Page 28 of Ruthless Mr. Ricco
I pivot toward the security feed and click to the human resources department.
“I gave her directions and reminded her to return in time to prepare for the meeting at six o’clock,” Ms.Lynn continues as I flip through the HR offices.
When I don’t find Brook, I open the drop down and select the legal team’s floor.
She stands with three male legal assistants semi-circled around her in the hall outside the filing room.My heart leaps into my throat at the secluded location.I lean forward, prop my forearms on my desk, and dig my nails into my palms as I study their body language.
I curse the lack of audio.It seems like a casual discussion, but interest shines in the men’s eyes.
A fourth man—the department head, Mr.Johnson—steps out from the filing room and hands a stack of binders to Brook.My chest clenches at the smile she gives him as she takes them.The angle hides their hands, but his responding smile fills me with suspicion.
Jealousy curls through me.Pinpricks of pain rise from my palms.I sigh and open my fists before my nails break skin.
Even as she says goodbye and strides to the elevator, I struggle to remain in my seat.Fury demands I march down to the legal department, but logic holds me in place.
I don’t have enough evidence to fire Mr.Johnson.His dedication to the company over the past six years is legendary.Only a fool would get rid of such an outstanding employee over a woman.
I sigh, grab the nearest tablet, select an electrolyte drink from the fridge, and sit on the couch, intending to focus on the outline for the evening meeting Mr.Brunswick sent an hour ago, but end up on the security feed.Ms.Simons places the binders in the back corner of her workspace before launching into the pre-meeting checklist.She completes each task with dogged determination, organizing the files on the side table according to my specifications, turning on the projector, lowering the blinds, and prepping the conference table with individual place settings depending on the person’s preferences.On her third trip to the kitchen for drinks, Ms.Lynn blocks her path and shoves a stack of papers into her hands.
Brook accepts them, says a few words, then steps around my secretary.Ms.Lynn spins and grabs her shoulder.My little rabbit jerks as though in pain before shoving Ms.Lynn’s hand off and speaking over her shoulder as she strides into the kitchen.
I lift the tablet to my face and frown as I watch Brook pull drinks from the fridge.She favors her right arm until she lifts the drink tray and walks back into the hall.No longer alone, she moves with her normal grace.
I shake my head and swipe to the meeting’s agenda.Brook Simons will not gain my sympathy with her little tricks.
When I read the opening line for the fifth time without comprehending the words, I sigh and toss the tablet onto the coffee table.
This won’t do.I rise, check my reflection in the bathroom, then exit my office into the fray.Surprised by my early appearance, since I usually wait until everyone settles in their seats before I emerge, everyone falls silent until Ms.Simons rushes toward me.
“Do you need something, Mr.Ricco?”she asks.
“Yes, you,” I blurt before I can stop my mouth.
Her eyes widen and she steps back before checking over her shoulder at the small group of people.
“Are the preparations complete?”I ask.
She clears her throat before responding, “Yes, sir.”
God, I’d give my left nut to hear her whimper those words underneath me.
“Good.You’ll stay by my side and take attendance as the department heads arrive.Memorize their names and faces,” I instruct.
“Whatever you say, Mr.Ricco.”
I give her a warning glare as she throws the words at me.
Brook Simons will be the death of me.
I’ll enjoy every disastrous moment.
Chapter 9
Brook Simons
I will my heart to stop racing,but every time I shake another hand, Matteo’s eyes darken.
Seriously, I wouldn’t be standing beside him greeting the men he cultivated to shape his business if he didn’t demand it of me.The dirty looks are totally uncalled for.
