Page 78 of An Accidental Flatmate

“It looks like it’s my word against yours and Jackson’s. You lied for him.” The job she’d thought was safe wavered in front of her. Her small act of rebellion, which had seemed the perfect solution while sitting in Cas’s arms, was a wet lettuce to Jackson’s knife in the back.

“He earned that promotion.” Rachel had taken a step back.Good.

“How?”

“He has the best ideas.” Rachel looked across the room to Jackson for support.

“I’m guessing he told you that because the rest of us have been waiting for him to share a fresh idea since he arrived. If that’s all you’ve come to say, you can go back to him now.”

I will not call him your master, although he damn well is.

“Mission accomplished.” Bea smiled and raised a hand in greeting to Jackson. The bastard.

“You’ll be reporting to him now.” Rachel spoke with such conviction, Bea’s knees threatened to buckle.

I have to get out of here. No, I have to stay. If I run, Jackson will know he’s won.

She searched the room, her gaze dancing over Cas. No, she wouldn’t make him Jackson’s next target.

Antonio was halfway down the room. Slowly, she made her way toward him, her heart beating frantically. She’d have to leave TBR. She’d go mad working for Jackson.

I can’t leave until I find an equivalent salary package.

I don’t care.

“Beatriz, let me take you home.” Casildo appeared in front of her.

“No,” she hissed. “Everyone will know.”

Casildo’s face went blank, but she read the hurt confusion in his eyes.

“Not about us.” She waved a hand in the air, willing him to understand. “About Jackson.”

When he continued to block her path, tears welled in her eyes. “Rachel lied for him.”

“Where are you going?”

“Antonio. You shouldn’t be near me.”

Casildo turned on his heel and walked away. Bea took a step to call him back, then looked around. A few people were staring at her. She would not put Casildo in Jackson’s gunsights, just when his dreams were within reach. Jackson had no scruples. He truly was the barbarian Casildo had identified.

And I can’t stand in the middle of the room, looking as if I’ve seen a ghost.

She plastered a professional smile on her face and made her way toward Antonio. He kissed her cheek. She couldn’t remember him ever kissing her cheek before.

“Tell me what you want me to do, Bea.” Antonio’s voice was low, steady, pitched so it wouldn’t be heard by people nearby.

“Talk about work, about normal things.” Bea hiccupped.

“Did Jackson threaten you?”

She stared at him, shock making her tremble slightly.

“Everyone gossips in our industry.” His smile suggested they were sharing a joke. “You missed out on a promotion you deserved. Cas turned heads by kissing you in a coffee shop. I know Maha lent Cas her van a few weekends ago. Your turn to smile at me.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Imagine you’re wearing one of Anna’s outlandish dresses.”

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