Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
I care about what my colleagues think of me, and I’d never want them to accuse me of getting this job because I threw myself at the boss. Because I most certainly didn’t.
He was the one who practically ravaged me. At least that’s what I’m going to tell myself. It’s less humiliating that way.
Maybe he’ll take me aside and speak to me about it when we’re alone. Clear the air and start anew.
I shudder at the thought. I seriously hope he drops it and never brings it up again.
Mr. Keller storms in, looking like he’s about to rip my head off. I gulp, preparing for his wrath.
“Uh, hi, Mr. Keller. I was just about to type up these notes for you.”
“Raven,” he grits through his teeth, spittle flying out of the corner.
He looks deranged, and it makes me wonder how he got this job in the first place. I might not know Charles, but he doesn’t seem the type to suffer fools, and this guy is making a complete ass of himself.
“I am not at all happy with the way you conducted yourself in that meeting. You do realize that you made me look like a complete idiot in there.”
A few heads peek over the cubicle walls, watching the showdown.
I wish he’d lower his voice.
I don’t need to be the talk of the office on my first day.
“I’m so sorry, sir. That was not my intention. I saw an issue, and I didn’t want things to implode on Cavendish if the company went down that road. I hoped you’d be happy that I bring some knowledge to the company’s biggest client to date.”
Okay, so that last part probably could’ve been left off if Keller’s lobster red cheeks and clenched teeth are any indicators. He looks feral.
He took my words exactly how they’d been intended—as an insult. The fact is, none of the higher-ups did their research. They’d simply wanted to mesh two superstars together without a semblance of brand cohesiveness.
“You thought I would be happy about you basically making me look like a fool? Did you honestly think that I would come out of that meeting and thank you?”
I’m done with this man. He’s not my boss, and I won’t sit around and allow him to push me around. I fold my hands on the desk and lean forward with a wide smile spread across my face.
“I didn’t make you look like a fool. You did that all on your own.”
“Who do you think you are?” he bellows.
I raise my hand to stop his words. “Part of the team behind Diosa. I was hired for that purpose, not to be your punching bag, sir.”
He laughs maniacally. The man is unhinged.
“You’re a glorified assistant. Nothing else. You listen to what I say, Raven.” He takes two steps toward my desk, and I have to hold my ground and not cower. “It’s your first day, and if you’re not careful, it’ll be your last. Do you really want to have that sort of reputation on you? To be fired from your very first day at work?”
Men like this are exactly why talented people quit the industry. They’re not cut out to handle the abuse. I’ve been through more than most, and I’ve fought my way through bigger bullies. I won’t allow this idiot to ruin anything for me.
Until I know how he’s gotten this position and why they keep him, I’ll play the game and act remorseful for cutting him down for now.
I plaster on a repentant expression, lowering my head as if I’m ashamed.
“No, of course not. The last thing that I want to do is lose this job. It means a lot to me. Sir, I really am sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just nervous that we’d lose Diosa. I tend to talk a lot when I’m nervous. That’s all. I can assure you that it won’t happen again.”
Lies to appease him for the time being.
Mr. Keller is about to say something else when Charles walks in, eyes narrowed, taking in the current situation. I wonder how much of the conversation he’s heard, and I flush at the thought of him hearing me cower to this dickhead.
“Mr. Cavendish,” Mr. Keller says nervously. “I . . . didn’t see you there.”
I swear he is about to bow but then stops himself. Everything about Mr. Keller irritates me, but I smile and pretend nothing is the matter at all.
“Keller,” Charles says and nods at him dismissively, turning his attention to me. “Miss Bennett, I’d like to see you in my office. Now.”
A sly smile spreads across Keller’s face. He’s shielded from Charles’s view, which is the only reason he’s being so brazen.
Coward.
I stand from my desk, straightening the black pencil skirt that molds to my curves, and I don’t miss the way that Charles’s eyes follow my movement with attention that’s a little too familiar to be workplace appropriate.