to sleep with me anymore, so I had to meet that challenge.”
“Whaaaat? Oh damn, I think he really likes you.”
“Well, he can’t,” I say firmly, pacing in front of the Italian restaurant. “I’ve already thought this through. There’s only one way this can go, as I told him when he brought the coffee.”
“And what way is that?” I hear Aubrey bracing against whatever she’s expecting to come out of my mouth.
“It has to stay in fantasy-land.”