Page 89 of Savage Bosses

Looking him dead in the eye, she spoke as she brushed past him, “OK, I’m ready.”

He didn’t respond; he simply walked ahead, expecting her to follow.

Emir showed her around the office in record time, keeping a wide berth between them. He never looked her way, and she refrained from asking him questions. It was an extensive tour of their facilities - from their state-of-the-art computer lab to their fully stocked breakroom.

Everything about KJR screamed sophistication and success, from sleek marble accents throughout the building to ultra-modern conference rooms with large monitors and video conferencing capabilities.

She would love to work here.

When he introduced her to each principal design member on the KJR team, everyone welcomed her with enthusiasm and excitement for the library project. However, she got the sense no one else was working with her.

Everyone wished her good luck, but no one mentioned they would catch up soon to review the scope of work.

“Why does it seem that I am the only one working on these libraries?” she asked as she walked beside him.

He didn’t even bother to look at her when he spoke.

“The library contract only needs one person. It isn’t one of our important or large-scale projects. I will assign you tasks related to the project in the order that they need to be completed,” Emir replied.

Selene narrowed her eyes. She knew he was full of shit; no design firm would create an entire office for an inconsequential project. She didn’t know what Emir’s deal was, but she just needed to get through this tour, find his father, and get to work.

As they walked, Emir explained in more detail what her role would be.

She was to research potential materials for the library's interiors and exteriors; develop a detailed budget for the entire endeavor; create 3D models of each room to understand how space could be maximized; research local building codes and any mandatory permits required based on country regulations; coordinate with engineers and architects from around the world; review potential vendors for additional services such as furniture making or installation; prepare cost estimates and negotiate contract terms with

vendors when necessary; survey construction sites onsite if needed; oversee quality control of materials at various stages of development, all while staying within the World Bank’s timeline.

She reached out and tugged his elbow. He stared at her hand on his arm like she burned him. She quickly released him, but he just stared at her. His gaze made her squirm, but she squared her shoulders and pressed on.

”What you just named is the work of at least a five-person team; your father can’t expect me to complete all that on my own and keep the timeline? That’s impossible.”

Emir shrugged, “I don't care about the timeline. Our resources are needed for more important projects and more established architects.”

Ok, that was a jab.

“But your father said…”

He raised his hand to silence her, and Selene had to count backward from ten not to lose her shit.

“Let’s get something straight right now, Ms. Dubois; I manage every design project that comes to KJR. My father may have created this office and hired you, but I think it’s a waste.”

Selene smirked, “Good thing it wasn’t up to you then.”

”Yes, but I am the interim CEO since my father is on extended medical leave. Everything, including your worth to this company, is up to me.” Emir said smugly.

His words knocked some of the wind out of her sails. If Mr. Kaplan wasn’t here, what did that mean for her?

“I’m your boss now, Ms. Dubois, and unlike my father, I’m a savage.”

His minty breath skimmed her skin, making her shiver, but she quickly regrouped.

“What happened to Mr. Kaplan? Why is he on medical leave?”

“He had a small stroke.” His words were barely above a whisper, and his concern could not be masked. Selene wanted to reach out and hug him close, but she knew that wouldn’t be

welcome, so she chose violence instead.

Crossing her arms, she stood toe to toe with him. “ I pray he fully recovers, but his absence doesn’t change anything. It sure as hell doesn’t make you my boss. As you said, my boss is on leave. I’ll complete my tasks on time until he returns.”

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