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The door swings open and I glance up.
“Good morning!” Harper says, moving closer and then stopping, glancing between us.
The tension is strangling me as I barely suck in air.
“Uh, did I interrupt something? Are the rumors actually true?”
“No,” I tell her, my heart rapidly beating. “Banks was just leaving.”
He stands, meeting my eyes. “Humble yourself, Little Calloway.And stop playing dirty before you get in over your head. I invented the game you’re playing.”
He adjusts his tie, moving toward the door. It clicks closed.
Harper stares at me. “What was that about?”
“He thinks I started the relationship rumors.” I shake my head.
Harper’s laughter fills the room. “If he didn’t and you didn’t, who did?”
“I don’t know, but when I find out who keeps posting these Blind Items about my friends and family, I swear I’m going to make their life hell.” I twist in my chair, staring at his office, watching his screen saver bounce across his monitor. “I think I’ve underestimated him.”
“And what will you do about it?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
8
ASHER
FIVE DAYS LATER
My door swings open, but I don’t look up from my screen. My eyes are almost magnetized to it.
“Can I help you?” I continue typing my thoughts before I forget them.
When I glance up, I meet ice-cold eyes. Billie steps forward in those red fuck-me heels and stands beside my desk. I meet her gaze as she gently falls to her knees before me.
“Please. Asher. Please help me save my company. I’m begging you,” she whispers, pushing my thighs apart.
Her hands rub my body, and I smile before she fades away.
My phone vibrates,and I lift my head from my desk. A puddle of spit has pooled on the wooden surface. I brush my hand over my face, realizing how exhausted I’ve been lately. That was a nightmare.
Fuck Billie Calloway!
I can’t escape her. She storms through the hallways of my mind, wreaking havoc wherever she goes.
I spin in my seat, realizing it’s dark outside. The ice queen is at her desk. Considering her light is the only one on, I’d assume she’s there alone, per usual.
My door opens, and Nick abruptly walks in.
“Oh good, you’re here. Are you still meeting Josh tonight for drinks?”
“Yeah. Need to confirm he’s not as bad as I remember.”
“And Billie?”
“I’mnothelping her. I’ve given her plenty of time and she hasn’t reached out,” I say matter-of-factly, stretching. “I gave her two different opportunities, and now I’m bored. I thought maybe I’d shake some things up in the fashion world. Make her fight for it.”