Page 51 of Rhet

“Do what?” I blink at him trying to act like I was clueless.

“Try to be an asshole to me. Because then it becomes a competition, and I will have to be a bigger one. Trust me when I say I’m way better at fuckery than you are.”

I pull back as I look at him. “I know what your problem is.”

“You think I have a problem? I didn’t realize I had one.”

“You do,” I reply cunningly.

“You’re right, I have a problem. For nearly a month, I’ve had a pain in the butt employee, who keeps driving my pressure up.” The vein at the side of his head pops.

“You’re pissed because I had you in your feelings last night about your father and brother.”

“What bullshit are—”

“Don’t lie. It’s okay, I know. I will be out in the car waiting for you.” I didn’t bother to give him the updates. I would do so while we sit in the car. I make sure my hips sway as I walk to the garage.

RHET

I watch her ass as she leaves the kitchen. What the hell is wrong with my ass? I drink my coffee quickly and head to the car.

Yes, she is upset. I shouldn’t give a damn, but I do. I’m not in the mood to hear anything right now. She is correct, bringing up Trent made my insides twist with sadness.

When I enter the car, I do enjoy the silence of her not talking, so I can be like this a little longer because the silence is amazing.

“You walked out before giving me the update. I don’t pay you to be in your feelings.” I meet her eyes in the rearview mirror. If looks could kill, I would be dead.

“You received an email from a Devo records. They’re doing a small concert. You are invited.”

I nod. As annoying as my buddy Jasper is, his vocals are God’s gift to man. He created a band called the “The Grey” as an ultimate fuck you to his father. He didn’t expect to become a megastar. Yeah, I will check out his concert.

“Julian also sent me an update about the Steel Workers Union Gala. You will be receiving an award, and so will your father.”

I don’t want to go. It should be called the Quarter Masters awards if you ask me. The QM board are in charge of everything. Including who gets awarded. The last time I went, was right before Trent’s death. However, I have contributed and loaned money to some of the members on the board. They may not like me, I’m not like my father. Nonetheless they do respect and fear me. That’s all I need.

She continues to talk about my events and appointments. Even when we walk out of the elevator into my office. We stop when I see Joe Mackey sitting in my chair. Someone is about to be fired.

Instantly, I want to react, and drag him out of the chair. Instead, I smile and Zeeta looks at him with no expression on her face. Good girl don’t let these people know what we’re thinking.

I nod for her to sit on the small gray sofa while I sit in the chair in front of my desk. I’m so happy she doesn’t give me any fuss.

I say nothing, I’m not in the mood to talk.

I lean forward, twisting the cigar box to face me. Taking out my cigar cutter and lighter, I lean back into the chair, still not saying a word. My mom always says fools tend to talk amid silence.

“You must be Zeeta. I heard you have a hell of a right hook.” Joe smiles at Zeeta. See, a fool. Kozlov isn’t in bed with Desmond, he is. How else would he know about Zeeta’s right hook? Only if the Senator told him. Zeeta looks at him, her expression dead and unamused.

He claps his hand and gestures in Zeeta’s direction. “Where did you get this one, Rhet?”

Still, I say nothing, lighting my cigar. I like puffing to get the perfect burn. Joe leans forward to get a cigar. He has fucking nerves, I inhale and shake my head no.

“You’re not interested in sharing a cigar? You have always been a bastard, Banner.”

In shame, he leans back into my chair. “I need you and you need me.”

I raise my eyebrow, waiting. It’s taking all of me not to leap across this desk.

He tugs at his tie, I guess I’m making his fat bald ass uncomfortable. I’ll never understand why he leaves the top bald and he keeps the lower part of his head with hair. I mean, let it go already.

---