Fuck. She moved quickly so as not to be trapped behind her desk. “Mr. Johnson, I want you to leave.” She kept her tone calm even if her nerves quivered with fear. The man had at least fifty pounds on her, but she was quicker.
“I will, but first…” He lunged for her.
Crystal let out a cry and dashed away. But she wasn’t quite quick enough.
* * * *
Jordan hung up the phone for the fifth time in thirty minutes and sat back in his chair. Damn reporter. He stared at the newspaper article, or more precise, gossip column. The reporter talked about how he and Crystal were spotted at the local adult store for book club night with friends.
Luckily, she hadn’t mentioned the case or identified Max or Sierra. But people had seen the article and called him. He needed to warn Crystal. He stood and headed for her office.
He heard Crystal cry out and raced the last few feet, his heart thudding. Inside, he froze at the sight in front of him.
Crystal’s hair was mussed, as well as her blouse. Johnson had her by the arm, and Crystal struggled in his hold. Her eyes were wide, but her lips were pressed together in a thin line.
Johnson, on the other hand, was huffing and puffing, his shirt half pulled out of his pants. He pushed Crystal toward her desk, her arm flew out, and papers flew from her desk. Johnson was right behind her with his hand on her hip.
Jordan’s fists clenched. “Let her the fuck go.” Within three strides, he was on Johnson, pulling him away and throwing him up against the wall. Anger filled his veins.
“Why should I? According to that nice little newspaper article, you’re getting some, so why shouldn’t I?” Johnson sneered.
Jordan’s arm came up and pinned the man by the neck, cutting off his airflow. “Bastard.” He pushed harder. This man was trash, and it was time he threw the garbage out. He should have done that to his father before he killed his mother.
“Jordan.” Crystal’s soft voice brought his attention to her. “It’s okay.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Please, let him go. He’s not worth it.”
Jordan turned to Crystal. Her gaze was on him, not Johnson. Those beautiful green eyes shone with trust and care.
The dark anger receded, and he released Johnson, who wheezed in a few sharp breaths.
“Johnson, you are fired.”
“You can’t fire me,” he wheezed out.
Jordan turned his head and glared at him. “This is my firm, and I certainly can fire your ass. Get out. I’ll make sure someone sends you your personal items.”
“Come on, Jordan. You’re going to fire me over a piece of ass?”
Crystal groaned. “You don’t know when to shut up, do you?” she muttered.
“Apparently, he doesn’t.” Jordan forced himself to breathe in and out in an effort to keep his temper under control. He wanted nothing more than to throttle Johnson. “Crystal, do you want to press the appropriate charges?”
She raised her chin. “Here’s the deal. Mr. Johnson, you leave and keep your mouth shut, and I won’t press charges. But you so much as breathe a single word about me, Jordan, or the firm, and I’ll will see you’re prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and sue you in civil court.” Crystal’s voice was firm, and Jordan was proud of her for standing up to the man. His woman was no pushover.
When Johnson didn’t answer, Jordan said, “Call security,” he told Crystal.
“All right, I’ll leave.”
Jordan took a step back but made sure Crystal was behind him. He kept his eye on Johnson as the man straightened his shirt.
“I’ll be taking my clients with me.”
“Let me call security so I can press charges.” Crystal reached for her phone.
“Fine. I’ll keep my mouth shut.” Johnson started to the door.
Jordan followed the man. “Be right back,” he said over his shoulder to Crystal as he kept on Johnson’s ass. He was going to make sure he left.
* * * *