Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
“In return, I expect you to respect where you are and who you are with.”
"People are going to wonder where I am,” I say.
“Of course, and tomorrow, you can call them and let them know you are taking a week of personal time.”
“I’m meant to be starting a new job.”
“Ah yes, the marketing position at ZeeMed.”
I frown. How does he—
Oh, that’s right, how can I forget? He’s an evil overlord who probably knew everything about me the moment Wilson had tried to blackmail him.
“As of tonight, your new position with ZeeMed has been put on hold.”
I sit up straight. “You can’t do that.”
“Or what, you’re going to call me an asshole again?”
He smirks and I want to punch the amusement right off his beautiful lips. “I’m so pleased you find this so fucking funny.”
He rises and walks over to me, towering above me like the monster he is. “You have no idea.”
My shoulders sag. “How did you manage to put my new job on hold? I suppose you know the people at ZeeMed.”
“I am the people at ZeeMed.”
“What does that even mean?”
“I own the company, Brooke.”
My eyes remain wide as they move about the room, as more pieces fall into place.
Again, my stomach drops. “You made me the job offer?”
“Yes.”
“Why go to the trouble of offering me a job and making me relocate my life? What was the point of it all?” My eyes narrow. “Was it just to fuck with me? Are you really that much of an asshole?”
“It was strategy,” he says. “I thought relocating you to a new city might smoke Wilson out of hiding. Especially if the two of you were in cahoots with one another.”
“I've already told you I knew nothing about the flash drive or the blackmail.”
“I didn't know that when I sent you that offer.”
“You’re evil,” I say, looking away from him. Because when I look at him it only makes me mad.
He’s done nothing but play me like a pawn in a chess game since we met. God, I loathe him.
“You could’ve just killed me and taken Wilson to retrieve the flash drive yourself.”
“Maybe I’m not the monster you think I am.”
I bring my gaze back to him. “Oh, you are most definitely the monster I think you are. Power-hungry, egotistical, narcissistic. Assholes like you don’t do anything unless they somehow profit from it.”
“That’s quite the description.”
“Am I wrong?”
He takes a step closer. “I’m not hungry for power because I already have it. But you’re right—I am egotistical and narcissistic because I can be. As for being an asshole, keep fighting me, and you’ll see just what I am capable of.”
I shrink back. I might be pissed at him and this obscenely ridiculous situation, but I have the good sense to shut my mouth before it gets me into any more trouble.
Play it cool, Brooke. This will all be over soon.
“So we’re clear, you will stay here for however long it takes for Wilson to return with the flash drive. You will be well taken care of and no harm will come to you during that time if you behave. And a word of warning. If you run, there is no place to hide. I’m a very connected pakhan, zayka. I have friends in very high places and friends in very low places, and both are equally as loyal to me and equally as frightening as each other.”
I don’t doubt it.
“You do all of this, and it can be a pleasant stay for you, and when Wilson returns, then you can both leave.”
“And if he doesn’t.”
“Let’s hope for both your sakes that he does.”
A cold tremble runs through me.
“Do we understand one another?”
I nod.
“Good, now, let me show you to your room. Do you feel up to walking?”
I glare at him. “I’m fine.”
He leads me through the mansion and up the sweeping staircase to a landing that’s as opulent and luxurious as the rest of the place. He opens a door, and we step into a room that takes my breath away. As large as a house, it looks like a room fit for a king, with high, painted ceilings and walls gilded in gold. In the center of the room is a canopied bed with antique bedcovers that look fresh out of an episode of Bridgeton. Forget five stars, this room is an easy ten.
“If you need anything during your tenure, simply pick up the phone and press one. That will put you through to housekeeping.” He pauses, then adds, “It’s an internal service only, so no point in trying to call anyone.”
I cross my arms. “Who said I would try?”
He lifts a brow. “Oh, I know you would try.”
I let my arms fall free. “You don’t know anything about me.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I know everything about you.” He takes a step closer until the heat of his body swirls around me, and all I can smell is his enticing scent that is all testosterone and musk and some pheromone that sends my heart racing. “I know you hate flying but aren’t afraid of heights. I know the sweet sound of your breath when you fall asleep.” He leans forward, and his voice drops lower to a seductive growl. “I also know how you sound when you come on my cock as I fuck you over and over and over.”