Page 13 of Unleashed

“I have no intention of upsetting the department,” I said, my voice a dangerous calm. “I didn’t get the promotion, and that’s that. No big deal.”

My blood boiled beneath the surface. Every fiber of my being wanted to scream, but I remained collected. If Thomas failed, it would be because of his own incompetence, not my sabotage. I would just need to sit back and watch it happen.

“I’m starting weekly meetings on Mondays,” he continued. “We’ll discuss what’s happening that week. Everyone can voice their concerns or opinions. I think it’ll help us all come together.”

I forced a smile. “Sounds great. Are we starting today?”

He shook his head. “Next week. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting with Keaton. It’s something he does with all his new managers.”

New managers.Like I’m beneath you, I thought. My pulse pounded as he casually dismissed me. I wanted to tear into him, but I couldn’t afford to lose control.

“Enjoy your meeting,” I said through clenched teeth, standing up.

“See you later,” he replied, already glancing at his computer as if I were nothing more than an afterthought.

As I walked out, my mind screamed:I’m so much more qualified than you.

I rushed into the bathroom,fury bubbling up inside me. My hands trembled as I gripped the sink, staring at my reflection. My face was flushed, and I could feel the heat radiating off my skin. Breathe. I forced myself to inhale deeply, then splashed cold water on my face, hoping to wash away the anger. The shock of it calmed me, but only a little.

The thought of storming back into Thomas’s office, hands around his throat, was tempting. Instead, I wiped my face with a paper towel, took one more deep breath, and steeled myself. No breakdowns at work. Not here.

By the time I returned to my office, the calm facade was back, though the pounding in my head was getting worse. I shut the door behind me and flicked off the fluorescent lights, their harshness only adding to my headache. The day had already been a disaster—between Thomas’s condescension and my lack of sleep, I was on the verge of a meltdown.

I buried myself in work, finishing a project that wasn’t due until next week. If I was going to burn out, I might as well be productive. But even as I tried to focus, the weight of Thomas’s words dragged me down. One big happy family? What a joke. I knew the game, and I was tired of playing by their rules.

At five, I packed up and left, slipping into the crowded elevator. The air was thick with the scent of cologne and cheap aftershave, the kind that clung to the men from my department. I ignored them until I felt a hand brush against me—too deliberate to be accidental. A few snickers followed, but I kept my eyes forward, jaw clenched. It wasn’t the first time, and I’d long since stopped reacting. But one day, one of them would get what they deserved.

Once outside, I hailed a cab and sank into the seat, massaging my temples. The day had taken its toll. Just as I was about to close my eyes, my phone buzzed. Erika.

"Hey," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“Don’t hey me. Have a drink with me tonight," she insisted. Her voice had that playful lilt that meant she wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“I’m dead, Erika. I’ve had the day from hell, and I just want to crawl into bed and sleep off this pain in my head,” I groaned, rubbing my forehead.

“One drink, Morgan. It’ll help with the headache. Promise.”

I hesitated. The thought of sinking into my sheets was tempting, but Erika was relentless.

"Where?"

“Diamond Square lounge. You know you love their chocolate martinis,” she coaxed.

I sighed. “Fine. But just one drink.”

“Atta girl! I’ll see you there.”

I leaned back against the seat, telling the driver to head for Diamond Square. My headache throbbed in time with the city’srhythm, but at least I’d have a distraction. Maybe some sliders. And, God, I needed that martini.

When I arrived, the elegant ambiance of the lounge greeted me—a stark contrast to my foul mood. I spotted Erika instantly, perched on a white leather bar stool, already charming some handsome man in a sharp, blue pinstriped suit. She turned heads wherever she went with her golden hair and infectious energy. Next to her, I always felt like the boring, unremarkable one.

Erika’s face lit up when she saw me. She bounced off the stool, kissed me hard on the lips, and grinned. I noticed the man’s eyebrows shoot up at the sight, a little smirk playing on his lips. Great. Now he probably thought we were lovers. Typical.

“Morgan, meet Michael Elliot,” she said, sliding back onto her stool and pulling me with her.

“Michael Elliot? As in Elliot Engineering?” I raised an eyebrow.

His grin widened, revealing perfect white teeth. “The one and only. You know of us?”

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