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 aboutI’m sorry, Raven?
Or evenI 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.”
“No, thank you, Mr. Cavendish.”
His head jerks back, and his eyes widen at what I’d just said.
“No?”
“No,” I repeat. “Not like this.”
This might be the first time ever that I’m willing to walk away from the thing I want most to prove a point, but here we are. I’ll take a lot of crap—have in the past—but I won’t be called a whore. He might not have actually said the words, but they were insinuated.
He sighs. “Please, Raven, let me—”
“I’m not interested in taking a position because you are atoning for your actions, sir. When I get this account, even if it’s just a temporary gig, it will be because I’ve earned it.” I sit back further in the chair, pursing my lips. “Contrary to what you believe, I’ve earned everything I’ve ever received. I’m damn good at my job.”
My voice holds strong until the last part, when it cracks. I’m exhausted and angry.
“I was wrong, and I’m sorry,” he says, leaning forward at his desk. “Your pitch was excellent. The best I’ve seen. You understand the Diosa brand and potential talent in a way that I don’t think anyone else in this office could ever manage. I doubt the applicants I was set to meet today could do it.” He takes a deep breath. “Diosa needs you. I... need you. On this account,” he adds quickly.
I bite my cheek, considering his words. I want to give in and celebrate my winnings, but I won’t allow him off the hook that easily.
“I’m not sure I can work with you, Mr. Cavendish. Not after last night.”
He nods several times, looking remorseful. “I can’t say I blame you, but I need you to know that yesterday was a grave exception. I’ll never act like that again. I can assure you of that.”
I blink, eyes narrowing in on him. He looks sincere, but still... I’m pissed. And rightfully so. He owes me some answers, and right now, I feel justified in demanding them.
“What happened to you yesterday? Why were you so drunk?”
He blows out a harsh breath, head falling back onto his shoulders.
“That’s a long story.”
I shrug. “I have time, and if you want me on this account, I suggest you start talking.” I offer a forced bright smile. “Sir.”
He huffs a laugh. “A ray of sunshine even on a cloudy day.”