Page 55 of Unleashed

Michael leaned in again, his voice soft but insistent. "Then what’s your issue?"

I met his eyes, the alcohol making me bold. "Several things. For one, you hired me under false pretenses. Why didn’t you just do what other assholes do—get me drunk and screw me?"

He didn’t flinch. "Because I don’t want to just screw you. I want to get to know you first."

"And then screw me?" I shot back, my lips curling into a smirk.

He grinned. "That’s the usual progression, yes."

"But I work for you," I said, my voice hardening.

"When we’re in the office, it would be strictly professional."

I laughed, a sharp sound that made his smile fade. "Do you believe the shit you’re slinging, Elliott?"

His frown deepened. "Why would you say that?"

"Because," I leaned forward, matching his intensity, "you can’t separate personal from professional when you’re in a relationship. It just doesn’t happen."

His jaw tightened. "I’ve done it before."

I raised an eyebrow. "This is your M.O., isn’t it? Find a woman you like, hire her, sleep with her, and dump her when you get bored?"

Michael’s hand clenched around his vodka glass so hard that I thought it might shatter. "I don’t like what you’re implying," he said through gritted teeth. "I would never do that."

"That’s exactly what it sounds like," I pressed, my voice rising.

His eyes flashed with anger. "Suzanne moved on. We had a good relationship, but she didn’t want more."

"She dumped you?" I couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at my lips, even though I knew it was cruel.

Michael’s face hardened. "She did. I wanted it all, but she didn’t."

"How long ago?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Three years," he admitted, his voice low.

"I’m sure you’ve had plenty of women in your bed since then," I said, keeping my tone light.

"How can you be sure?" His eyes locked onto mine, the challenge clear.

I shrugged. "Look at you, Michael. You’re rich, handsome, and very desirable."

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin. "Do you desire me?"

I felt my pulse quicken but kept my tone even. "Not at the moment. But I do need another drink."

As if on cue, Rey reappeared with our second round of drinks, saving me from having to answer further. Michael waved him off after a quick glance at me.

"Ready to order, sir?" Rey asked politely.

"Give us a few more minutes, Rey," Michael replied, his eyes never leaving mine. "Make it ten."

Rey nodded and slipped away, leaving us in the tense silence. Michael reached over, gently prying the martini glass from my grip. "Don’t drink so fast."

"Stop ordering me around," I growled, yanking the glass back.

"Talk to me," he said, his voice soft but firm. "Don’t snap at me."

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