Page 29 of Punish Me

“Name one.”

“You were supposed to hold the meeting to inform staff about the impending layoffs. Adriana was supposed to inform each impacted staff and their supervisor about their impact. She couldn’t make a move until you held the initial meeting. The longer you delayed that, the less time you gave them to prepare.”

“Because I believed that I could find another way. I’m fighting for them. I’m not capitulating! If I held that meeting, it would be like saying we couldn’t save them. And I was right! You found a way.”

“We still need the board’s final signature before we can move forward.”

“I thought your vote vetoed their decision to enforce the reduction in force.”

“It’s not final until I have the physical signatures from Terrence, Beryl, Noble, and you.”

“Send me the document.”

“Perfect.”

She walks to the door again and grabs the doorknob. “By the way...I’m not holding a grudge against you about Bleu Curve.”

I walk up to her, resting my hand over hers.

“How long will you keep running?” I whisper.

“I’m not running.”

“You’ve been running from me since you left my hotel all those years ago.”

“I had every right to.”

“You shouldn’t have listened to Lyndsey’s lies.”

“She told the truth,” she mutters.

“If she had, you’d have been sharing my bed. That night. And all the nights after.”

I know she feels my dick pressing against her ass, yet she doesn’t move. I see her hair flutter from my breath.

“I don’t fool around with cheaters.”

My head bows and presses against the back of hers.

“I never cheated.”

Her head drops forward, pressing against the door.

“Liar.”

She sounds like she doesn’t believe her accusation. I drag my arm around her waist, pulling her into me.

“I never lie. You may not like my truths, but I’m honest if nothing else.”

A moan escapes her lips as my lips press against her neck. Why is she so pliable now? Giving in to my demands rather than threatening me with sexual harassment or quitting.

“I’ve never stopped wanting you, Bryn. Never stopped loving you.”

“I don’t believe you,” she groans, turning her head sideways as I press my lips against her neck.

“I swear you wear these sexy dresses to drive me fucking wild, woman!”

“I swear this song isn’t about you,” she moans, referencing Carly Simon’sI Bet You Think This Song Is About You.

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