Page 16 of Like a Boss

Alicia shakes her head, her lips pulled into a thin line.

“I promise,” I declare, holding my hand up in oath. “My lips are sealed.”

Just as I think she’s come around, a sharp voice rains on my parade. “Ms. Young, a word. Now.”

I instantly drop my hand, guiltily looking at the doorway of Mr. Fox’s office. Judging by the pissy look on his face, he no doubt heard me begging for dirt.

Alicia quickly busies herself, ensuring he knows she wasn’t an accomplice—traitor.

“Fine.” I sigh, throwing my pen in defiance and standing lacklusterly.

The moment I walk over to him, our eyes lock. However, I don’t allow his bully tactics to scare me. I push past him when he doesn’t budge an inch and tell my disloyal body to stop with the celebrating when we touch.

The door closes behind me, and I stand before his desk, refusing to sit and be reprimanded like a naughty school child. My back is turned to him, but I can feel his glare, and once again, I feel like prey. But I stand tall and pull my shoulders back because if he wants to pretend, then so can I.

“How’s your first day going so far, Ms. Young?”

“Fine, Mr. Fox.” I swallow deeply when I hear his footsteps pad softly on the carpet.

“And you’re finding everyone to be well-mannered and helpful?”

“Yes.”

“That’s good to hear.”

When I feel him come to a stop inches from my back, my body begins to tremble. “I would appreciate it then if you could show the same respect. I don’t tolerate cattiness in my office, so if you have a question, I would prefer you ask me rather than badger my staff.”

So he did hear me. Is he spying on me now? Shouldn’t surprise me seeing as he’s a complete control freak. A trait I thoroughly enjoyed in the bedroom, but now, it just ticks me off.

“Yes, sir.” The defiance can be heard in my tone.

“Ms. Young, this relationship can go one of two ways.”

I remain quiet, indicating I’m listening.

“My way, or no way. You’ll soon see my way is the best for the both of us.”

I bite my cheek as I’m seconds away from telling him his way can suck it.

“We clear?”

“Crystal,” I grit out from between clenched teeth.

“Good. Now seeing as you think there’s time to socialize, I’ll send Ms. Pope home and you can proceed on your own.”

That bastard. I’m going to drown on my own, but I’ll be damned if I admit that to him. “Whatever you wish, sir.”

When he takes a step closer, I can feel his warmth against my back. It reminds me of Saturday night.

“I wish for you to—” But he pauses, his labored breathing buttering my flesh in a fine sheet of goose bumps.

But I stand rigid, still refusing to show him I’m affected by his presence. The room is suddenly filled with a heated static, and I focus on what’s important—like breathing.

“Have Ms. Pope show you the files I require for this afternoon’s presentation,” he instructs, not completing his original thought.

I nod, afraid if I speak, he’ll hear how breathless I sound.

“That’ll be all,” he says, dismissing me.

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