Page 495 of Savage Bosses

Punish Me

SAVAGE BOSSES

Cassie Verano

CHAPTER 1

Brynlee

T

he dark, umber locks resembling the deep brown of the soil with hints of red like the Georgia clay fall carelessly over a handsome face that I once loved. My heart rises and stops in my throat, threatening to choke me.

“Mr. Charles, this is Ms. St. Clair, your new COO,” Adriana, the Chief Human Resources Officer, announces.

His head lifts slowly as those thick, bushy eyebrows that I always adored jerk up in surprise.

His hazel eyes roam over me slowly taking in every curve. He misses nothing, and his arrogant smirk lets me know that.

While I do the same to him, my perusal of his broad shoulders, defined biceps, and well-formed pecs are more inconspicuous.

“Bryn?” he says when he lifts his head while I hiss, “Ro.”

“I take it that you two know each other,” Adriana says, reminding me of her presence because I’d all but forgotten her from the moment I laid eyes on Ambrose Charles.

“Yes, we—”

“Knew each other a long time ago. He’s my brother’s best friend,” I say, interrupting him before he can utter another word.

“Oh,” Adriana says. Slowly, a smile takes over her face. “Well, if it’s okay with you two, I’ll leave you with Mr. Charles. I’m sure you would love to catch up,” she says cheerily.

“Sure, leave her with me. I’ll take care of her,” Ambrose says. I don’t like the insinuation in his voice or his stare.

“If you need anything at all, Ms. St. Clair—”

“Brynlee. You can call me Brynlee,” I say, turning to smile at her over my shoulder.

After all, I will need at least one ally in my camp now that I know what I’m up against.

“Okay, Brynlee. If you need anything, just call me or come to my office,” Adriana says before closing the door behind her.

Turning back to glare at Ambrose with my arms crossed over my chest, I ask, “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same. I thought you were still working for your sister’s company.”

“I left. Interviewed here and was hired to work for Mr. Cape.”

His eyes darken, and his smirk drops. For a brief instant, I almost feel sorry for him when I see the sorrow that takes over his features. Only for an instant, though, because it quickly passes when I recall our past.

I was hired by the construction firm to work for Mr. Michael Cape who died of a heart attack three weeks before my start date. When I received the call about his passing, I was informed that it wouldn’t impact my role or start date, but they were working on getting his replacement transitioned into the role. The name of his replacement wasn’t disclosed to me because the preferred candidate had not formally accepted the role yet nor had an announcement been made to the incumbent staff.

Although I’d known that my brother’s best friend, Ambrose Charles, worked for the company, I never expected to work together let alone for him.

“I’m sure they told you that he passed away.”

I nod. “They did. I’m sorry for your loss.”

He nods and stares blankly at some point behind me, but I can tell he’s not here with me. I’m growing uncomfortable and want to escape his presence as quickly as possible only I’m not quick enough.

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