Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 65104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
“You did more than half my department heads,” I say.
She doesn’t smile, but her mouth twitches like she’s trying not to.
I glance around once, ensuring no one is watching us too closely, then lower my voice even further. “I’d like a word. In my office. One hour.”
Her throat bobs as she swallows, but she nods. “Yes, sir.”
7
LYRA
It’s only my first day, and I’m already being called to the CEO’s office. That can’t be a good thing. Even though Damien said it calmly, I can’t help feeling like I’m already in trouble. I’ve barely been here long enough to mess anything up, though. I was still working on my onboarding forms when those shady guys strolled in.
I can’t stop replaying it, even as I try to focus on setting up all my programs before I head to Damien’s office. It’s impossible. I keep wondering if it’s even worth learning any of this if he’s about to fire me in a few minutes anyway.
When I finally can’t sit still anymore, I stand and head for the hallway that leads to the private elevator. Halfway there, I hear footsteps behind me.
“Hey, new girl.”
I force myself not to flinch.
Rick. Again.
I plaster on a polite smile and turn to face him. “Hey,” I say, noncommittal.
His grin turns wolfish. His posture is too relaxed, too close.
“Are you heading somewhere important?” he asks, gesturing at the private elevator.
“I have a meeting,” I say.
“With who?”
I shouldn’t answer. I know that. But something in me wants to shut him down cleanly, so he never tries this again.
“Mr. Morozov.”
That does it. His eyebrows twitch upward, but then he recovers with a smirk.
“Big promotion already?”
“It’s a routine check-in,” I say, keeping my voice flat.
He steps closer. “Well, if he ever starts riding you too hard, you know where to find me.”
I blink at him, offended. “Excuse me?”
“You’re hot. He’s not blind,” Rick says with a shrug. “He probably hired you for more than your resumé. That kind of shit happens all the time.”
I take a breath, steady and slow. “You’re being inappropriate.”
He doesn’t back down.
“Relax. I’m just saying, if you ever want a guy who’s closer to your age and doesn’t treat you like property—”
I cut him off quickly. “I’m not interested.”
The smile drops. “You don’t have to be rude.”
“I’m not,” I say, holding his gaze. “I’m being clear.”
For a second, he just stares at me. Then he snorts like I’ve amused him and turns away without another word.
I watch him walk back to his desk before I turn and continue to the elevator. My hands shake a little as I type in the code the receptionist gave me. The doors slide open, smooth and silent, and I step inside.
As the elevator climbs, I try to shake off the encounter. Guys like Rick always show up eventually, especially in the tech space. Their small-minded brains can’t handle that a woman could be as smart, if not smarter, than they are. Still, it’s grating and ridiculous. It makes my skin crawl.
Worst of all, though, I can’t help but wonder if he’s right. Did Damien only hire me because he wants to sleep with me? The interview was so short, and I’m sure I didn’t imagine the flirtation between us at the restaurant.
As horrible as it may sound, I wouldn’t turn him down if he propositioned me. I don’t think I could. My body already reacts so strongly to him. Just the thought of being alone with him in his office makes my heart flutter and my face flush.
The elevator opens directly into a quiet foyer. His assistant, Andrea, is seated behind a sleek desk just outside Damien’s office. Her hands fly over her keyboard, but she looks up when I approach.
“He’s ready for you,” she says, standing to open the door for me.
“Thanks,” I murmur.
I step into his office, and the door clicks shut behind me.
He’s at his desk, impossibly composed. The city sprawls behind him through massive windows, and I can’t help but stare. His eyes are on me, though, sharp and assessing.
“Ms. Taylor.”
“Mr. Morozov.”
He gestures to the seat across from him, and I sit, smoothing my skirt even though it doesn’t need adjusting.
For a few seconds, he just watches me.
I can feel my pulse in my throat.
“Is everything all right?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say quickly. Then I hesitate. “Actually…”
His expression shifts almost imperceptibly. A flicker of interest. Maybe concern.
I square my shoulders. I might as well just get it out there and be honest.
“One of the developers, Rick, said something inappropriate on my way up here.”
His jaw tightens, but his tone doesn’t change. “Inappropriate how?”
“He implied I was hired for my looks,” I say carefully. “And when I said I had a meeting with you, he made a few lewd suggestions.”
Damien’s hands are still folded neatly on the desk, but I see the tension in the way his fingers press together. His voice stays calm when he speaks again, only slightly colder.