Page 13 of Restrained

I never thought I’d be relieved to be alone with Hayden. “I’ll be there.”

She leans down, her hands flat on the table in front of me. “Don’t fuck him.”

My anger level raises yet again. Who the hell does she think she is? “Do you tell all of Mr. West’s business associates the same thing?”

“If I think they want to hook their claws into him, yes.”

Our eyes are locked, and I’m sure I’ve never made a faster enemy in my life. “I’m not interested in your boss for anything other than a paycheck.” My right eyebrow lifts, and the smile on my lips is cold and bitchy. “Butyouare, right?”

“Don’t worry about me.”

I lean into her, refusing to be intimidated. “Oh, I'm not.”

“You should be, sweetheart. Even if he does fuck you, Hayden doesn’t play for keeps. Ever.”

“Lone wolf. Got it.”

“You know nothing about him.” Her eyes are deadly serious, and I have no idea what I've walked into, but I would say the two definitely have a past. It’s a feeling I can’t place, one that gives me an odd feeling. All I know is I don’t like her.

“I don’t want to know anything about him.”

“Keep it that way.” She stands, slinging her designer bag over her bony shoulder.

“So happy to be working with you, Gretchen.” My tone drips with sarcasm that she doesn’t even entertain as she spins on one heel and exits the café.

I sigh, hating that I signed the stupid contract, that I got Penelope and myself into this mess but try my best to stay strong.

I did this because I don’t want to be under my father’s thumb. I hated working for him more than anything, especially after I found out about his fight with Colt right before he died. It was the catalyst to Colt’s death as far as I'm concerned.

I’ll do whatever it takes to never have to rely on him or his money ever again.

And that includes working for someone who is exactly like him, a strong, ruthless businessman who doesn’t care who he has to step on to get where he is.

With Hayden though, there’s no shared blood, no false feelings of love or obligation. None of that will be an issue. I wanted my father to be a good man deep, deep down. I’d hoped he truly loved me and my siblings no matter how terrible he was.

It made me weak. It made me try my best to impress him in everything I did and earn his respect, which I didn’t realize would never happen. He didn’t respect me. I was just another person to do his bidding. To be at his beck and call. More property.

But I'm much stronger now.

7

HAYDEN

“Idon’t trust her.”

My eyes narrow, zoning on in Grechen as she sits across from me at my desk. I try to rub away the impending headache using my fingers on my temples. “I didn’t ask.”

Gretchen pouts in her typical way, her eyes blazing with anger, lips pursed tightly. She’s dressed professionally in gray slacks that go to her ankles, black heels, and a slinky black top. Her hair is down today, but she’s definitely on edge after her meeting with Lola yesterday. “Hayden, you should hire a more established firm.”

I should have known better than to ask her over for a briefing before my meeting with Lola today. I’m disappointed Penelope won’t be joining her, but still... business is business, and I need to conduct it no matter what.

“That will be all for today, Gretchen.”

She looks hurt, showing a rare hint of emotion, and I don’t like it as she stands and walks to stand before me on my side of the desk. “Are you sure there’s nothing else you’d like, Hayden?”

Her voice is sultry as her eyes lower to my lap. My eyebrows draw together in confusion. Is she offering what I think she is? “Nothing else. I’ll see you in a few days. And I'll be in contact. Watch your emails, and help Ms. Sterling with any requests.”

She huffs annoyedly, crossing her arms over her small chest. But then, she grows bolder, dropping her hands to rest on my thighs as she leans forward. I can smell her sweet perfume as she gets in my face. “Are you sure I can’t do anything else for you while I'm here?”

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