Page 13 of Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector

“Good” He smirked, walking out of the office.

I watched in mild horror as the man walked towards his station. The other staff stared at him. I could feel the awkward confusion. They didn't know whether to offer a comforting statement, a hug, or just leave him alone to sulk.

My gaze wandered among them, and I quickly noticed a common thread—an underlying fear they all shared. I could see it in their cautious body language and the way they walked on eggshells. They hesitated to voice their opinions, and an unsettling realization hit me. How on earth would I navigate this kind of environment?

I equally ignored the man, especially since today was my first day, and returned my focus to my desk. I was trying to power on my computer when the shrill ring of my landline cut through the air. I jumped, jolted out of my thoughts. Reaching for the receiver, I heard Jack's voice on the other end. I maintained a professional smile, but when I heard the contents of the message, my heart sank.

"Cassie, it's Jack. Mr. Woodrow wants to see you in his office immediately. Make your way to the last floor. It's the only office on the floor so it shouldn't be difficult to find," his voice relayed with an air of urgency. "I'm not sure what it's about but be prepared."

My heart started racing, and I almost bumped my head against the table. Why does Leo want to see me all of a sudden? What does he want to talk about? Then I heard Jack hang up without saying anything, and I shut my eyes for a moment.

Cassie's heart was racing so fast, it made me feel dizzy. I was frustrated, but I knew I had to go. I headed towards the elevator. I was determined not to lose this job. The salary was so hefty. I'd face whatever was waiting for me behind Leo's office door.

The elevator doors slid open. I steadied my nerves and walked down the hallway. My footsteps echoed in the silence. The hallway was lined with glass windows. At the end, there was an imposing mahogany door. It had Leo's name in golden letters. I paused for a moment, taking one last deep breath before facing whatever awaited me beyond that door.

I knocked and entered, finding Jack typing furiously at his keyboard. He glanced up at me. "Mr. Woodrow is expecting you. Just push the door open and go in. I'll let him know you're here," he said, then turned to press a red button on the table.

"Thank you," I muttered and moved to the door. Pushing it open, I stepped into the room. It was big and filled with modern furniture. A large mahogany desk dominated it. The desk served as Leo's command center. He lifted his head from his laptop screen, and his blue eyes locked onto mine.

I felt a rush down my spine, and another lump formed in my throat. Every time I looked at him, I felt it: a sudden rush inside me that caused my butterflies to rise. His face remained unreadable. With a hand wave, he gestured to the plush seat across from his desk. The gesture indicated that I should take my seat.

I muttered my thanks and cautiously settled into the chair. My eyes met his once again, but he turned away. I looked at his face, searching for any clue about why I was called to this meeting. However, he remained silent, engrossed in whatever he was reading on his laptop.

Frustration rose within me. It was a deliberate tactic, I knew that much. He wanted to heighten my anxiety and drive me insane.

"Leo, what made you reach out to me today?"

Leo raised his head and leaned forward with a small smile on his lips. He placed his hands beneath his chin, his eyes showing a keen interest in the discomfort he saw on my face. He enjoyed watching me squirm. Something in him stirred at the chance that I was still the woman he had known 30 years ago.

He shook his head and smiled at me again. “Nothing. I just wanted to stare at the curve of your cheeks and the crook of your neck”I swallowed and looked away. His words brought an insane rush to my body. Frustration and confusion gnawed at me. When I lifted my head again, he had returned his eyes to his laptop. I felt the weight fall on my shoulders.

I did it because I was in a tight spot financially and needed the money urgently. When I reached into my jeans pocket and took out my phone, I felt a surge of desperation. Without hesitation, I quickly typed a message to Lisa, hoping she could come to my aid.

I don’t know if it’s worth itanymore Lisa. I’m losing my mind

I could imagine Lisa letting out a breath the way she does when I get this way. Her response came quick.

"Calm down Cass. What’s going on?”

I had barely closed my door and plunged my key in. When my phone beeped again.

“He brought me to his office Lisa! For no reason! I’m just here staring at him doing other things. He wants me to lose my mind!”

Lisa let out a long breath. I cursed the man internally. Wasn’t it enough that he had hurt my friend all these years ago? Now he wanted to drive me mad as well?

“Calm down Cass. I’m coming”

I dropped the phone and headed to a small eatery to pick up some cookies and a coffee. I was going to visit SoundEase and at least help my friend feel much better. Knowing me, I was already unraveling at the seams and desperately needed all the support I could get. I drove to the company with a mixture of worry. Pulling into the company building, I parked outside and grabbed the bags.

When I walked into the building, I pulled out my phone and texted again.

“Where are you Cass?”

“Still in his office”The disappointing text came back.

Lisa sighed and closed her eyes. How could I get her out of here? I figured I'd wait until the meeting was over and then just take her home. I plopped down in a chair in the waiting area and nervously bit my lip.

Nehemy exited the elevator. He was heading towards the exit when he saw the woman in the reception area. His brows furrowed in intrigue. Her curly black hair cascaded down her back, and her brown eyes were laced with a strange confusion. Her face was oddly familiar, and for no reason he could clearly state, his curiosity was piqued.

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