Adrian folds his arms over his chest. “I listen because it means something to you. Do you think I would have let anyone else barge in here without a meeting?”
That same sickness from earlier stirs and I say nothing, knowing he’s the one who’s caused it.
“There needs to be a … separation for us.”
“How the hell am I supposed to separate this?” is all I can respond, my voice shaky.
“I want you to be happy,” Adrian says simply, unfolding his arms and pushing the chair out from his desk slightly. “I want you to know I care for you.”
There’s a pause, and my frustration grows again. He cares for me? But can’t answer a simple question? “They need to know as soon as possible so they can prepare,” I press further and Adrian doesn’t budge, his lips pressing into a thin line.
“Would you really sleep with me one night and then fire me in the morning?” I question with my voice tight.
“Suzette,” he says, his voice carrying a note of warning. He doesn’t say no.
Betrayal seems to push out every other feeling I have, making my face hot and my chest hurt. I know a losing argument when I see one and I know Adrian won’t be convinced right now, but I can’t help myself. “The company—”
“It’s after six, Suzette,” he replies, cutting me off. “You’ll have your answer when the team has consolidated numbers and risks.”
“Oh,” I say with a bitter tone. “You can’t tell me now because you’re off the clock. Because it’s six, so now I’m just a lowly fuck toy for you to come in?” Even as the words escape my mouth, I know they cross the line.
“You know that’s not why.” His statement is a string of carefully restrained anger, his grip tightening on the armrests, turning his knuckles white. Good. I hope he’s pissed off. I hope he’s upset like I am.
“I would never speak to you like that,” he continues. “I would never treat you like you didn’t matter. You know that,” he tells me, his tone softening, his pale blue gaze pinning me. “And I don’t like you talking about yourself like that.”
“How am I supposed to—”
“You told me you could separate the two—” I cut him off before he can finish.
“I’m trying to compartmentalize,” I argue back. He’s gripping the desk, obviously upset now. “I’m sorry. I need a moment and I think—” Just as I turn my back to him, ready to get the hell out of here so I can lose it alone in a bathroom stall, he speaks up.
“No. We need to get out of here. We have dinner plans.”
How am I supposed to sit through dinner like this with my stomach in knots and my face burning? I don’t think I can do it. “Maybe we shouldn’t tonight.”
All my emotions tumble over me, filling my body and seeming to spill over into the room. Tears fill my eyes, but I don’t want to cry in front of Adrian. I don’t want to cry here in the office, where we’ve done so many things and where he keeps chipping away at my department and the company I’ve worked so hard to build.
“Maybe we shouldn’t,” I say again weakly, and start to leave.
His voice comes immediately, so deep and commanding that it stops me in my tracks. “Don’t you dare walk out that door.”
Adrian
I’m more than aware that there are employees still in the building. A few might be close enough to hear as Suzette bites out, “What the hell did you just say to me?”
She’s visibly upset and spiraling. I’ve seen it before. A hundred times at least. Crying, cursing, screaming at me. I’ve been struck more than once.
My skin blazes with both indignation and embarrassment. I don’t do squabbles in the office, I don’t have shouting matches with employees. Then again, I’ve never slept with anyone at the office before either. This is why. This is exactly why it was a mistake.
With daggers in her eyes, Suzette stares back at me and says, “Did you just say, ‘don’t you dare?’” Her voice is deathly low and her gaze narrowed.
Her breasts rise and fall, peeking through her blouse as she breathes in deeply, stalking back toward me.
“I’d like you to calm down,” I say, keeping my tone gentle. The last thing I need is publicity or a lawsuit.
Her eyes widen. “Calm down?” Outrage coats the two words. Fuck. I can’t do anything right by her. This is a lose-lose situation and she sure as hell knew it when she walked in those doors.
I take in a steadying breath, standing from my seat, my dick hard, needing to fuck the anger out of both of us.
“Suzette.” I speak her name as she stalks toward me.
“I am struggling today.” Her words are frantic. “Watching coworkers pack up their offices, while others didn’t even come in. Do you know how many people have given their notice?”