Page 8 of Mr. Big Shot

“Are you here for your associates? I just finished announcing the assignments, actually.”

“Good then I’ll collect them,” he says with a sexy voice. It’s not too burly, not too high. That perfect cocky in-between. “I need Kendra Crane and Scarlett Elwood.”

My name on his lips is so shocking I go rigid in my chair. Surely he didn’t just list me. Scarlett. I heard wrong.

I’m even shaking my head, no. Bethany is too.

“I hesitate to contradict you…” She looks back down at her memo. “I have it here that you have Kendra Crane and Eli Little. Scarlett Elwood is part of Amaya’s team.”

Hudson’s gaze shifts past Bethany for the first time and his eyes rove over the room, searching impatiently until he spots me and stills. Laser beams would be less intense than his unwavering gaze. I’m melting into my seat. Soon, my trousers will be fused with the metal.

“Actually, she’s with me.”

Ugh, that voice. I’d shiver if I weren’t so damn focused on my impending doom!

I’m with him? Hudson Rhodes?

No, no, no. My brother gave me three directives, and this one seemed like the most important. I can’t screw it up.

“I think you’re wrong,” I say meekly.

Perfectly done; when talking to the devil, it’s best to seem scared shitless, that way he knows he can easily walk all over you. Follow me for more brilliant advice.

He looks me over—top to bottom—like he’s determining if I have all my body parts and a working brain, because why else would I have made such an absurd comment? Then his eyes crinkle at the edges as he narrows them, smiles a sadistic little smile, and shakes his head. “I’m not wrong. You’re with me.”

Chapter Four

Scarlett

Kendra shoots up out of her chair with a smile already in place. I’m shocked to realize she’s a pipsqueak. I’m 5’6”—not exactly a giant—but still, I’ll bet Kendra barely comes up to my shoulder.

“Mr. Rhodes, it’s an absolute honor,” she says, rushing toward him with her hand outstretched.

Oh really? Tell the truth, Kendra. Not two minutes ago you were begging to be free of him.

I roll my eyes, and Hudson catches it. Great.

“Are you coming, Ms. Elwood, or would you like me to write out a formal invitation?”

Smug jerk. I shove out of my chair and grab my bag, aware of everyone’s eyes on me as I shimmy around the conference table and make my way toward the front of the room. My cheeks burn red hot. My anger and indignation brew right under the surface. My mom has always had a bit of a temper, and unfortunately, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

“Asshole.”

I don’t miss the sharp intake of breath from every person in the room. Bethany actually groans.

My new boss stares at me like he’s never been more bored in his life.

“Are you done?”

I stay absolutely silent, immediately regretting my impulsive outburst.

Without another word, he turns and walks away. We’re clearly meant to follow.

Kendra shoots me a lethal glare the moment he’s not looking our way. “Are you insane?!” she whisper-hisses. “He’s a partner!”

Dammit.

I should have held my tongue. I know that. I’m just…I’ve never been good at thinking first and speaking second. Why do you think I’m here working in mergers and acquisitions rather than in criminal law?! I could never cut it in a courtroom. I’d lose my cool the moment the judge sided with the opposing counsel.

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