Page 50 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

“All right, all right. Calm down,” said Jonas, biting back a smile. He was happy they were so enthusiastic about being auctioned off.

“Obviously, all dates will be at a select location with security,” he continued. “Your safety is important to us.”

“Hey now. I wouldn’t mind someone getting handsy with me.” Chad winked as the team laughed and nodded in agreement.

“Obviously, this is in good fun. The chance to ‘buy’ a player for the night is going to raise a lot of money for charity. I appreciate you all being such good sports,” said Jonas.

“How much do you think I’m worth, ladies?” Chad lifted his jersey to show off his six-pack abs to the ladies in the office. Most of them rolled their eyes and laughed. Wendy fanned herself.

“I’m more interested to see if Nico’s sister is up for auction,” someone called out.

Jonas was taken aback. He looked up suddenly to see Marco, the team’s trainer, smiling at Mae suggestively.

“She’s not,” said Nico pointedly.

“Aw, come on, man. Just for the night. Rumor is, she likes office relationships.”

Jonas watched the color drain from Mae’s face as she swallowed hard and looked down at her hands, which were visibly shaking. Jonas felt heat rush up his neck to his cheeks as he squeezed his fists together. It took everything in him to keep his cool. The whole office was watching the exchange with their mouths open.

“Like Nico said, she’s not up for auction,” he said coolly.

Marco held up his hands innocently. “It was just a question.”

“And that question just got you fired.”

“Hey, man, don’t be like that. It was just a joke.”

“Get out.” Jonas narrowed his eyes.

Marco stood there staring at Jonas in shock, but didn’t budge.

“I’ll give you a hand with the trash, boss.” Nico grabbed Marco roughly by the arm, and his best friend, Kenny grabbed his other arm. They both pulled Marco outside of the conference room. The rest of the team followed. Jonas knew they all loved Mae and had her back.

Jonas watched as they left the room and turned back to the boring eyes of the office staff, which were all on him. Everyone waited with bated breath for what was coming next. This was probably the most dramatic meeting they’ve had.

“That will be all. Everyone out,” said Jonas.

But no one moved.

Frustrated, Jonas said, “Did you not hear me? Show’s over. Get back to work.”

Wendy began shooing everyone toward the door. As everyone was silently gathering their things, he glanced at Mae, who was already looking up at him. Her head was tilted slightly, and her expression was unreadable.

Chapter19

Mae

Mae sat in the conference room alone. She had stayed behind after everyone had cleared out. Jonas had hesitantly left her at the table, but only after she had assured him she was okay. She just needed a moment to process everything that had just happened.

When Marco initially asked his lewd question, she was prepared to roll her eyes and move on. She hadn’t expected him to go on to air out dirty laundry. Where had he heard about her being in an office relationship? The rumors were starting to spread like wildfire and she didn’t know how. She felt relief that everything would be revealed tomorrow. She almost wished she could announce her marriage to Jonas right then, to spite him and everyone else who may be judging her. But she didn’t want to spoil the announcement. She wanted it to be special for some reason.

The only thing that had kept her from either punching him square in the jaw or bursting into tears was the fact that Nico took up for her. And Jonas. Jonas, who so easily came to her defense and fired the jerk on the spot. It was impressive. It was also hot. Very hot.

That was why Mae had to take a few moments to herself to process her feelings of embarrassment turning to anger, to pride, and then to being turned on. Mae took a deep breath and finally gathered her things, leaving the conference room. She didn’t know what she was about to do, but she knew she had to see Jonas. She pressed thedownbutton for the elevator and rode down, hoping she could sort out her next move in the ten seconds it took to reach his floor. She walked swiftly past Wendy’s desk and opened Jonas’s door, not bothering to knock.

He looked up at her, surprised by her barging in. She closed the door behind her and pressed her back against it. She studied Jonas for a moment. He sat at his desk in the charcoal gray suit she loved. His hair was pushed back, except for the unruly piece that always made its way into his eyes. His dark blue eyes wandered over her, eventually landing on hers. She let herself fall into them for a moment before something took over her.

Mae took a few confident strides to his desk. She knew what she wanted. As much as she hated Jonas sometimes, she wanted him even more. He looked up at her curiously as she placed her hands on his desk and leaned forward, pushing her breasts together. She watched as his eyes wandered down to where her breasts peeked out from her silk camisole. He slowly looked up at her. She bit her bottom lip as she leaned in closer. Her face was just inches away and she could feel his breath against her mouth.

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