Page 1 of Unleashed

CHAPTER 1

Today was the day. Six years at Abbott and Associates, and this was my shot. I’d busted my ass—being the only woman in a department of fifteen engineers—sacrificing weekends, nights with friends, and parties to prove myself. It wasn’t just about doing the job; I had to do it better than my male counterparts, which pissed me off. I was almost certain they were getting paid more, too.

But that was the way things were. Two of the men I was hired with straight out of college had already climbed higher, while I worked longer hours, took on more projects, and was still overlooked. The countless times I’d had a chance to advance, only to have it slip through my fingers, were too many to count. But now, with Wesley Harkman retiring, this promotion was supposed to be mine.

A sharp knock on my door jolted me from my thoughts.

"Morgan, are you in there?"

Slade Abbott. My heart did that stupid flutter thing it always did when he was near. “Come in,” I called, straightening up in my chair.

The door creaked open, and there he stood—tall, broad, and every bit the distraction I didn’t need today. His square jaw, thethick waves of chocolate-brown hair, and those mocha-colored eyes could disarm anyone. He was dressed in a black suit that hugged his biceps, making him look effortlessly powerful. My schoolgirl crush resurfaced, uninvited.

“Did you have lunch yet?” His voice was casual, but there was always something in the way he looked at me that made my pulse quicken.

“I’m finishing up the Accelerator Concepts plans,” I replied, trying to sound unaffected, though my pulse betrayed me.

He cocked an eyebrow and leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms. “We’ve got three more days before those are due.”

“I know, but I want to finish early,” I said, glancing down at the clutter of papers spread across my desk.

Slade sauntered in, taking the lone gray chair in front of my desk. He sprawled out, relaxed, and looked too comfortable. “You work too hard.”

“It’s how I’m wired. You should know that by now,” I replied, not bothering to hide the edge in my voice.

“I do. But I also know you should be out enjoying life a little.”

I shot him a pointed look. “Did you at my age?”

He chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “Yeah, I did. Dad wasn’t exactly thrilled about it though.” He leaned forward slightly, as if sharing a secret. “That was before you got here.”

“So, you cleaned up your act,” I teased, my tone softening. “Look at you now.”

He scratched at the two-day scruff on his jaw, giving me a lopsided grin. “Vice President. It’s easy when your father owns the company.”

I paused, my fingers curling around the pen I’d been holding. “Do you know anything?” I asked, my voice quieter, a little more tense.

His grin faded as he shook his head. “I told you; I’m not involved in the decision. Dad thought I was too close to everyone here to weigh in.”

I knew I was going to get fucked with this promotion. I’d been overlooked before and today would be no different though I tried to think positive.

I leaned forward, eyes narrowing as I studied him. “Do you think I have a chance?” My fingers toyed with the edge of my papers as I waited for his answer, the tension in the room rising.

“You’ve got as good a chance as anyone else.” He shrugged, but his eyes flicked away for a second, betraying the neutral tone.

“That doesn’t tell me anything, Slade.” I let out a frustrated breath, flipping my long black hair over my shoulder in frustration. “I deserve this.”

“I know you do,” he said, sitting up straighter. “But so do some of the others.”

I ground my teeth together. “I’ve been here longer than the other guys who haven’t been promoted. The two who were hired with me have moved up. Why not me?”

“I don’t have an answer for that,” he said softly, as if the weight of my words hit him.

I stared at him, my chest tightening. “Do you think I’m experienced enough?”

His eyes softened. “Yes, Morgan. You’re more than qualified. You’re polished.”

“Polished?” I echoed, a bitter laugh slipping out. “What does that even mean?”

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