Page 30 of Wrath

“Mia!” he snapped, stopping me from closing my car door.

“What?”

“You wanna tell me why I just saw you sneak out of Wrath’s room?”

“I did no such thing.”

“Don’t lie to me, Mia.” He looked positively livid as he growled, “I saw you on the fucking camera.”

“It’s not what you think.”

“If I had a dime for every time you’ve said that...” He shook his head with a grump. “Just tell me you aren’t hooking up with him.”

“Whether I am or not is none of your business.”

“So, that’s a yes.” His cheeks flushed red with anger. “Goddamn it, Mia. Do you know what Stitch will...”

“I said it’s not what you think!”

“Then, what is it?” His expression softened, and his tone changed from angry to worried as he said, “Because I really don’t wanna have to kick his ass. Hell, I’m not even sure I can kick his ass. He’ll probably end up kicking mine. The man’s a fucking beast.”

“Which is all the more reason for you to just leave this alone.” I gave him one of my reassuring looks as I told him, “Besides, there is no reason for you to kick his ass or for him to kick yours. I promise, so please, just let it go.”

“I don’t like this.”

“Wyatt, please.”

“Okay. Okay, but don’t make me regret this.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Without saying anything more, I got in my car and closed the door. Wyatt remained standing there as I started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot. I rushed home, and after a quick shower, I went straight to work. I was running late, so I had no choice but to skip the coffee and pray that I could survive without it.

I might’ve been able to pull it off, but Garrett wasn’t one hundred percent happy with the edits I’d done on the coffee shop. He decided it was best to do a complete reshoot, so I was stuck with even more edits. It was fine. It was what I was there for, but after a night of very little sleep and no caffeine, I was struggling.

I couldn’t seem to focus, and hearing Garrett shouting in his office wasn’t helping matters. His voice was so loud and gargled that I couldn’t even make out what he was saying, but it was clear that he was pretty upset about something. Eventually, the screaming match ended, and I was able to finish up the edits and sent them to Garrett.

He’d only had them a few minutes when he appeared in my doorway with a soured expression. “Umm... What was that?”

“What was what?”

“The retouches.” He cocked his brow. “They’re um... not what I’d consider to be your best work.”

“Oh?” I sank down in my chair. “Were they not good?”

“No, they were good, but they weren’t great. Not like your usual work.”

“I’m really sorry. I’ll do them again.”

“Fine, but not today.” He crossed his arms. “You look like hell. Go home, get some rest, and start fresh tomorrow.”

“That’s really not necessary. I just need some coffee and...”

He actually sounded sincere as he replied, “It’s fine.Really.The day’s almost over anyway.”

“Okay. I’m really sorry. I just had a long night.”

“It happens.” He turned and started back to his office. “I expect you at your best tomorrow.”

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