Page 101 of Beyond the Hate

I was blindsided by his betrayal. I refuse to be blindsided ever again.

“I can’t neglect my role atApparoo.”

Rhett frowns. “I didn’t say you were.”

“Good. If there’s nothing else?”

“What the hell is going on with you?”

“I already answered this question. I’m busy and need to travel to California. I have a lot on my plate.”

“Unlike me?”

“I’m not comparing us.”

He raises his eyebrows. “You’re not?”

The door flies open and Paisley marches inside.

I glare at Rhett. “I thought you locked the door.”

“Good luck.” He pats Paisley on the shoulder. “Maybe you can straighten him out.”

I wait until he leaves before addressing Paisley, “Can I help you?”

She rears back. “Can you help me?”

“Yes.” I nod. “This is a work environment. I’m the CEO. What can I do for you?”

“It never bothered you about how this was a work environment before.”

Visions of taking her on the sofa in her office try to invade my mind but I shove them away. There will be no repeats of the event. In fact, there will be no sex with Paisley whatsoever. I can’t be with someone I don’t trust.

“That was before.”

“Before what? What crawled up your ass and died? I warned you my friends wouldn’t behave at the ball. There are a limited amount of times I can apologize for Chloe daring your brothers to go skinny dipping in the resort’s swimming pool.”

“I don’t give a shit what your friends do.”

Her nose wrinkles in confusion. I refuse to think it’s cute. There’s nothing cute about Paisley the liar. “Then, what’s wrong?”

“You seriously have to ask?”

“Obviously since I’m asking now.”

“I can’t believe you.”

“I’m beyond confused and I hate being confused. Can you please explain yourself?”

“You need me to explain myself?”

“Yes.”

“Fine.” I snarl. “I’ll explain myself.” I lean forward and hiss toward her. “I heard you.”

“Heard me what? Yell at my assistant?” Her cheeks darken. “I know it was wrong of me to raise my voice at Blossom. I lost my temper. It won’t happen again.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

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