Page 12 of Unleashed

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re a great kisser, but it was a mistake. We can’t get involved again. Mixing business with pleasure—it’s a recipe for disaster.”

“I don’t care about what’s right. I think we’d make a great couple.” His voice dropped, more serious than I expected.

I stared at him, heart racing, trying to rein in the sudden rush of emotions. “And how would that look to everyone else?”

He smirked, unfazed. “It wouldn’t. We’d keep it quiet.”

I scoffed. “You mean your dirty little secret? Keep me hidden?”

“You’re making it sound so sordid,” he said, a flash of frustration in his voice.

I shook my head. “Thanks for the offer, but your lips are just going to have to stay cold.”

He chuckled softly. “They’re not cold. Want to check?”

I slipped my navy pumps back on, resisting the urge to snap at him. When I stood, so did Slade, as if he was ready to stop me from leaving. His hand caught my arm, just firm enough to make me pause.

“Just think about it, Morgan. It’s only dinner.”

I sighed, looking up at him. “I like you, Slade, and that’s why I’m saying no. It wouldn’t work. Not now, not ever.”

His brown eyes dimmed with disappointment, and for a moment, I felt a pang of guilt. But deep down, I knew that starting up something with him again was the wrong call. I was too focused on my career, too determined to let anything derail me. I killed houseplants for God’s sake. A relationship would be no different.

“Just keep it in mind,” he murmured, finally letting go.

I walked out without another glance back, heading toward Thomas’ office. My hand hovered at the heavy wooden door. I took a breath, forcing myself to smile. It was the only way I could keep from slamming my fist through it.

When I knocked, I heard his familiar voice from inside. “Come in.”

I stepped in, surprised to see a version of Thomas I barely recognized. A fresh haircut and a shining manicure—he actually looked like an executive now. His black suit was immaculate, paired with a crisp white shirt and a tasteful gray tie. For a moment, I was thrown off. Was this the same man who used to pick his nose during meetings?

“Sit,” he ordered, motioning to the chair.

I bit my tongue. I’m not a dog, I wanted to say, but instead, I settled into the cushioned leather chair. He leaned back, his face passive, though his eyes were sharp.

“I’m sure you thought the job was yours,” he began, his tone condescending. “After all, you’ve been here the longest, and you’re one of the few women at Abbott.”

So this was how he wanted to start off his position? What kind of dick rubs his promotion in someone else’s face? I could see this work relationship was off to a banging start.

I stiffened. “Excuse me, I’m the only woman in the engineering department.”

He drummed his fingers on the desk. “Yes, well, that doesn’t mean you deserve special privileges.”

I ground my teeth. “I don’t get special privileges. I work longer hours than anyone here, and I always do my best.”

He smiled that patronizing smile I hated. “You do. I just hope my promotion won’t make you stop.”

I could barely hold back the fire rising in my chest. “Are you implying that I’ll slack off because I didn’t get what I deserve?”

“I am,” he said smoothly. “I saw how you acted last time you didn’t get a promotion. I’m just trying to avoid a repeat.”

There was no acting, I was spitting mad, but I swallowed my pride and within a couple of days, I was back to working at my usual pace. I didn’t throw a tantrum or stomp my feet.

I held his gaze, seething. “I have enough integrity not to retaliate.”

He nodded, as if satisfied with his judgment. “Good. I want us all to work together, like one big happy family.”

Fucking prick. I gripped the armrests of the chair until my knuckles turned white.

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