Page 63 of Demanding Mob Boss

Minx leaves before Cian returns. I’m kind of glad when she's gone. She's interesting and her presence didn't grate on me like some people because her words always matched the expression on her face, but she kept asking questions about me and Cian. And her questions only make me realize how much I don't know about what is happening between us.

He doesn't want me to quit. I don't want to leave Doyle & Byrne either. He watches me. I like being watched by him. He really likes my body. That makes me tingle when I think about it. But are we dating? Does he like me like that? I know I want to be dating him, but I don't always get it right. Assessing my interactions with other people.

Why did Minx ask if we are dating? Maybe he doesn't bring other women to meetings with him. I have lots of questions and no answers.

Connor makes a strange sound and I look up from my musings. He's putting his phone back in his pocket. "Cian says to take you back to the office, Anna."

"Now?" Without him?

Connor nods. "Let's go."

When we get back to the office, Connor stops me from going back into Cian's domain. "You'll be working in my dad's office from now on," Connor says.

I stare at him, trying to understand what he's saying. But Cian wants me inhisoffice. He wants to watch me. I could feel his gaze on me throughout the morning. It calmed me, made me feel safe.

"You'll be filling in for Shea," Connor says when I don't move or answer him.

"Is that what Cian said?" I ask.

Connor looks down and away and I know it isn't. Cian just wants me out of his office. Did he get sick of me already? Was I too needy? Did he realize he doesn't like watching me? Who did he meet with that would make him have that revelation? Someone he'd rather watch now.

He said it was mob business and not personal, but I'm not personal either. I work for him. Wearen'tdating. Even if he did touch me in a way no other man ever has.

Bile rushes up my throat and I run to the bathroom. After I'm done throwing up, I wash my face with cold water and then pat it dry. I still need this job and I like working in Jimmy's office.

This pain in my chest will go away. Won't it?

I grab my phone and send him a text.

Me:Are you still watching me?

I have to know.

Only there is no reply by the time to go home. I don't say goodbye to Jimmy like I usually would. I don't want to talk to anyone right now. There's a lump in my throat I can't make go away.

I head for the L station at a rapid walk. If I hurry, I'll catch the train I usually miss because I chat with Shea or Connor after I get off work.

As I step into the train off the platform, it sounds like someone's calling my name, but that's just wishful thinking. No one around here cares enough about me to call out to me.

When I get home, Ini is there. She grins when I come in. "Did you go to work today?"

I nod. Words don’t want to come out of my mouth. Not even for my best friend.

"I'm glad. You look worn out, though."

I shrug.

"Do you want dinner?" she asks, having experience with my nonverbal episodes.

I shake my head.

"I'll make enough for you if you get hungry later, okay?"

I nod, but I won't.

"Are you going to work tomorrow?"

I nod again. I have to pay my half of the living expenses. I can't expect Ini to keep taking care of me. What if she gets sick of me too?

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