Page 86 of Hate You Up Close

I decide it’s time to go because if we stay any longer, I will without a doubt fuck this entire thing up. I need to get out of this bougie-ass restaurant full of fake-ass people, get some fresh air, and try to calm the fuck down.

“It’s getting late,” I sigh, staring down at my watch. “We better head out so we can get some rest for tomorrow. Nice meeting you,” I nod to Thomas’s colleagues before standing from my chair.

Thomas doesn't respond. He just nods, keeping his lips in a thin line.

Yeah, he’s definitely pissed. And honestly, I don’t give a shit. I know how badly Roxanne wants this raise, and that’s the only reason I’m somewhat attempting to keep my cool. If it weren't for her, I would have already told this piece of shit exactly what I thought about him.

I’m sure he’s already over it. Hell, I bet he’s messaging one of his escorts that he has on speed dial. Men like him usually do.

Roxanne lifts a manicured hand to wave goodbye, but I cut her off by splaying my fingers against the small of her back and rushing her out of the restaurant. I stay inches behind her until we get to the exit, making sure no one is able to drool over her ass in that little black dress.

Fuck.

I’ve never acted this way over a girl.Ever.Overly protectiveand territorial. I’ve never wanted to claim someone as mine as much as I do her. I want to stand in a crowded room with her back pressed tightly against my chest and my arms wrapped around her middle. I want to tangle my fingers in her hair and kiss her, making sure everyone knows that she’s mine, and I’m hers.

God, am I hers. She owns me in a nonrefundable way.

The second we step outside, the salty air fills my lungs. A soft breeze swooshes by, blowing Roxanne’s dark curls into my face.

She quickly spins around, placing her palms against my chest before forcefully shoving me back against the brick wall. The air is pushed from my lungs as my back thumps against the wall.

“What thehellwas that, Elliot?” she shouts, tossing her arms up in the air.

“I could ask you the same thing,” I say through gritted teeth. “Did you have fun flirting with our client?”

She narrows her eyes to little slits.

“I was playing the game, Elliot,” she retorts. “You single-handedly could have lost one of the biggest clients Ace Financial has ever landed. I wouldn't be surprised if Thomas calls and cancels tomorrow.”

“And what game is that?” I scoff. “Trying to seduce our client, or trying to make me jealous?”

“Looks like I succeeded at both,” she shrugs as a smug grin stretches across her face.

“Don’t speak to him again,” I grit out, pushing off the wall and walking towards the car.

“You don't get to tell me what to do,” she shouts, stomping after me. Even though my back is to her, I can picture the cute scowl etched across her face.

“When it comes to business, yes, I do,” I bellow over my shoulder. “I’m your boss, remember?”

“What the fuck is your problem, Elliot?” she thunders. “This is how big business works, right? We play the game, even if that means putting on an act. If I take Thomas up on his offer to tour the city, I’m sure he would sign the deal.”

That stops me in my tracks. My nostrils flare as my fists clench at my sides.

I turn around slowly, pinning her with a serious glare. Any ounce of humor or ease leaves my body.

“Then I’ll lose the fucking deal,” I growl, raising my voice. “Because he’s not getting anywhere near you, Roxanne.”

Her eyes flick between mine, staring at me like she’s taken aback by my tone.

I run a frustrated hand through my hair before turning my shoulders around and speed-walking to the car.

Roxanne is mumbling angrily behind me, needing to get the last word in. I don’t register a thing she says. I tune her out completely.

I just need to get the fuck out of here before I do something I’ll regret.

EIGHTEEN

Roxy