Page 285 of Savage Bosses

I sit back and release a long breath. As bitter as we all feel, I’m glad I have found some small comfort in my new online friends. Whether I’m venting or giving a word of advice I feel freedom to express myself without judgment. What’s more, I feel heard in this community. What a difference between this digital space and my office space.

Vanessa has been someone I can lean on, but she seems as baffled by what I'm going through as I am.Maybe I should send her an invitation to join.I shake my head, rethinking the idea. As much as I want to, I better not tell Vanessa about my forum and risk Sterling finding out. As much as I hate the way he’s treating me, I still want my job.

I close my eyes blocking out the bright screen. Sterling’s nude physique fills my mind. It’s getting harder to resist the desire I have for him.

CHAPTER 12

Ayana

I

sit behind my desk working on a file when an email pops up. I click on it and see it’s an email from Sterling.

Hmm, I wonder what this is about.

I scan the email:

At NexGen West, we believe that employees should be rewarded for a job well done. The employees at NexGen West Software Inc. are invited along with a plus one to the Golden Palace Event Center. Gift cards, cash rewards, and other valuable incentives will be given away. This is a new way to recognize the top talent and a way to thank you for your hard work and dedication. Here’s to a night of relaxation and fun for all. The date is next Saturday beginning at 8p.m. sharp.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all.

Sterling West,

CEO, NexGen West Software Inc.

Maybe I won’t show up. Then again, that would give my boss a reason to be shittier than he already has. So, I will suck it up, do my job to the best of my abilities, and show up to the company party as if unbothered by the antics my boss has been pulling in the office. I won’t lose—I’m made from strong stock like my grandma Mae.

I make it through the rest of the day without encountering Sterling or his Little Miss Perfect assistant. They have been offsite for meetings all day. Just like the NexGen party at the Golden Palace Sterling didn’t tell me about, I have no idea what those meetings are about or if they are off spending the day in a hotel making love.

Lux has never warranted me disliking her. But I’m starting to despise her, and she has done nothing to me, except get close to Sterling. He hired her to get under my skin and it’s working, but I need to put my emotions toward the person who deserves it. Sterling himself.

The night of the party arrives. I wish I could get out of going to this gathering, but Sterling also had Lux hand deliver invitations to all the employees, so I guess this party is kind of a big deal. I can say I’m sick as an excuse, but I won’t coward away and give Sterling the satisfaction of knowing he’s getting to me.

I hop out of the shower and stand in front of my open closet, deciding on the mid-knee length clingy dress with the Vee-shaped neckline or the silk ruffled sleeved shirt with the penciled skirt. After a few minutes of deliberation, I choose the dress with the thin red belt at the waist and a red pair of four-inch pumps.

After applying the minimum amount of makeup and red matte lipstick to my full lips, I give myself a slow perusal in the mirror.

My hair had difficulty cooperating, but my spiral curls finally looked good and framed my face just right. The smoky-eye shadow plays up nicely and brings out the brown in my eyes.

I grab my clutch and cellphone, head out the living room, and then out the front door.

My cell buzzes, and I glance down to see that Shayla has made it to pick me up. I hurry my steps to her car and get in. Thank God that my friend Shayla will be my plus one tonight. I won’t have to stand around feeling like the newbie.

“Hey, girl” Shayla’s fancy diamond earrings dangle from her ears. “You look fantastic.”

“Hey, thank you, and you look fantastic as well.” I admire the short black skirt, matched with a silky azure top that hangs over one brown shoulder.

Her nose crinkles as she smiles at me.

“Your boss is going to want to jump your bones. You are one sexy bish.”

I laugh. “Just stop. No one is going to want to jump anyone’s bones tonight.”

“Okay, Ayana. Anything you say,” Shayla says before steering into the street.

Shayla and I listen to the radio and catch up on each other’s work week. First, of course, I bend her ear about how big a dick Sterling is.

“You are great at your job, Ayana. If your boss can’t see that, he doesn’t deserve you.”

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