Page 60 of Ditching the Dragon (Fated Dates)

Wick’s eye catches mine, and he stops pacing. He pauses mid-word to return my gaze.

“Mhmm,” I say, but I’m not really paying attention.

“They’ll want to defeat any appearance of nepotism, so they may be a bit harsh on you during the interview. Still, Alan had apparently been waiting for someone to recommend you, and I have every confidence in you.”

Interview?

What is he talking about?

I rewind the conversation for a moment until the pieces click into place.

“Milton, thank you. Forgive me, my memory is a little hazy. Is there a partnership position open?”

“Why, yes! I’m retiring. For good this time,” he says with a chuckle.

Wick says a few words into his phone, but he tilts his head at me in confusion. I’m not giving away to Milton how blood-boilingly angry I am, but I’m sure Wick can sense it.

“Right, of course.You’re interviewing for replacements, and Wick suggested me.”

“Someone needs to run Mixed Use now that Alan’s managing partner. Wick thought it ideal since he doesn’t want to be involved in the day-to-day. Granted, he is here a lot, isn’t he?”

“Ah, yes . . . ”

This asshole.

This asshole seriously dug his meaty dragon claws into my career. It was bad enough when he bought the place, but giving me a promotion is a step too far.

I’ll earn my advancement, thank you very much.

“Thank you for your kind words, Milton. Speaking of my mate, I forgot I have a pressing matter to discuss with him. If you wouldn’t mind?”

“Yes, of course. I’m not one to stand in the way of young love.”

I give him a saccharine smile and storm—professionally—out of the office.

Wick’s body stiffens. He says a few words then removes the phone from his face to check it.

The device disappears into his pocket, but he’s going to need it to call emergency services when I’m done with him.

I glide into his office and politely close the office door.

When I swing around, he’s already there to invade my airspace.

“Do not yell in the office,” he says before I can unman him.

The breath I take should be calming, but it feels more like loading a weapon.

“You put me up for partnership,” I accuse.

“You’re the best candidate for the job.”

“Oh, bullshit. You can’t buy your way into my pants, Wickham Liam Barrett!”

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I regret giving you my middle name.”

“You’ll regret a whole lot more if you don’t fix it.”

“I can’t. Milton and Alan agree. You’re the future here, gorgeous. You’re talented, brilliant, and poised—most of the time. You’ll make an excellent face of the company.”

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