la'

though my knuckles turned white as I clutched the

iously for more than four ye

ith greying temples and a fake-ass smile, seated co

restructuring," he said with a sigh, getting up a

lsh

m my seat. "Because you and I both know that doesn't make any dam

To the right person," he said, swirling the drink in h

romotion I got here. Through hard wor

drink. "Relax. I'm just saying... life's a lot ea

omed in my chest and m

rd was the owner was mentally unstable, doing whatever he pleased wheneve

as per

?" Jordan raised his glass again, that slimy glint in his eye igniti

é. And unlike you, I don't cheat. I don't slither around behind

own harder than necessary. "Or I'll put it in place for you. You're no

se of a man. You really think I'd throw away my dignity for a promotion? You think I'd sleep with someone who clear

nger toward him. Rage pulsed through

ring words with you. Now, get out of my office," h

gulp, wincing as it burned his throat,

yes. I shoved the letter into my bag, turned to

aid, voice low but sharp. I looked back a

mug as hell. Like he'

I was a threat. He hated that I was outperforming him. Th

that disgusting offer in the first

om my colleagues. I walked straight into the elevator without glancing back.

man. He didn't even wait for me to ge

he fridge, Pay half the rent. Maybe even surpri

or project-the kind that brought international coverage. A project assigned b

alk

ept w

ouple giggling over coffee. Past a street musician s

elf to book a ride o

ell had ju

fall apart in less

didn't know my day was abo

I needed someone to tell me I wasn't insane for standing my ground. I needed someone to press the

e like

nts. My constant in a chaotic life. The only person I

told me his place was mine too. The door was unlocked, as usual. I

off-the scent in the air wasn't Ryan's usual cologne. It was stronger. Mu

friend over. Dean? Or

against the tiled floo

lled gently.

espo

corner into t

heart slamme

tried to catch up with what I was seei

at it looked l

gh

sound didn't even make a dent in the sight in front of me. Maybe

fucking