Page 25 of Devilish Bully (Steamy Latte Reads Collection #3)

THE CEO

LUCIAN

The boardroom swells with celebration—laughter echoing, glasses raised, champagne flowing like victory. The employees are thrilled about remaining a private company—but they’re probably more excited about the twenty percent raises I’ve promised.

But without Kendall, it all rings empty.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I find myself in a quieter room, one of the lounge spaces off the executive floor. Dim lighting, leather chairs, the smell of whiskey lingering in the air. I sink into a seat and finally let out the breath I’ve been holding since the pitch began.

My phone buzzes and I instantly open it, hoping for a second chance.

Myra

I hate you EVEN MORE now.

Don’t you ever contact my Aunt K again!

Okay, I deserve this…

A shadow stretches across the doorway. Brian.

“Something I can get for you, sir?” he asks.

“No, I’m alright. Thank you.”

“People will start whispering more than usual if you don’t return to the party within the hour,” he says. “Just to let you know.”

“Noted.”

“Miss Clarke sends her congratulations.”

“Congratulations from Kendall?” I look up fast. “She actually said that?”

“No.” He rolls his eyes. “But perhaps if you pretend she did, you can smile at all the investors and supporters tonight.”

“There was nothing going on between us.”

“I don’t get paid enough to put up with your delusions, sir. No offense.”

“I’m not afraid to fire you.”

“I doubt you ever would,” he says. “Even if I told you I was the one who changed the screens to you being Satan.”

“It was you?”

“No.” He smiles. “I would never.”

“You did that?”

“You deserved it.” He laughs, and for the first time tonight I laugh too.

“I can’t believe you, Brian.” I shake my head. “I thought you were my one loyal confidant.”

“I still am, but you were teetering on the edge of ultimate bully at that point.”

“Have I changed at all since the first survey?”

“You’re making progress.” He nods. “You could make even more progress by finally realizing that Fridays are part of the weekend and no one wants to be here past five o’clock.”

“Is that coming from you or the others?”

“Everyone,” he says. “But Miss Clarke was working on a private petition before she quit.”

“I’m sure she was…” I down the rest of my whiskey.

“If I tell you where she’s working next, will you go back to the party?”

“I can’t believe you’ve known all this time and won’t tell me… She’s not answering my calls.”

“Would you answer your calls?”

No. “She could at least respond to my texts.”

He shoots me a blank stare.

“I’ll go back to the party if you tell me.”

“Okay.” He gestures for me to move forward. “I’ll tell you after you give a toast.”

“How do I know you’ll keep your side of the deal?”

“Because I’ve never lied to you.” He nods toward the party.

I hesitate a few seconds.

“She has an interview tomorrow.” He narrows his eyes. “I would get a move on it, if I were you.”

I move toward the door without another word and slip into the party. I make a toast with the shareholders, put on a fake smile, and take pictures with anyone who asks.

When the final streamer has hit the floor, Brian keeps his word and reveals where Kendall is trying to work next.

Over my dead body…