Page 69 of Bossy Grump's Secret

I looked at my fidgeting hands as the name-calling began. Ava will soon be called to receive her diploma. When it finally echoes through the hall, I receive a round of applause, just like the people before me, as I walk up the podium to collect my scroll.

I need this degree for myself. Apart from the normal job schematics, I needed to prove to myself that I would fulfil every promise I have made, mentally or aloud, because I am Ava Persson - tall, proud, sassy and grotesquely stubborn.

It’s not that I’m not ready for life…life isn’t ready for me…especially with Dylan by my side. We meet our families once I'm down from the podium, and Lily is with me after the painstaking wait to get her letter. Ever since Lily and I started interacting, she has never gone home.

That's another reason she needs to work. She had no one to support her, no one but me. Even on her graduation day, her mother doesn't show up. When I bring her attention to it, her indifference is impressive. She seems more at peace with the Belfrosts and Persons, given that we have taken her on as a sister. We allow her to keep her birth last name till she wants it changed…if she wants it changed.

“You know, I always tell Dylan that you’ve got a stronger heart than he does,” Mr. Belfort says, patting me on the shoulder.

“Pfft. She’s pushed out a baby, so she has everything stronger than I do." Dylan looks up in remembrance of the day of my labor. Everyone has a laugh until I gasp.

Mr. Belfrost discreetly sneaks a letter into my hands, intensifying his smile. "There's no way a girl with such potential wouldn’t need a conducive environment to blossom,” he says. I have only so much control over myself right now, and I leap into his arms in gratitude.

“Oh, and Lily, that includes you too. I don’t know your last name, so I just did a joint letter to you and Ava.” Lily’s eyes widen in gratitude as well. “Completely informal and unprofessional…I know, but hey, who’s auditing?” he laughs.

He is, after all, the hotel’s CEO. He could have us employed via word of mouth, and it’ll carry equal weight as a carefully-drafted letter by the most professional human resources officer on his payroll.

Six Months Later

The buzz is my energy. I literally feed off it. For me, work is boring until the place is packed with people moving in and out. Then, there's really something to do. Despite my boyfriend's plea to give it a little rest, how do I attain this superhuman powerhouse ability?

Internalization

As the Executive Housekeeper, I revel in the most brutal tasks. That’s how I got here so fast. Efficiency and diligent service pushed me into this position, and everyone agrees I deserve it. Now more than ever, I'm determined to prove I'm not a social climber or a gold digger. I don't have to do much, but there is an unbending underlying pressure to push extra to vindicate yourself from any accusation.

“Listen up, everyone!” I hear a voice boom in the main reception.

Dylan, do you know when to take a break?

I only saw the royal nanny twice during the first three months at the Belfrost Hotel. Once when Mrs. Greane assigned us to Dylan and the second when I ran into her in the executive staff quarters. It surprised me she knew about the relationship between Dylan and me. She winked and told me to take care of her baby boy. I remember raving until I later discovered that she was Dylan's ex-nanny. I had never seen her on working floors. Now I know it wasn’t because she is lazy doing her job with laxity.

I have seen Dylan address the staff four times today alone, and I can tell that he’s the one doing too much. I wonder who will take care of all the paperwork on his desk as the new Mrs. Greane. There’s no way he’s staying up late in the office today. I won’t allow it.

When he's done addressing the workers, I see him returning to his office and tail him. I tug and pull him roughly into a corner as he's about to round the bend.

“What the…”

“Lily?” I call. “Time for that break I talked about.”

“I got you,” she assures us and closes the door to the supplies room for the ground floor. A supply room on every floor is the best perk of the hotel.

"Ava, listen…we have to get back to work. There's a lot on…."

I let my buttons fly open, interrupting his speech with my exposed chest. He tilts his head as if in deep thought.

“You know something? I think I could use a break,” he confesses, taking one mound in his hand, caressing it softly. I purr out loud, feeling the tension in my core reduced by at least half.

“Yup, there definitely will be no need to rush work.” He presses himself into me and coos, “Now, let’s see how many more of those sounds you can make.” He uses a teasing finger to wrench off my panties.

“Ah.”

Epilogue

Another six months later.

“There’s no way that dress doesn’t fit," Lily spits disappointedly. " How much was the tailor paid, again?”

“You’re just looking for an excuse to get me to tell you how much, aren’t you?” I laugh at her.

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