Page 102 of Mr. Hook-up

I waited for a response.

For someone, anyone, to acknowledge that something I’d said was true.

Or at least part of it was.

But they said nothing.

Until I finally heard in a soft, agonizing voice, “I speak for everyone when I say I hope that’s the case.”

Easton.

I couldn’t define what he meant.

Or the battle that was becoming more prominent in his eyes.

Or the way each of his syllables banged my chest.

Holden’s eyes were suddenly no different than Easton’s.

Neither was Grayson’s.

“Due to the evidence that’s been presented and the level of access you have within Hooked, we have decided to suspend your employment until the investigation is closed,” the attorney said.

They were ... terminating me.

Even if it was temporary, they were still shutting me out.

Because some asshole, for some unknown reason, had framed me for something I didn’t do.

Had I really thought that after I pled my case they were going to trust every word I said? That I would be able to continue working like none of this had happened?

Still, hearing that news, feeling the gravity of it all, caused everything inside me to tighten.

“I see,” I whispered.

“I kindly ask you to remove all personal items from your office that you would like to have access to since you won’t be able to return to the building until the investigation is closed,” the attorney said. “Sometime today, I will be stopping by your apartment to pick up the workstation Hooked has set up in your home.”

“Is that necessary?” Easton asked.

“I’m afraid it is,” the attorney replied.

I nodded.

I was terrified my voice would crack if I spoke.

The tears were there, threatening my eyes. I was doing everything in my power to hold them off.

As I stood, I couldn’t look at Easton.

It hurt too much.

That war—I didn’t want to see another second of it.

Aside from Saara and Easton and the other people in this room, I was alone in this world. Losing their respect, trust, and support pained me more than all this.

I wanted Easton to believe me.

I wanted him to have my back.

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