Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Refusing to lower her voice, Shelby continues with the worst bollocking I’ve had in decades.
“Cut the shit, Charlie. You and I both know you aren’t going to fire me, of all people. You caused this mess with Raven, and you need to fix it. Right now.”
I close my eyes to stave off the pain caused by our shouting match.
People have started to gather outside my door, signaling we need to quiet down.
“I will handle it,” is all I can offer.
“You better because I will walk on you for this. Don’t make me keep that promise.”
I sigh deeply. “Fine. Now with that sorted, it’s time for you to please go back to your desk. If I leave today, you are the only one holding this place together.”
I just need her to get out of my office.
Shelby just put a serious damper on my mood, and I cannot handle much more.
It’s not her fault by a long shot, but I’m in serious need of meds and sleep. I have a feeling I’ll only have time for one of those hangover cures.
She stands and heads to the door. It sounds like she mutters idiot under her breath. I wouldn’t put it past her.
I watch her barge out, seeing most of the staff on the other side of the door just before she slams it.
I sigh.
The only way I’ll get a hold of my life that is spiraling out of control is to start over.
And over begins by getting Raven to come back.
15
Raven
I’m just sitting at my desk, reorganizing the stacks of paper to leaf through the remaining résumés, when Charles walks by my office, stopping in his tracks.
He looks awful.
Worse than last night.
“You’re here?” he says. I simply nod, feeling far too awkward after last night.
Charles had been a grade A drunk asshole. Not that I’ll give him a pass entirely, but something had been horribly wrong with him before he arrived at the office.
Curiosity is getting the better of me to figure out how I can fix this issue. What made someone as cool and collected as Charles Cavendish lose his control?
Trying to tamp down the desire that flows through me when we’re in the same room together, I try to answer his question calmly from the safety of my desk.
“I left early this morning to go home to change. Fell asleep. My phone was dead.” It’s all I offer by way of an explanation. I won’t apologize for being late and not calling. It’s his fault.
He nods. “I’m glad you got some rest.” He stares at me for a few tense moments. “Will you come with me to my office for a few moments?”
My lips purse as I consider my reply. I’m not ready to deal with him, but he is my boss, so what choice do I really have?
You have the upper hand. He was inappropriate.
I sigh, knowing it’s best to rip off the Band-Aid.
When I exit my office, everyone is staring at me. I wonder what they’re all thinking and why they’re so interested in Mr. Cavendish and me.
His words come back to haunt me. The insinuation that I didn’t earn my raise but took it by opening my legs.
It’s like being thrown into an ice-cold pool and held under.
Except it isn’t true, and I know it. That’s what matters.
“Close the door,” he says as I walk in.
I don’t say anything. Just sit down. I look up at him, but his eyes avert mine.
Coward.
“You wanted to see me?” I say, getting this dreaded meeting started.
His head lifts. “About last night—”
My hands raise to stop him. As much as I knew this was coming, I am not ready for it. I don’t want to discuss it.
“Sir, can we just move forward? I really don’t want to discuss it.”
He frowns, biting his lower lip as though he’s not sure what to say.
“You can call me Charles.”
I huff. Of all the things to spit out, that’s what he came up with?
How about I’m sorry, Raven?
Or even I was completely wrong about you, Raven?
But as much as I’d like to snap at him, my manners get the better of me. Hopefully, the rest of my face will catch up to my kindness before I shoot him a disdained look.
“Everyone else calls you sir or Mr. Cavendish. I won’t take privileges not owed to my peers.” I offer a wobbly smile that doesn’t reach my eyes.
He looks at me intently, that deep frown marring his face. “Not everyone else works as close with me as you will.”
I have no idea what he means by that, so I just remain quiet.
“I read through your Diosa proposal, and I’m prepared to move forward with you leading the charge as interim account manager until we find someone historically more qualified to fill the position. You’ll work closely with me until the account runs smoothly and we can find suitable hires.”