“I’ve already blocked three numbers that you’ve tried contacting me on, plus the shit you keep sending to my office,” I growl into the phone, my tone laced with a silent threat. “This is getting to be harassment now, and I’m not interested.”
A door pushes open, and the sound echoes. “Oh, do keep your hair on, James. I thought you’d like the flowers and watches I’ve sent you? To be fair, the flowers were probably a bittoomuch,” she muses. She shakes her head as she continues, “Anyway, I’m just here to talk.”
Wearing a tight black pencil skirt and white shirt, Tanya walks in. Is that her name? I can’t remember. Her red hair is perfectly straight, landing just above her breasts. The makeup on her face can only be described as being applied with a trowel—there’s sofucking much of it. Why I even went there in the first place, I’ll never know. I must’ve been desperate. Her psychotic behavior isn’t exactly endearing either. No means no in any language.
I push away from my desk, standing up abruptly, wondering what the hell she’s doing here. “Too much? You’re crazy if you think any of that would have had me coming back for more. You weren’t great the first time,” I snap.
I round the desk and cross the room, asking, “Where’s Rebecca?” but this woman stands in front of me, stopping me. I glance down at her hand on my chest and back up at her. “I suggest you get your fucking hand off me.”
She pats my chest, laughing. “Rebecca popped out quickly. Something about a family emergency?” She smiles, but her eyes are filled with malicious intent.
“Out now.” I gesture toward the door. “I don’t want to see you here again.”
Without warning, she closes the distance between us and kisses me. I grip her waist to push her away from me, and she tumbles backwards. Once she composes herself, she swipes a thumb at the corner of her lip, wiping her red lipstick.
I use my hand to wipe her off me, disgusted by her actions. The only woman’s lips I want on me are Raven’s. “Get the fuck out now,” I bellow, losing my patience.
Tara’s eyes fill with rage as she sneers, “Why? So you can get back to that whore who’s been living with you?”
“My private life is none of your god damn business,” I snap. “Don’t make me repeat myself again. Get. The. Fuck. Out.”
She smirks. “Gladly. See you soon.” She winks before walking out of the office.
I immediately call down to security and have her added to the list of crazy people banned from entering the building. What I want to know is how she got in here and where the hell Rebecca is.
Stomping out to her desk, I see her sitting, typing. “Wanna explain to me why I just had some crazy bitch in my office?” I shout.
She glances up at me before pointing a finger at me, her eyes narrowed. “First off, I’m your PA, not your security.” She looks me up and down. “Second of all, it’s your own fault for not being able to keep it in your pants. And thirdly, ever talk to me like that again and I’ll change your schedule for a month.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” I growl.
“Try. Me.”
I huff out a breath before storming back into my office. I may get angry from time to time, but Rebecca’s not someone I’d cross unless I absolutely had to, and even then, I think I’d take my chances with the other option.
Can this day get any worse?
Chapter Forty-Nine
RAVEN
Emma’s gala is tonight, and I’m so excited for her. This has been her baby for so long, pouring just as many working hours into it as Dad does with his company. The annual gala changes venues each year. One of the hotels in town offered to host it for free, so she gladly accepted. It gives the hotel a chance to show off, and Emma can give the saved money to the people who actually need it instead.
She drove down this morning and arranged to meet me at the coffee shop. I didn’t want her to see me with James. Before, I could keep it under lock and key, but now we’re… doing whatever it is we’re doing, I don’t think I’ll be able to hide it, not from her anyway. That woman can sniff out a lie from a mile away.
Leo sits opposite me, scanning for threats with a book in hand.
“Still with your nose in a book, I see,” a voice greets me.
I put my book down and jump up to hug Emma. “I’ve missed you,” I whisper in her ear.
“I’ve missed you, too,” she says, pulling back and taking me in. “You look good. Anything I need to know?” She winks and I blush, my cheeks going as red as my hair.
“Nope,” I squeak. “Same old boring stuff.” She gives me a knowing look, but thankfully doesn’t continue her line of questioning. My tone gets serious as we sit. “How are you?”
She huffs out a laugh. “I’ve been better. It’s not every day you come home to your husband in millions of dollars of debt. But I’m doing the best I can.” She gives me a small smile, and I place my hand on her arm, offering her some comfort.
“I’m sorry, Em. I had no clue.”
