From the second she crossed my sights, I knew that my days of working long hours were numbered. I don’t care if it costs me millions a year in revenue, or even if I have to hire more people to take on the responsibilities of my day to day so I can hold her a little longer.
I do my best to avoid calling her because I know the second that I do, I’ll cave and leave the office and run to wherever she is. That’s just how she’s rewired me. I’m at her will, and she doesn’t even know it yet. When she does, I hope she’s ready for my insanity.
Even though she’s with Danny, I slipped a tracking device into her phone and installed an app. I’m working double time to keep track of her. If by some miracle she gives Danny the slip, which I’m not putting past my woman, I’ll be able to find her. Not to mention, I’ve added one inside her purse as well, just in case. I’ll be adding them to other things for her safety.
She’s going to be pissed when she finds out, but I have them too. As a man of my wealth and position, my suits are tagged just in case I get kidnapped. Kidnappers are quick to get rid of your phone and your shoes as soon as they snatch you, but it’s been a while since a perpetrator has stripped down someone they executed. I’ve been in this business a long time, and it hasn’t happened on my watch. Thankfully, my team has an impeccable record, and I’d like to keep it that way. It’s not that easy because people are evil as fuck.
My secretary, Miss Williams, sits down beside me as we prep for the call. “Did you bring in the figures?” She’s been with us for two years, is in her late twenties, and has a great head on her shoulders and could be more if she wasn’t always trying to please me. I’m starting to think she’s a real kiss-ass, and it’s annoying.
“Yes, Mr. Black. Everything you need is here.” She smiles at me a little too sweetly for my taste, and it takes me by surprise. A sickening feeling builds in my stomach. I hope to hell she isn’t flirting with me.
“Okay. Let’s make this call. I have a lot more I’d rather be doing right now than this,” I grumble.
“Me, too,” Ms. Williams practically purrs. Oh fuck, please tell me she’s not thinking anything other than a monetary raise because that’s the only raise she’ll ever get out of me, and if she tries anything else, she’ll be out on her ass.
The line rings, and I make introductions once we’re connected. “Thank you for meeting with us, Mr. Black.”
“Yes. I’m looking over the documents you sent, and everything looks great.”
“Yes, about that. Well, we’re not happy with that deal. We found a vendor that could handle the security for half your rate and with the same quality.”
“Then explain to me what you are doing wasting my time on this call.”
“We wanted to see if you wanted to match the offer.”
“No. I’m afraid what we have to offer is on the table. Nothing else can be altered. We gave you a great rate and an amazing package.”
“Can’t you upgrade us and knock off thirty percent?”
“Are you out of your mind? Please take the other company’s offer. Have a good day.” I walk away from the table, ending the video conference call.
“Landon, do you think that’s a good idea?” She has her hand on my arm.
“Remove your hand right now.” She slowly, nervously, releases it. “It’s Mr. Black to you.”
“Sorry, Mr. Black.” I step around her, feeling my temper get the better of me. I’m usually not short with my staff unless necessary, and this feels most undoubtedly necessary. If Lara had walked in and seen her with her hand on me like that, she could have misinterpreted it and I would have lost my woman.
No, scratch that. I wouldn’t have lost her because I would have kidnapped her tiny ass and tied her down to the bed and made her understand that she’s the only one for me, now and forever.
I walk out, and instantly I’m greeted by my future wife. She goes from smiling to frowning. I can’t hide the surprise at seeing her, and then my secretary takes that moment to come out of the conference room. Lara’s entire head turns to her and then back to me. She reads the situation all wrong, like I hoped she wouldn’t.
She begins to turn around, but like a good man, Danny stops her.
“Hold up. Don’t even,” I snarl. “Lara, follow me now. Danny, no one is to interrupt us.”
As soon as the door closes, she starts her shit. “So those are your meetings?”