Page 1 of The Dragon in the Corner Office (Monstrous New York #1)
Chapter 1
“ T hat motherfucking cocksucker!” I slam the sheet of paper down on my desk. The force splinters the glass top with a sharp crack.
“Do I need the fire extinguisher again?” My assistant, Penelope, scampers into my office, perky blonde ponytail bouncing behind her.
Last week, I lost my temper and accidentally set the plant in the corner of my office on fire. Hazards of being a dragon shifter with anger issues.
Pen was able to put out the fire, and I gave her a sizable raise for her trouble. I don’t know what I’d do without her. Probably burn the entire building to the ground… on accident, of course.
“No, Pen. Not this time.” With a sigh, I press my fingers to my temples and massage the throbbing flesh.
Once the fire in my veins is no longer roaring, but more of a smolder, I pick up the paper again and scan the contents one more time. My worst fears are confirmed: my eyes aren’t playing tricks on me. “They want me to work with that smug asshole! I can’t believe it!”
Pen bounces on her toes, blue eyes peering over the top of the letter. “Work with who? The only person you get this worked up over is—”
“Cyrus Wilcox.” Plumes of smoke billow from my nostrils, the flames in my belly sparking to life once again at the ashy taste of his name on my tongue.
Before my exhaled breath can incinerate the paper, Pen plucks it from my hands. Her eyes sweep over each line as she mumbles under her breath. “A merger? ‘Ms. Bauer, we are excited to inform you of the upcoming merger between York Properties and Big Apple Real Estate. During this period of adjustment, you will be assigned to partner with Big Apple’s number one commercial broker, Cyrus Wilcox. We understand this is a difficult transition for everyone, and your utmost cooperation is appreciated.’”
“‘Utmost cooperation,’ my ass. They can’t do this to me! I’ve been the top performing commercial broker for over five years!” Thick smoke swirls in the air around me as my chest heaves, the stiff fabric of my designer blazer straining with each labored breath.
Hooking a thumb over her shoulder while backing up a few steps, Pen murmurs, “I’m gonna get the fire extinguisher. Deep breaths, Annie.”
Taking her advice, I let my eyes fall closed and focus on anything besides Cyrus Wilcox’s smug face. With his perfectly coiffed dark-blonde hair and stupid sparkling blue eyes. Ugh. His suits always fit his thickly muscled frame like they’ve been sewn on.
Wouldn’t put it past him. The man must spend hours getting ready every morning.
There’s no way a human male looks that perfect without a lot of help.
“Annie, you’re doing it again…”
Sure enough, when my eyes spring open, a small flame flickers on the discarded notebook in the center of my desk. “Shit!” Using my hand, I smack it over the flame until it’s extinguished and my palm is tinted black from the soot.
Another perk of being a dragon shifter: fire doesn’t burn me.
Whooshing a breath from my lungs, I expel any thoughts of a certain blonde-haired nemesis from my body. “Sorry, sorry. I’m calm. I swear.”
“Good. Let’s keep it that way. The memo says there’s a meeting with Mr. Andrews and Cyrus this afternoon to discuss moving into a shared office… immediately.” Pen’s pert nose scrunches as she peers up at me. “I guess you’ll have to bump your daily yoga session to twice a day to keep your anger in check.”
The damn throbbing starts in my temples again. You’ll be fine. He’s just a man. A human.
For the past fifty years, monsters and humans have learned to live in harmony. New York City being the heart of monster society. And I get along with everyone, except Cyrus Wilcox.
M y heels click on the tile floor as I enter the CEO’s office, eyes narrowed on the man who’s hell-bent on making my job harder.
Pen trails behind me, notebook tucked under her arm. I cross the office and take a seat next to the bane of my existence: Cyrus Wilcox.
“Ms. Bauer,” he drawls. The crisp baritone of his voice grates on my nerves, but sparks an uncomfortable heat in my core that I choose to ignore. “You’re looking lovely this morning.”
I bite my tongue to hold back my scathing remark about commenting on a woman’s appearance, and settle on, “ Good morning, Wilcox. Unfortunately, it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.”
Seated behind the desk in front of us, Mr. Andrews, the owner of York Properties, clears his throat. “Ms. Bauer, thank you for joining us. Now that you’re both here, let’s get started. Cyrus, thank you for meeting in person. I know you’re a busy man.”
Somehow, I hold in my scoff. Apparently, I’m not busy? My calendar full of client meetings and property walk-throughs would prove otherwise.
Cyrus chuckles, leaning back in his chair and crossing one ankle over his knee. “Not a problem, Robert. Doesn’t hurt that my office is right next door.” His crystalline eyes swing to the wall of windows behind me, specifically the skyscraper where Big Apple takes up residence. For now, at least.
“Right,” Mr. Andrews continues. “My brother and I have finally repaired our once tumultuous relationship and decided to merge York Properties and Big Apple. I'll be spearheading the operation, acting as CEO, while he maintains a more hands-off approach, continuing to work remotely. We’ve decided the new company, Big York Properties, will remain in this building.” He taps one thick finger against his desk. At least I won’t have to move to a new building—silver lining. “You’re our top performing agents, so it’s a no-brainer to keep you both on payroll. However, rather than working independently, we want you working as a team. Learn from each other and take our company to the next level.”
I bristle, digging my nails into the palms of my hands to keep my temper at bay. “And that requires sharing an office?” Raising my chin, the clear, nictitating membrane in my eyes shuts and opens quickly. I don’t waiver an inch as Mr. Andrews’s beady eyes skim me from head to toe, making my skin crawl.
I’ve never liked him, but he offered me a job ten years ago when I was down on my luck—thanks to Cyrus.
Once upon a time, Cyrus and I were colleagues at Big Apple until he fucked me over. We were gunning for the same sale and he undercut my offer to the client, which led to me getting fired.
York Properties took a risk, offering me a job when I needed it most. I’ve worked my ass off since then, and clawed my way back to the top.
“Truth be told, we’re renovating during the rebrand and there’s only one office available. So if you’d rather work in a supply closet, be my guest.” His tone is demeaning, but I don’t shrink under his lingering gaze. Even if he is a bit sleazy, he’s a smart man, and he knows he can’t afford to lose me. My numbers are consistent, and I always deliver; gaining new clients each month and finding hidden real estate gems throughout the city.
“Come on, Antoinette.” Cyrus’s smooth voice melts over me, breaking my stare-off with my boss. This pull my body has to him… I hate it. I slice my gaze to his while he continues speaking. “Maybe you’ll learn something from me.” He winks, and I want to punch him. Wipe the smug smirk right off his pretentious face.
Rage simmers under my skin, and if I don’t get out of here soon, I’m liable to start another fire.
“It’s a corner office,” Mr. Andrews says, goading me with the promise of floor-to-ceiling windows and probably a private bathroom. “One of the old VP suites. And Penelope will act as assistant to both of you going forward.”
Peeking over my shoulder, I offer Pen a reassuring smile, one she returns before focusing back on her notes.
Pen’s presence alone calms my temper, so maybe sharing an office with Cyrus won’t be the worst thing in the world. Oh, who am I kidding? Even ten of Pen couldn’t keep me calm around him. With a huff, I cross my arms over my chest and relent. “Fine.”
“Good. Over the next month, find a property within the city. Ms. Bauer, I know you’re good at finding those hidden diamonds no one else can. Use your skills.”
The man may be a skeeze, but I sit up a little straighter under his compliment. On several occasions, his misogynistic tendencies have made me question why I still work here, but I’m so close.
I’ve scrimped and saved my entire working career in hopes of one day opening my own firm. My bank account and my name in the commercial real estate world are nearly ready for me to take the leap and hack it on my own.
Andrews drones on. “And plan a renovation that will wow us—but do it together. This is a joint venture, not a competition. Understood?”
Ever the brown-noser, Cyrus speaks first. “Won’t be a problem, Robert. Thank you for the opportunity.” He even goes so far as to shake Mr. Andrews’s hand while leveling me with a shit-eating grin. Asshole.
Mr. Andrews’s gaze lands on me, his thick eyebrow raised expectantly. A joint project with Cyrus could gain me the last ounce of respect I need in a male-dominated industry before starting my own firm.
Suck it up, buttercup. This is your ticket out of here.
“Yes, sir. I understand. I already have a lead on an amazing property. You won’t be disappointed.” My tone is as sugary and sweet as I can manage with the lava pumping under my skin.
“I knew I could count on our two best agents,” Mr. Andrews says as my phone chimes in my hand.
Standing from my seat, I nod at both men. “If you’ll excuse us. I have an urgent meeting with a client.”
Pen follows behind as I hightail it out of the office, the beginnings of an inferno burning under my skin. Welcome to your own personal hell, Antoinette.