Page 298 of Savage Bosses

“I can’t, but I will work overtime tomorrow,” she replies nonchalantly.

“If you leave early, that’s grounds for termination.”

“Okay,” she hangs up, hopefully reconsidering leaving early. We are working in an all-hands-on-deck situation right now, so I can’t afford anyone to leave early.

I take another meeting and head to lunch. When I walk out to the front office shortly after five p.m., I notice that Contessa has gone for the day and cleared her desk.

I step inside Tahani’s office, and the familiar scent of her perfume envelops me. It's clean and crisp, yet subtly alluring, just like her.

"Hello, Mr. Gates," she says, regarding me steadily.

“Did Contessa leave for the day?” I ask.

“Yes, she said today would be her last day.” A shimmer of disappointment dances in Tahani’s eyes, directed at me.

I grip my tablet tightly, willing my voice to remain even. "I will call and speak with her tomorrow.”

“She was very upset,” Tahani adds.

I let out a deep sigh. “I was very clear to the entire team that overtime is mandatory until further notice.”

Tahani shrugs. “Her prior plans should have been taken into consideration.”

“Like I said, I will speak with her tomorrow, but I need to discuss the plans for the Wilford Industries project with you now. Are you free?"

“Sure.” Her voice is tight as she glances at her screen. “It’s not like I was doing anything.”

“I know you’re joking because you’re always busy, so I’ll be quick.”

She gestures to the chair across from her. As I sit, our knees accidentally brush under the desk. The contact sends a jolt through me. I shift back quickly.Focus, Archer.

We delve into reviewing the proposal with Tahani leading the discussion. I'm distracted by her melodic voice and the graceful sweep of her hands as she talks.

As we debate strategy, her intellect and insight amaze me. She’s not afraid to challenge my ideas, pushing back against me in a way few dare to do. I respect her boldness. Hell, I’m drawn to it.

Get it together, man.This partnership is too important to mess up. But God, she's beautiful, smart, and everything a man could want. She argues her points with such conviction, her brilliance lighting up the room. It takes all my willpower to maintain a professional facade.

Our hands accidentally brush against the paperwork, and her cheeks flush. The hitch in her breath matches my own. Inside, I'm coming undone. I want nothing more than to sweep everything off her desk and...No. I can’t do that.

Somehow, I make it through the meeting with my composure intact. Barely. As we wrap up, Tahani smiles warmly. "I appreciate you hearing me out, Mr. Gates. I think this will be a great update for Wilford that will create a new revenue stream."

Her praise sends a thrill through me. Focusing is impossible when she looks at me like the way she’s looking at me.

"I’m sure we will break barriers in the market. I'll be in touch for updates soon," I reply, leaving her office.

I slip inside my office and close the door. That woman unravels me in ways I've never experienced before. I've always been the one in control—cool, collected, untouchable. But Tahani burns right through my defenses.

With her, I can be myself without judgement. She doesn’t see me as an arrogant jerk, here to take over and be an ass. She sees beyond the ruthless businessman to the ambitious, competitive man within.

And her strength and passion ignite mine. She makes me imagine things I never thought possible for someone like me—love, passion, letting someone behind my walls. She’s wrecking every inhibition I had without even trying…and that’s what’s so scary.

CHAPTER 6

Tahani

SO MANY QUESTIONS

I

---