“Oh, I’m the child? You’re the one who’s constantly playing games, Mr. Drake.”
“Enough with the Mr. Drake bullshit, Cherry. Open your mouth and speak to me.”
“I am! Can’t you see my lips moving?’
I rubbed the back of my neck, a headache looming. “I don’t have time for this.”
“You never have time for anything. Yet you ride my ass about everything.”
“I’ve yet to ride your ass, Paige. But all you have to do is name the time and place.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Is it that time of the month?”
She gasped. “You’re such an asshole!”
“I suggest you watch the way you talk to me. Unless you want me to finally take you over my knee.”
“I’d love to see you try.”
I was about to stand, but she stood first.
“Don’t you dare.”
I scoffed out a chuckle. I couldn’t help it.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but this has nothing to do with my cycle. And everything to do with the way you order me around.”
“You’re my EA. It’s my job.”
“No shit. The way you’re bossing everyone around is horrible. I get you’re overwhelmed with what’s happening with my stalker, but that’s no reason to take it out on us. Considering I never asked you to get involved!”
I narrowed my eyes at her, searching her face for answers I’d never find. I couldn’t believe how much she’d changed over the last ten years. It wasn’t only her face and body. It was also her personality—it was as if I was looking at a different woman. One I didn’t know anymore.
Days…
Weeks…
Years…
It had all changed Paige.
The way she looked at me with such hate physically pained me. I never thought I’d be at the receiving end of her murderous glare. Just another monster from her fairytales.
I spent a lot of time trying to catch the son of a bitch who was stalking her and not once had I heard a fucking thank you. I was at a loss, which had always been a common occurrence when it came to her. I didn’t know where to go from here.
We both lost so much. There was nothing I could do to change the past. All that was left was the present and future and I wouldn’t stop until she forgave me and was back in my bed.
The way she just stood there, her presence comforting and afflicting all at once. There was a malicious, yet captivating look in her eyes. A wall so fucking thick I’d spend the rest of my life trying to break it down if I had to. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from hers, and I didn’t want to. If only she’d give me the chance to make things right.
I could watch this woman all damn day, and it still wouldn’t be enough.
Because the truth was…
I’d take her anyway I could.
“Are you trying to get a rise out of me?”
“Why? Is it working?”
My mind spun with more thoughts and questions, trying to find some clarity. Some truth within the haze of the lies she told herself. Her pain was evident all around me, radiating deep into my core.
I could see it.
Feel it.
Breathe in it.
Showing weakness was something I never thought I’d do, but it had always been different with her, and she knew it too. There was no thinking about the future without thinking about the past, and for the first time it had me questioning how we would make it through this in the end.
“The way I handle my employees is of no concern to you. Know your role, Paige. You’re not the boss, I am.”
She snapped, “Fuck you, Adrian.” She pushed off her heels and rushed toward the door.
I was over to her in three long strides, ordering, “You don’t walk away from me.” Grabbing ahold of her arm, I turned her attention back to me. Stepping right into her personal space and backing her against the nearest wall. My six-foot-two muscular build loomed over her tiny frame as I brought her hard against my chest.
She didn’t cower; if anything, she stood taller. I cocked my head to the side, sweeping her hair away from her face to peer deep into her eyes. I locked her in place in front of me.
“Get your hands off me,” she snarled, trying to jerk her face out of my strong hold. Failing miserably at doing so. Her chest rose and fell with each word that fell off her lips, accentuating her luscious tits in my face.
I held her tighter.
To look at me.
Talk to me.
Listen to me.
Feel me…
She finally met my stare, spewing, “You know all it would take is for me to scream. One word out of my mouth and your HR department would know the truth of what you keep putting me through.”
“You really are adorable when you’re mad. Besides, we both know I like it when you scream. It makes my cock so fucking hard.” I rotated my grip on the back of her neck in a possessive act, running my thumb up and down her windpipe. I leaned in close to her lips, my mouth almost touching hers. “Now tell me what’s wrong before I lose the last bit of patience I have with you.”