Page 47 of My Forbidden Boss

My stomach rolls with boulders when I realize what Max wants. He wants Blue Sky. He wants everything David has built. His entire business. I know how hard David has worked; weekends, going out with friends, relationships he’s foregone for this business. He’s earned everything the hard way. What he’s done, he’s made it work. Getting information about the Moss Creek housing development is one thing. David has more than one development, but going further than that?

I can’t do that to David.

I won’t.

Me: There’s no more information

SD: I’ll make sure your mother doesn’t receive any housing. She won’t get into a shelter for one night when I’m through with your reputation. After that, I’ll make sure Chandler finds out what you’ve sent me. This will equate to jail time. You’ll be ruined

I put a shaking hand to my mouth as the boulders hollow out my insides. This was a trap. Max was never going to let me go. I’m his disposable mole. The more I do, the more he’ll demand. He only has to say the word in the right ear and I’m done for.

If I don’t do what he says, Mom won’t survive. I won’t be able to get the medications she needs. If I’m homeless, I can’t keep a job, can’t buy food, can’t look after Mom.

The bathroom turns hazy. My skin flushes hot and cold. I’m stupid. So, so stupid. I’ve given Max proof of what I’ve done. Collared myself and given him the lead.

The phone pings again with another message from Max. I don’t see what he wrote. I don’t have to because it won’t be anything good. I text back the only thing I can think of. The only thing that will keep Mom alive and safe.

Me: I’ll do it

Chapter 17

David

I answer my cell, keeping my gaze on my obsession. She sits at her desk, busy working on her laptop and studiously avoiding Andrea. Her head is bowed, her eyes are downcast. A form she easily commits to. She hides herself like that and I don’t like it as I have an inkling of the woman beneath, and want her on full display.

I make a mental note to talk to Andrea about it today. If my first PA is at fault, then I don’t want her at Blue Sky, and frankly I expect more of her than this instant dislike she’s taken.

“Yes?” I say. I’m only half listening.

Adeline has been like that all week, keeping away from everyone unless I ask her into my office, which I do every moment I can conceivably get between the tasks of my job. I’m greedy like that, lapping up any time with Adeline I have.

I plan for more than snatched pieces of Adeline. Steph has gone back to California, and now I can have Adeline all to myself. It’s Friday and I’m taking a long weekend, starting with lunch with Adeline and not coming back into the office. I want unadulterated access to her. I want all the pieces, and I’m going to take the ones she’s keeping from me.

I won’t waste a moment.

She hasn’t been the same since she met Steph, and I want to work out what’s holding her back. I want my obsession fully bared — body, mind, soul. I want unlimited access to all parts of her.

“David, it’s Sophie. I have an answer for you on the name you asked me to investigate on the Moss Creek housing development.”

My attention peaks and I’m instantly alert. “Yes?”

There’s a pause. “There’s no record of a Maddy, Madeline or Madison at the complex. I went through apartment by apartment, and nothing.”

My gaze reaches Adeline as a frown tightens my brow. “She definitely said her friend’s name was Maddy.”

“I don’t doubt that. All I’m saying is there’s no one living there by that name,” Sophie says.

I thank Sophie. She fills me in on more information she’s received for the Moss Creek development I hadn’t thought of, but that’s why I hire her. She promises to email me the information, glad I’m nearly ready to submit the tender and I end the call.

Work and my daughter have kept me away from Adeline long enough this week.

I pack my laptop and close my office door behind me. “Adeline, come to lunch with me.”

Andrea stands from her chair and grabs a notepad and pen before Adeline can move. “I’ll come.”

It’s not a stretch to expect Andrea to suggest accompanying us. We’ve often spent lunches that have turned to dinner when business is urgent enough.

“Thank you, Andrea, but I have a task I want Adeline to do. I want to brief her and I won’t go through her lunch break,” I say.

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