Page 475 of Savage Bosses

Deja swallowed her fear and strode confidently into the room, laying the annotated reports on Stephen's desk. “I've completed the analysis for this client and came up with some suggestions for our marketing strategies. I believe they could significantly increase our sales and engagement.”

Stephen raised an eyebrow, his eyes scanning the documents in front of him. The silence in the room was deafening as he considered her work. “Why is this here?” he asked, pointing at the paper.

Deja rounded his desk and leaned in to get a better look at what he was talking about. The smell of his cologne caused her to inhale unintentionally.

Fuck, he smells so good.

Deja felt her body tingle as she tried to focus. She looked at the document and began to explain her reasoning for her suggestions. She looked over at him when she finished her explanation and caught him looking at her ass.

Stephen’s eyes slowly moved up her body until their eyes met. He was unapologetic as he nodded. “Very well,” he finally said, his voice devoid of emotion. “I'll review your suggestions, and we'll discuss them at the next meeting. You may leave now.”

“Thank you, Stephen,” Deja replied, trying to ignore the knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. She knew she had taken a risk by offering her ideas, but she couldn't allow herself to be deterred by Stephen's stiff demeanor, even though he was sexy as hell.

As she left his office, Deja couldn't help but feel that she had gained a small victory in her quest for success. Yet she remained acutely aware of Stephen's hostility against her. When she got home, she called Olivia and asked her to meet her for dinner and drinks. She really needed to talk to her and get her advice.

An hour later, Deja and Olivia were sitting in the restaurant, having a drink and waiting for their food. “I don’t get all the hostility he has against you. What the fuck is his problem?” Olivia asked as she leaned into the table and sipped her wine.

“I don’t know.” Deja bit down on her lip. “I hate it. He is so fucking sexy, even with his brooding face, and he smells so good. I don’t know if I want to fuck him or fight him,” Deja took a deep breath and gulp her wine.

“Just hang in there. Dee, it’s only been two weeks.”

“Yeah, maybe you’re right. But I don’t get why he is so angry with me.” She glanced into her wineglass. “Okay, enough about me. What’s going on with you and my other fine ass boss?”

Olivia let out a breath. “Gurl, that man has my ass in a fucking trance.” She shook her head while smiling.

“Is it him or his dick that has your nose wide open?” Deja laughed.

“Both. I..” her phone buzzed. It was a text from Caleb.

Hey babe, where are you?

I’m having dinner with Deja at Philips.

I want to see you.

We can meet up after.

Olivia placed her phone on the table. “Speaking of the devil,” Olivia said with a wicked smile as she tapped her phone.

“I’m happy for you Liv, just don’t move too fast. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Olivia stuck her pinky finger out. Deja hooked her pinky finger around it.

“Protect that heart at all costs.” They said in unison. It had been their mantra since college, where they both had bitter breakups.

The server brought their dinner over and another glass of wine. They talked and laughed.

Deja looked at the time on her cellphone. “I need to get my ass home. I have an early day tomorrow.” Deja took the last sip of her drink and glanced up. Her heart rate started to speed up as she glared at the two men walking towards their table. “Did you invite them?” Deja whispered.

Chapter Four

O

livia looked up and saw who she was talking about. “No, I told him I was having dinner with you, and we were going to meet up later.”

“Hey, you,” Caleb said as he kissed Olivia.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, looking back and forth between Caleb and Stephen. Olivia could see the intensity in the way Stephen looked at Deja.

---