Page 59 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

“Woman.” I threaten.

“Man.”

I growl in her ear. “That’s enough out of you or I’ll fuck you again.”

“Promise?”

I roll her onto her back, straddling her. She scans my face with those beautiful green eyes that I love so much. I would do anything for this woman.

Even if it killed me.

Being back at work blows the big ones.

Maybe I should’ve just kept working from home, although I did miss working around other people. Jill was overly excited to see me walking off the elevator. I can’t say much for all the other coworkers. My bosses are calling a meeting to finally meet me. I’ve only worked here for how long. Fucking horseshit, but whatever. They better have a good excuse for being so aloof, or I’ll give them one.

Oscar was practically chomping at the bit when I walked through my office door. The look on his face was everything I was not feeling. I need to bottle whatever he was on.

“Chuck, thank fuck you’re here. I’ve missed you like crazy.”

“Really? I’ve seen you the other day?”

He waves me off. “Not the same. This setting is where we began. Doesn’t it bring back memories of the chronicles of Chuck and Oscar?”

“What chronicles? We haven’t even done anything worth sharing yet.”

“Pish-posh. Not the point. Anyway. Your meeting with both Sean and Irene is at two. You have another meeting beforehand, and that’s your day. Sorry.” He half shrugs.

Figures. No one wants to come back yet. Hopefully, when I clear my name, it’ll get better. Or I’ll try to find something else. I need work to cover my bills. Who’s going to hire me after this? My entire career is over. I slump back in my chair. I wanted to open my own accounting firm one day. I don’t see that happening now. Whoever is slandering my name is in for one hell of a ride.

When my meeting finally rolls around, I’m in a ball of nerves. I wish I knew what they wanted. Am I fired or what? They could’ve emailed me the details of this meeting or have Oscar give me the blow. I feel like I could handle it better if it came from him. He at least knows me well enough. I take the elevator up one more floor. Of course, they would have one to themselves. Selfish assholes. This floor is more glamorous than mine, just like the lobby a large chandelier is suspended from the ceiling. The walls are painted a dark grey with the reception desk being the accent piece. A lovely shade of white marble.

I claimed a leather chair, waiting for the receptionist to return. I imagine her job hasn’t been easy with her bosses being MIA for the last couple of months. I wouldn’t want her job anymore than mine right about now. Clacking of heels can be heard down the hallway, only growing louder. I sit up straighter not knowing what or who to expect. When a petite younger lady emerges wearing a bright pink jumpsuit, with lime green high heels, to finish her look, her pitch-black hair is pulled tight into a ponytail. If she had wrinkles, they wouldn’t be showing. I figured out this must be the receptionist.

She halts abruptly. “Oh, I didn’t realize anyone was up here. You must be Charlotte. I’m Gretchen. Follow me.” She doesn’t waste any time with rerouting herself. Taking off down the hall again.

I quickly gather my things and take off after her.

“I’m sorry to be in a hurry. I have so much to do. Your meeting shouldn’t take too long, or I would offer you a refreshment, Sean and Irene are both busy today I’m surprised they have time to see you, but then again you are causing waves in the ocean, now, aren’t we?” She looks over her shoulder at me. With a resting bitch face look.

Well, aren’t we just a blunt fucking dinosaur? Pressing my mouth in a thin line, raising both eyebrows, letting out a huff. If she only knew what I was going through. She stops at a set of closed double doors, knocking twice.

“Enter.” A male voice calls out.

The sound of the doors opening sounds like my life is about to fly out the window. The unknown is speeding up my heart rate. The only communication I had was with Irene over the phone when she only asked me a couple of questions. My old boss pretty much sold me to her.

“So, this must be the famous Charlotte Holmes. Please take a seat. Thank you, Gretchen,” Sean said formally. Dismissing Gretchen.

“Hello, again Charlotte. So nice to meet you in person.” Irene reaches across the desk with her hand. I politely shake it, then doing the same to Sean.

Sean is an older man, with salt and pepper hair. He isn’t muscular by any means, but he radiates power. Irene, on the other hand is a younger woman, maybe late forties. Her blonde hair is perfectly styled. Her body holds all the curves with power. That resting bitch face probably doesn’t help.

“Hello, sorry that we must meet under these circumstances. This isn’t how I pictured on meeting the both of you.”

“Yes, well. What’s done is done. I’ve received a letter from your lawyer informing us about your legal action. We want you to understand that we have your back in all of this. The thought of someone going behind one of our own and slandering their name in the papers.” Sean holds his hand over his heart. Shaking his head. “Disgraceful. I can’t believe this is happening. We can send one of our lawyers over to help yours if you wish?”

Holy shit. This isn’t how I thought this meeting was going to go. I’m speechless. My gaze bounce between them, both looking sincere. All I can do is nod; I’m sure Scar will appreciate the help.

“Then it’s settled. Leave your lawyers’ contact with Gretchen on your way out, and again we are sorry for all of this,” Irene added. Standing, I guess that’s my cue to leave.

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