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Not in a million years.
Elaine smiles at her husband, who is more interested in his tumbler of scotch than this conversation. “What do you think, Darius?”
He glances up, squinting at her, then looking at me. “Freelance tech support isn’t really a skill we’re looking to hire.”
“But if she knows tech work, wouldn’t she be able to learn whatever skill you all need?” Elaine shoots me a bashful look. “I’m not good with technology, so I’ve never considered working with the firm.”
“Elaine?” Darius asks with a bite.
She focuses on her husband, a wariness about her smile. “Yes, dear?”
“It’s embarrassing when you talk about things you know nothing about.”
That’s possibly the rudestshut upI’ve ever heard.
Her gaze drops to her lap, but not before I catch the slight tremble in her lip. The sisters focus on their plates.Mace clutches his glass of water, knuckles turning white. I scowl at Darius and he catches it, eyes narrowing.
“Tech support means you either didn’t graduate college or barely passed.”
I dropped out with a semester left because I couldn’t afford it. Something on my face must confirm what he’s thinking.
“Exactly. You don’t have what Rex Technologies is looking for. We only hire the best and brightest.”
Even though I know I’m smart and capable, the shame of dropping out burns my cheeks. I didn’t want to. Mimi was sick and bills were piling up. It was my degree or Mimi. The choice was easy, but all anyone ever sees is that I’m a quitter. They don’t see the human who barely survived losing yet another family member.
“Cassia is amazing,” Mace says, setting his water down. “She knows what she’s doing, and before her grandma died, she was the top of her class. Regardless of finishing her degree, she is one of the best and brightest.” His protectiveness warms my chest. I also didn’t realize Mace knew so much about my life.
Darius shakes his head. “Dropouts lack commitment.”
Okay, asshole. Irritation shots through my veins. The only thing worse than a rich asshole, is a rich asshole who thinks you’re scum on the bottom of his shoes. I have drive. I can get the jobs done. Plus, I know there are vulnerabilities within his own systems, but I can’t say any of that. It may be my only advantage to get what Agent Smith wants. I have to grind my teeth and take it.
“Or maybe circumstances beyond their control force them out. Cassia is good. Probably better than half our development team.” This is the most he’s said all dinner.
I meet Mace’s gaze.
He nods at me.I’ve got your back.
It’s the first time we’ve ever been on the same side when someone is bullying me. Our talk the other day must have struck a chord.
“Regardless,” Darius says with a heavy exhale. “She’s probably ready to get busy being a housewife. Your mother was. As soon as she spread her legs?—”
“Darius,” Elaine chastises in the most gentle of ways, her voice very light and almost chuckling, like she finds it funny, but there’s devastation in her gaze. When was it she started to realize the man she married was her worst nightmare?
The man himself slams his fork down, glaring at his wife as if she berated him, and shoves away from the table. “Dinner is done.”
Elaine’s face goes pale. “Darius, love, please.” Her voice trembles.
My hackles rise.
Darius’s face is scarlet, his eyes flickering with rage. “Oh no, you’ve said enough, Elaine.” He scowls at the rest of us. “I want everyone OUT!”
Adalie and Melody flinch at his shout. My eyes narrow to slits. This guy is an asshole. Mace stands. Everyone in the room holds their breath as the two men stare at one another. Two titans at war. Mace’s fists are clenched. Is he going to hit him? Do they fight like this a lot? Why is no one saying anything about how terrible Darius is?
I already know the answer, though. They’ve grown up with the toxicity. The irrational rage and vile words are nothing new. They’ve probably seen worse from him. As for Elaine, my focus shifts to her, noting the slight tremble in her hands. She sees me watching and tucks them in her lap, clasping them tight.
Somewhere along the way, Darius stole her light. I hate him.
“You have something to say Maccon?” Darius shouts.