Page 59 of The Way You Hurt Me

The three people waiting scurry out of my way, as Charles and Ivan flank me, their pieces in hand.

The elevator takes an eternity to reach the seventeenth floor. No wonder it tookAndrei and Marc seven minutes. They must have spent at least four in this antiquated piece of crap.

I'm unfamiliar with the office space, so I make my way to reception. Charles and Ivan point their guns at the blonde behind the counter, and she screams, jumping to her feet.

"Please, please, I have a family."

So do I, and it is in danger.

"Where might I find Willow Brown?"

The blonde blinks several time. "Sorry?"

I think he would have caught her alone. "Copy room. Break room. Female bathroom. Which way?"

The woman doesn't hesitate to point, and I shake my head.

Weak.

I bring my phone to my hear. It's still on silent, so I don't have to worry about her aggressor hearing me and escalating the situation where he believes himself to be in control.

"Mr. Lloyd, I'm going to have to ask you to move. I need to get out."

"No, I don't think so, Ruby. You're going to do exactly what I say."

Oh, how he's going to suffer. I will enjoy every scream.

I've only taken a few steps down the corridor the receptionist pointed to when I see Mark and Andrei, in position, waiting as I demanded.

"Clear the room," I tell Charles. "And get me the CEO on the line. Put him on hold."

I pocket my gun, and step into the door Andrei holds open for me.

Showtime.

When I look at him,I'm thoroughly disgusted; not because he's the average ugly, overweight, old creep, but because of how he reacts to me.

I heard him moments ago over the phone. So smug. So certain of himself.

Now he shifts, s his tie, and clears his throat. "Sorry, I don't think we've met?"

The scum has the gall to offer me his hand.

"We haven't," I confirm. "Not yet."

I don't pay him any mind, making my way to Willow. I lower my mouth to her forehead. "You're all right?"

From the corner of my eyes, I see the creep stiffen, and start to move toward the door.

I don't think so.

I barely even glance, taking out my gun and aiming at a knee.

Willow's eyes widen as she looks at her bleeding, screaming harasser. "Sorry you had to see that. You did good, calling me," I assure her. "Andrei?"

"Sir."

"Take him to the lab for me, will you? I have to take Willow home. Is that guy on the phone yet?"

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