Page 10 of One Rule

Hoping. Dreaming. Wanting someone who will never see me that way.

Moreover, neither of us answer him. The seconds tick by and the longer he waits, I see the anger shift and grow, but it’s not directed at me.Has he ever been mad at me? Truly mad?

The answer is no. Not once.

And as if he knows I’m about to test that theory by asking everyone to take a moment and breathe, Micah puts a little pressure on my shoulder. His hand keeps me in place.

“Sir, I…” Beverly says then, the sound coming out croaky, and she pauses to clear her throat. Her hands are also shaky, twitching at her sides, and while with anyone else I’d feel bad, for her I’m unmoved. Not twenty minutes ago, I was being scolded and used as a scapegoat and now, she looks to me for help. Stupidly, and with glistening eyes, she also takes a few steps in his direction while ignoring the irate expression on his face. “Sir…Micah, we’re all—”

“It’s Mr. Royce to you, and there’s nowehere. Know your place.” Tone dry and harsh; I shiver at it, and he’s quick to rub his thumb across my shoulder blade. He hasn’t stopped touching me in one way or another. Even if it is all innocent, Micah is killing me. Teasing me.

“Of course, Mr. Royce. My apologies.” Looking at me, Beverly smiles and lowers her head a tiny bit as if to appear apologetic. Contrite. “Being co-workers and a tight-knit unit, I saw no harm when Liliana asked me to let her make arrangements for you. It’s my notes and files and methods she uses to keep your day moving smoothly, as I’d do. But if that is a problem, I promise it won’t happen again.”

“I thought you said shehelpsyou.”

“She does. There’s so much work—”

“So what you’re saying is you can’t handle your job?”

“N-No. Of course not,” she quickly stammers, eyes wide with panic. “I love my job.”

“So you think you’re ready for any challenge? Can run any department as she has?”

“Without a single doubt, Mr. Royce.” Beverly's prompt response almost makes me laugh; she walked into that set-up without any lubrication. Because the one thing I know about Micah—as a teen and now as a man—is he doesn’t appreciate lying. He’ll force the truth out of you one way or another. “I’m confident in my—”

“Good. Then tomorrow morning you’ll be reporting to Weber in accounting.”

“What?”

“Congratulation, Ms. Mills. He’s your new boss.”

“I-I don’t understand. I’m your secretary and—”

“And this is my company, Ms. Mills.” Giving my shoulder a final squeeze, Micah walks back to the entrance and points toward the elevator. “Clear your desk, and don’t you ever speak to one of my employees like that again. This is your only warning, Beverly. Step a single toe out of line again, and I won’t hesitate to fire you.” Her lips drop open; she wants to say something, but at the shake of his head, Beverly lowers hers and walks away.

Neither of us speaks until she’s inside the elevator and the doors ding, signaling they’re closed. Instead, I watch his reaction and fall in love with the crooked smile he turns and gives me once we’re alone again.

It’s my smirk. The one he’s gifted me since we met.

“Always in trouble, little rebel.”

“Not my fault this time. I’ve been a saint here, Micah.”

“Is that so?” At my nod, he rubs his jaw and my thighs clench of their own accord. My entire being throbs with the simple act. There’s also a little darkening of his eyes as if his thoughts mimic my own, but I know that’s wishful thinking on my part. “Doesn’t sound like fun.”

“It’s been hard to play nice.”

“Then let's shake things up a bit, Ms. Armas. I have a proposition for you.”

Chapter3

Liliana

“Ihave a proposition for you.”

“As long as it doesn’t leave any visible marks.” Without conscious thought, the retort slips past my lips, and embarrassment blooms from the apple of my cheeks to the top of my breasts. Heat ripples across my skin, leaving me flushed and sensitive, unable to control my body’s reaction to his nearness—to shake off the effects his mere presence creates.

Because rationality fails me time and time again, and in its place, I’m left simpering while my traitorous body just wants to please him.

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