Page 30 of His Plaything (Slade, Inc.)

Chapter Twenty-Four

"You know, Morgan, you have beautiful eyes." Brad brought his hand up and touched her cheek.

She felt her face heat. "Thank you." He was moving too fast for her.

"I'd really like to get your number. This can't be the last time I get to see you."

"It is the last time. Trust me," Mr. Slade's voice boomed just over Morgan's shoulder.

Her whole body went stiff in Brad's arms. He flicked his stare up behind her. His expression quickly turned to angry annoyance.

"Get lost."

Morgan was swiftly grabbed by the waist from behind. Before she could say anything, she was being ripped from Brad's hold. Her back was soon pressed up against Mr. Slade's chest. His familiar cologne seemed to seep into her skin.

"I'm sorry, friend. There appears to be some misunderstanding. This is my girl. She was just lost for a moment."

"What the fuck?" Brad stepped forward and grabbed Morgan's hand.

She knew she better stop this quickly or there would be bloodshed, and she was pretty sure who would get the worst of it. Not Mr. Slade.

"Brad, please. It's ok. I need to talk with Connor for a minute."

Brad looked from her up to Mr. Slade. She held her breath hoping he would just walk away.

"Fine, but I'll be right over there at the bar, watching." He gave Mr. Slade a death stare.

"Watch all you want. It wouldn't mean anything." Mr. Slade's tone was so dark it was almost scary.

Brad stood there for a moment, and Morgan knew that he wanted nothing else than to take a swing at her boss. Right now, she might not have minded. After a few tense seconds, the other man turned and walked back to the bar. He pulled out a stool and did just what he said he would. He watched them closely.

Mr. Slade then twirled Morgan around so her back was toward Brad. She didn't know if that was so he could keep his eyes on the man or if Mr. Slade didn't want her staring at Brad. It didn't really matter. She was pissed at him. He cheats on me and then shows up here, demanding my time.

"What do you want, Connor?" His first name still felt foreign on her tongue.

"There was some confusion and deception. Things aren't what you think. We need to discuss your quitting." He moved a hand up to hold her hand.

My quitting? Is this about my fucking job?

She tried to pull her hand away, but he held it tightly. She huffed out an irritated breath. "Sorry. I meant it when I said I was quitting. I never want to see the inside of your building again."

His expression darkened even further. Morgan almost stopped breathing completely as she watched the way his eyes intensified on her. They darted around her face as if he was about to lose all control.

"I'll explain everything, but not here. I'll explain everything at my house." His jaw clenched.

His house? A few days ago, she would have jumped at the chance. "Thanks, I think I'll stay."

She pulled hard on her hand, freeing herself. Morgan turned away from Connor and started back toward the bar. She didn't get far before he grabbed her arm. Connor spun her around, grabbing both hips firmly.

"You're coming home with me." He tilted his head down while keeping eye contact, making him look more menacing.

Morgan swallowed. "I don't think that's your decision."

"Look, Morgan. You can stay here and flirt and dance with whoever you please, but it won't change the outcome of your night. It will only piss me off further."

She squirmed in his hold, unsure if she wanted to slap him or kiss him. Maybe both, in that order. A masculine hand then grabbed Mr. Slade's shoulder. Morgan turned to find Brad standing close to her side.

"All right, friend. Your time is up."

---