Page 67 of Savage Suit

“I’m not ignoring you,” I said with a sigh, deflated. I needed to get through the day until we met later, and I made my presentation. As I worked at what I love, I wanted a challenge. All else was periphery bullshit. I had to remember that. I walked to my desk and sat in the chair matching the visitor’s. “It would be a clever idea to have Ingrid Warrington front and center to show you have more class than her. I said, not looking at Noah or Reid. “She published her exposé by speaking to disgruntled employees,” I stared at the hospital white wall. “Of course, they’re going to sing like a fucking canary. Embellish shit too if I had to guess.” Before I brought my elbow to my desk and rested my chin in my hand, I shifted in my chair, wondering if I could buy an office chair with wheels. “What she did is so fucking low. It doesn’t matter how truthful it is. If she wanted a well-rounded piece, she would’ve given you the courtesy of a rebuttal. So, that would be a win. Second, you’re sticking me in front of the worldtorefute her claims. If she isn’t there, she has more fodder. She can accuse you of hiring me in direct response to her article. While that is the truth, she should be there to get her chance at questions.”

“This woman seems vicious,” Reid said. “She will tear you apart.”

I continued to stare at my wall. “She can try.”

“Ryan, look at me,” Noah said in a masculine, coaxing voice that sent a shiver through me.

Whatever else I might be, I’d never been a coward. Unsteadily I got to my feet, pasted a smile on my face and raised my gaze to Noah. “It is up to you, of course. It is my humble opinion this is your moment to shineandface off with your public enemy number one.”

Noah stared at me with a mixture of concern and concentration. Wildness tinged his gaze. “Are you well?” he asked. “Do you need an ambulance?”

“What?” If his look hadn’t matched his frantic tone, I would’ve thought he was joking. But his concern was genuine. “I’m fine.”

He wasn’t listening, or he didn’t hear me. He took my hand and led me back to the chair. His grip tightening, he guided me down, then placed his hand on my forehead.

“Your temp seems normal.”

He kneeled in front of me, leaned forward, and placed his ear against my chest. I’m not sure he even realized his actions.

He got to his feet and frowned at me. “Do you feel faint?”

When I glanced at Reid, he looked so torn, caught between pity and worry. And I knew Noah had experienced trauma. I sat perfectly still, allowing him to place his fingers at the base of my throat, feel my forehead again, and try to listen to my heart.

Whatever had happened to him had scarred him to his core. My heart hurt for him. I wanted to touch him. Run my fingers through his inky-dark hair. Plant soft kisses along his powerful jaw. He got to his feet and shoved his hands in his pockets.

I searched for a way to ease him and break the heavy tension. Over the years, I’d had to soothe and comfort Quinn and Logan for a variety of reasons. Each time had seemed so tough. In comparison to my current situation, those times were much easier. I was well acquainted with my sister and brother, so I knew how to react. Now, was different.

I cleared my throat. “I’m fine.”

“One minute you were arguing with me and beingyou, and the next moment, you were in your chair, staring at the fucking wall, pale and sad. Muted,” he added.

“I’m just…”Tired.If I’d finished the sentence, it would’ve been a mistake. He might’ve even sent me home.

“Just what?” he urged.

“Just talking and thinking. As we discussed Ingrid Warrington, I wondered about the possibility of buying my own executive’s chair. I was also thinking the walls are the white color hospitals used decades ago. Modern facilities have decided relaxing colors might aid a patient’s recovery.”

He looked skeptical at my unnecessary trivia, so I blurted the first thing that came to mind.

“I was also wondering if Quinn would ever find my fucking door key. You have an irresponsible sibling, too, Reid?” I asked at his pained expression. “That was the second copy of a key I’m not supposed to duplicate. If my landlord finds out, I’m out on my ass. He isn’t the nicest guy.”

Noah squinted at me, back to himself again. “What’s his name?”

“Redman Olive.” I rolled my eyes. “He enjoys being called Red Olive. The fucking jackass.” Fuck. I scrubbed a hand over my face. If the company withheld a week’s pay, my rent would be fucking late. Asshole would follow eviction protocol the day after my missed payment. I would be well within the allotted timeframe of the 14-Day Notice to Pay I’d receive. Now, if Ididn’tget paid until after those fourteen days…

“I don’t like the look on your face,” Noah said.

“I’m not unwell. I’m just wondering if I’ll receive my first paycheck in time to prevent Redman from trying to throw me out.”

He glowered at me, mercurial motherfucker that he was. “Text me his contact information.”

I pursed my lips, then folded my arms. “You told me not to text you.”

“I told you not to text me unless I gave you permission.”

“The wordpermissionreally, really annoys me. Truly,” I added for dramatic effect. “It just pisses me the fuck off.”

“Although that’s ayouproblem,” Noah said, borrowing my line, “I’m curious to know what about the word sets you off?”