Zoe shook her head and stepped into his office. “With all that happened this morning, I’m behind on my work. And the deadline is approaching fast. I was about to get to it when I saw the clothing bags. You bought me clothing, when I told you not to.”
Blackwood pushed back from his chair and put his hands in his pockets. Was it a smirk on his face? “You only said that it was difficult finding the right size. Have you tried them on? Do they fit?”
“I haven’t tried them on yet. I wasn’t inclined to give a show in my office for the whole of Chicago. But that’s not the point.”
Ever so slowly, Blackwood walked around to the front of his desk before leaning against it. The closer he got, it was like he transformed before her eyes. It was the energy that transformed him from cold, calculating tycoon, to the heated predator before her eyes. “And what is the point, Miss Somersby.”
His deep voice was like a ball of lava deep in her belly, to the point she almost forgot how to speak. “Your buying me clothes is a big no-no. But I’m adaptable and the timetable is tight, so just tell me how much I owe you and that will end the problem.”
His silver eyes swirled, a mix of interest and annoyance. “Me buying you clothes is a problem?” He pushed away from the desk and took a few steps to stand before her.
So that was his plan, to intimidate her?
Zoe crossed her arms and looked at him dead in the eyes. “I don’t need anybody to buy anything for me.”
“Let’s say it’s a perk of your contract.”
“I’ve read my contract, and there is no mention of clothes in it. Come on, gimme the receipts and I’ll leave you to your world domination scheme.”
She extended her palm, trying to be as stern as a school teacher, but it didn’t seem to have any effect. He looked at her outstretched hand and back up again. “I’m not giving you the receipts. I don’t even have them.”
Zoe wanted to slap him. “Why are you being difficult?”
He smiled, a full-blown, teeth out smile! It changed his face, making him even more beautiful, if it was even possible. “Ms. Somersby. A few dresses won’t make a dent in my finances. Take them.”
“I won’t be bullied into accepting them for free.”
“Am I bullying you, Miss Somersby?”?
She was close to losing it. “In this particular instance, yes. With everything else, you’re just infuriating.”
She wanted to smack her head as the words flew out of her mouth. That wasn’t the way to talk to a boss and she dreaded his reaction.
His face turned feral. “And now I’m infuriating?? You use the most interesting words to describe me. And after such a short time in my employment.” His tall frame curved over her, putting his face closer to hers. “And all the while not knowing me at all. Are you the type to make assumptions without really knowing the person?”
Damn, he was playing dirty. And it was the perfect word to describe what she would like to do to him. Lifting her chin got her face even closer to his mouth. “I always research my employers, but so far what I see confirms what I’m saying.”
“I’ve researched you too, Miss Somersby. You grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth. A grand life, easy, free of all worries. You were used to a life of luxury when you were a child. You are drawn to money. Don’t play the saint here, it doesn’t suit you.”
Lust was replaced with swamping fury when her eyes locked with his. “Your investigators? I would get my money back if I were you. That silver spoon you so nicely mentioned, replace it with silver shackles. All the money, that luxury, that torture, it wasn’t a dream but a prison with dear daddy hitting me, and mommy burning me, and pulling my hair until I bled.”
Blackwood straightened, sarcasm replaced by surprise and horror. Zoe took another step back. “You think you can sway me with power, money? By towering over me, intimidating me? Other monsters did that to the little girl I was, in a golden palace, much like this office. With nice clothes, much like yours. They tried to coax, to seduce, to threaten, much like you did. When I asked for the receipts, it was because I want to remain on equal footing with you. Not to annoy you. I know from instinct that there is much more to you than you let people see. That you’re not a monster even if you’re acting like one. I’ve seen compassion, kindness, amusement, loyalty in you since I arrived. Or maybe I’m wrong. And at this point, I really don’t want to know.”
For a long moment he stood before her, impassive, as she silently cursed herself for revealing too much. Indeed, Zoe must be more tired than she realized. His lips opened, but before he could speak, someone knocked on the door.
“Sir, oh, Zoe, I mean Ms. Somersby. I wanted you to know that you’re the last two people in the building.” Kai glanced with curiosity between them and hesitated. “Sorenson is ready when you are, sir.”
Before anything else could be said, Zoe turned. “Mr. Jones, I need a lift, if you don’t mind, as it is procedure now.” And without a backward glance, she turned and went to her office and grabbed her bag, completely forgetting her shoes, and not giving a damn about them.
