Page 11 of Boss Level

Xander was a partner in an angel investor firm. He personally had backed AcesPlayed, but he’d also sold his firm on supporting us. One of their partners had decided over time that they didn’t like their name being associated with the kind of game AcesPlayed was producing.

Rather than pulling their personal approval and moving on, like an adult, they’d been working to undermine The Raphael Group’s entire interest, and convince the other partners to pull out.

“I’m dealing with it,” Xander said.

“You’re keeping me in the loop, so I’m not blindsided.” Technically, I shouldn’t ask for that, but I had to know.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “He’s compiled an entire brief detailing how you’vewastedour capital to date. It’s bullshit, but he thinks the numbers tell the story he wants.”

My insides curdled at the thought. The contract we had with our investors allowed us to buy them out if we felt they were no longer a good fit, and let them demand the same of us. I wasn’t in a position to buy out our biggest wallet.

“I’m dealing with it,” Xander repeated. “I promise you.”

There was no one I trusted more, so his insistence would have to do for now.

Xander pushed to his feet with a sigh. “I’m gonna let you get back to work, but before I go, check your top drawer.”

“Why?” I was already sliding said drawer open, rather than waiting for an answer. A white box, the kind that came from a bakery, sat inside. I extracted it and opened the lid, to find a chocolate cream puff inside that was twice as big as any single-serving pastry should be. On top, in wobbly frosting, it saidBad Ass Boss Bitch.

Now I was swallowed by warm fuzzies again. “Thank you.”

Xander reached across the desk to squeeze my hand. “Talk soon.”

After he left, I spent the rest of the day working, monitoring the game’s status obsessively, and picking at the cream puff.

We were all working late tonight, like we had most nights for the last few months, and I was at my desk when I got a notification of a video going up on one of the channels I followed. A lot of our developers didn’t care for Fallyn’s Phallusies—Elliot had declared her his arch nemesis—but I was grateful for her content. Every one of her videos gave us a bump in traffic, and to have one launch on release day…?

Supposedly she was in town this week. I had no idea if I’d have a chance to meet her, but I hoped so.

Watching the video would have to wait. I had other tasks that were far more pressing.

A few hours later, I was still working on said tasks, when I got a text from Dom.

Dinner tomorrow night? Client facing?

As long as the game doesn’t break, I can be there, I replied.

His message came through within seconds.I owe you. Really.

I sank back in my seat with a sigh,and so it begins, echoed in my mind with an ominousness I didn’t care for.

5

dominic

Iparked in front of the AcesPlayed building, sent Judith a text to let her know I was here, and stepped around to the passenger side to wait for her. The air was crisp, the hint of stars hanging in the inky dark blue overhead. I hated taking her away from the game as much as I hated doing dinner with a client and leaving Xander at home.

I’d expected her to tell menotonight. She’d never had an issue saying work called, and it was important.

A couple strolled along the sidewalk, walking a beagle, who stopped to sniff my shoes. “Hey there, little guy.” I wanted to ask if I could pet him, but then I’d get fur on my suit.

“Hi.” The woman gave me a shy smile, and studied me through her lashes.

“Come on, let’s go.” The man tugged both dog leash and woman’s arm, moving away from me.

Not too many years ago, I would’ve flirted with her—or him—just a little to see him react.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Judith’s smooth, confident tone penetrated my thoughts, and I looked up to find her strolling toward me. Her pale sweater hugged her torso, showing off every curve without looking like she was trying, and the deep burgundy color complimented her rosy cheeks, even in the dim lighting.

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