Page 3 of The Dragon in the Corner Office (Monstrous New York #1)
Chapter 3
M y dick twitches in my pants, not quite sure if he should shrivel and cower under the ire of this woman. Or stand at attention and salute the lady balls she’s sporting between her luscious, thick thighs.
An aroma of smoke and lavender swirls around me as Antoinette retreats from our first battle in our new home. One of many to come, I’m sure. The smell is just like her: intoxicating and strong.
Through the glass door of the office, her wide hips sway like a metronome as she stomps away on her skyscraper heels. Penelope trails behind like an obedient little puppy .
I knew this merger would be a nightmare, working side by side with the woman who’s been my competition for the last decade.
One thing’s for sure; Antoinette Bauer will chew you up and spit you out, but you’ll come crawling back to be the second course. She’s as fiery and unpredictable as a volcano poised to erupt. No wonder she’s a dragon shifter; there’s literal fire pumping through her veins.
If she wasn’t such a frigid bitch, I’d totally hit that. I’m not opposed to mixing business with pleasure, especially for a woman like her: driven and hardworking, qualities I appreciate in a partner.
Plus, she’s downright beautiful, with the warm hue of her olive complexion amplified by the glittering gold in her irises. The unnatural shade and vertical slit of her pupils are the only outward hints of the dragon hidden beneath her skin. Shiny black hair cut into a severe line brushes the tops of her shoulders. It’s the perfect length to wrap my fists in as I…
Clearing my throat, I spin in my chair and try to distract myself from Antoinette by counting windows on the skyscraper next door, but it’s no use. My mind flies back to her like a boomerang; no amount of distraction techniques ever work.
Because did I mention her body is the stuff of wet dreams? She’s built for sin. Reminiscent of a fifties pinup girl, Antoinette has the quintessential hourglass figure that drives most men wild—myself included. Mile long legs that make my mouth water are only accentuated by her tight pencil skirts and killer heels.
What I wouldn’t give to let my hands follow the roadmap of every dip and valley, from her ample breasts, to her narrow waist, to her round hips and ass. There’s plenty of extra cushion for when things get rough.
And I like it rough.
As much as I might find Antoinette attractive, because there’s no denying it, she’s been a thorn in my side for the last few years. Ever since we worked together at Big Apple, she’s hated me. Something to do with her being fired after I landed a big sale on a property we were both working on. It’s not my fault she’s a sore loser who can’t handle a little friendly competition.
Still, the way she didn’t take my shit earlier has me in a tailspin between impressed, turned-on, and a little frightened.
I should have known she’d turn into a jungle cat ready to attack. Just so happened, I was the only available prey in sight.
Tucking my straining erection into the waistband of my boxers, I grunt and turn back to my computer, wiggling the mouse to wake up the screen. I simply cannot be attracted to this woman.
One: she’s direct competition to my livelihood .
Two: she could literally kill me with her bare hands, which is slightly terrifying.
My cock jerks again.
What is wrong with you, Cyrus? Aroused by a woman being able to put you six-feet under?
Giving my cheek a light slap, I attempt to clear my head. Thankfully, my phone dances across the desktop, the screen lighting up with the name of one of my favorite people. The perfect distraction from Antoinette Bauer and her scarily sexy demeanor.
Shoving my earpiece in, I swipe my thumb across the screen to accept the call. “Hey, Maggie. What’s up?”
There’s a scuffle, then a squealed, “Uncle Cy!”
My lips pull into a smile at her excited voice. “Lily! Why are you awake so early?”
A soft giggle floats down the line. “Good morning, Uncle Cy! Guess what today is!”
I can’t help but chuckle at my niece’s enthusiasm at—I glance at my watch—six-thirty in the morning. Today is her fifth birthday and my sister-in-law has a special surprise planned. “Hmmm…” I tap my chin, drawing out the suspense. “Is it a very special young lady’s birthday?”
Her answering squeal nearly ruptures my ear drum. “Happy birthday, Liliana Bear. I’ll be there on Sunday to celebrate. ”
“Okay, Uncle Cy. I can’t wait to see you! Did you get me a present?” I can picture her bouncing around their farmhouse right now, no doubt her mother chasing after.
“You know I did, sweetheart. I hope you have the best birthday ever today. Can I talk to your mom?”
While I wait for Lily to get her mother, I stand from my desk and pace. I do my best thinking on my feet, always have.
Wearing a path between my desk and Antoinette’s, a flashing notification on her computer screen catches my eye.
She left in such a tizzy earlier; she forgot to lock her computer. Rookie mistake, princess.
“Hey, Cyrus. How’s your new office mate?”
Placing my hand on Antoinette’s computer mouse, I click the notification. “Hey, Mags. Ugh. We’ve already been at it this morning. The woman hates me. How am I supposed to get any work done with her eagle eyes glaring at me from across the office? It’s like our boss is setting us up to fail, or worse, kill each other.”
Maggie’s tinkling laughter meets my ears, settling the bubbles of irritation left behind by my earlier interaction with Antoinette. “Don’t be so dramatic, Cy. And don’t be so hard on her. I’m sure it isn’t easy for a woman of her caliber. I can imagine she’s constantly judged and underestimated in a male-dominated industry. Maybe you could learn a thing or two about patience from her. ”
Blowing out a sigh, I scratch the back of my neck. “I don’t know, Mags. She’s built me up to be the villain in her story, so why not feed into the ever-growing wedge that’s already between us? A little competition never hurt anyone. Enough about me, though. What are you doing for Lily’s birthday? Whatever it is, make sure you use the credit card I gave you.”
“Cy, you know you don’t have to take care of us. Roman made sure we don’t have to worry about money in his absence.” She sniffles. The mention of my younger brother has my heart clenching.
Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him.
I’ve done everything in my power to take care of Maggie and Lily since his death, but it’s not the same as him being here.
Voice quiet, I say, “I know, but I want to. It’s the least I can do.”
“And we appreciate it. More than you know.” She’s silent for a beat before continuing. “We’re heading to the zoo in a few hours, so I’m sure we’ll both be exhausted by the end of the day. Chasing a rambunctious four, I mean, five- year-old, is no joke.” She laughs. “Will we see you on Sunday? Usual time?”
My lips tip into a smile. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Have fun at the zoo and give Lil a kiss from me.”
“I will. And remember what I said. You don’t know the whole story, Cy. Give the woman a chance. She might surprise you.”
I huff a laugh. “Doubt it. Love you, Mags. See you Sunday.”
“Love you, too. Play nice.” The line goes dead, and I’m left with Maggie’s advice tumbling around in my brain like clothes in the dryer.
Why should I give Antoinette the benefit of the doubt? She started this feud between us. I’m all too happy to add fuel to the fire. If she thinks she can beat me at my own game, I’ll show her.
Grabbing a pen, I jot the address on her computer screen down on a charred notebook sitting on her desk. “What the hell?”
Tearing the blackened piece of paper from the notebook, I swing by my desk and grab my keys before bolting out the office door. You wanna play hardball, Antoinette…? Let’s fucking play!