“Yeah, you too,” she murmurs, her eyes engaged with her laptop.
“That was rude,” I tell her as soon as Sean leaves.
“Excuse me?”
“You snubbed him.”
She shakes her head. “I did not.”
“What’s up with you?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t give me one word answers. Tell me,” I ask again, my tone more demanding this time. “Something is eating at you. And I don’t appreciate your lack of response yesterday, either.”
“I called you.”
“And I left you a voicemail,” I counter. “Come on, Libby. I know you better than this. What’s going on?”
Her eyes haven’t left the laptop screen. It’s almost like she is afraid to look at me. As if her eyes are going to reveal whatever secret she is trying to hide.
Walking over to her, I put my hand on the lid of her laptop and push it closed. “Look at me,” I command softly, sitting on the side of her desk.
She can’t avoid me, but she still tries. I catch her chin with my hand when she attempts to turn away, and I direct her eyes toward mine. The air around us charges. Libby’s face softens and she gives me those deep aquamarine irises I’ve been waiting for.
But they don’t look the same.
They look troubled.
The ordinarily perfect blue shimmers with unshed tears. She’s holding back on me. I want her to open up. No, I need her to, so I can work whatever it is to my advantage. It’s time to bump up another level.
“Sweetheart, you can talk to me,” I murmur.
“I-I can’t. You don’t understand, Alex.”
“Then tell me.”
“Alex,” she pleads.
Letting go of her chin, I throw my arms in the air exasperated. I can’t deal with this shit anymore. I figured I would try and help because she looks so lost, but she doesn’t want to talk to me.
“Forget it,” I grunt, picking up my phone and heading for the door.
Deciding some fresh air will help cleanse my frustration, I grab the handle and swing open the door. My eyes spot Daniel coming across the office and heading this way. Just the sight of him has me in two minds about leaving Libby in her office. This bastard wants her ... there is no doubt in my mind that he is my competition.
“H-Hi, Dale,” I hear Libby sniff behind me. Looking over my shoulder, I see her sat at her desk, her phone clutched to her ear and a tissue dabbing under her eyes. No doubt because of me and my fucking temper.
Keep moving. What are you playing at?
I manage to talk myself out of going back in the office, and instead, I keep walking until I’m directly in front of Daniel. The smarmy little fuck who thinks he has a chance going up against me.
“She’s on the phone to her brother,” I state flatly, walking straight past him, my sight set on the lifts on the far side of the room.
I don’t make it far before I hear him calling out behind me. “We’ve got a staff meeting in fifteen minutes with some remote based staff. Do you fancy it?”
My answer should be no, but I stick my thumb in the air and carry on walking. Keeping a good impression is playing on my mind. And, considering Daniel saw me leaving an upset Libby in her office, keeping in his good books is a must.
~
After getting some air, I head for the boardroom to get a seat before this big meeting starts. I’m going to keep a low profile if I can, but no doubt I’ll be picked out and introduced.
Taking a seat in the corner of the room, I try and discreetly blend between the people who have already found their seats. I spot Daniel coming in a few minutes later with a sombre looking Libby in tow. They both take a seat at the head of the table. Daniel catches my eye and nods. I nod back.
Dickhead.
“We’ll get started in a few minutes. We have a couple of stragglers that are caught in traffic,” Daniel announces, tapping his pen against his notepad.
The chatter sparks up again and I find myself making idle chitchat with a bloke to my left. He doesn’t have to tell me much before I’ve got him sussed.
A seedy old pervert.
There is a dent on his ring finger after he takes off his wedding band and shoves it in the pocket of his jacket. I scoff as I watch him do it, an incredulous look on my face.
“There are some trainees in here today. New girls,” he says, his eyes practically twinkling.
Filthy bastard.
I cut our conversation short at this point and pretend to distract myself with my phone while keeping a watchful eye on him. He starts talking to a young blonde sat on his other side, but I watch his eyes dropping down to the short, black pencil skirt she has on. She can’t be more than twenty. A timid, nervous little thing that is being leeched on by a bloke more than double her age.
It’s making me uncomfortable.
“Hi, I’m Alex.” I lean across the perv and offer her my hand, which she accepts. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Rosie,” she replies, sporting a big dimpled smile. “Are you a newbie too? I don’t think I saw your name on the list of attendees at today’s meeting.”
“You could say I’m new,” I say, returning her smile with my own. I’m working the charm, but only because I’m trying to protect her. “Can we swap seats, mate?” I ask, tapping the pervert on the shoulder. He glares at me before we wordlessly swap chairs and I’ve got Rosie out of the danger zone. It was just in time as well, because Daniel the dickhead stands at this point to silence the room.
He switches on his PowerPoint presentation and casts a quick look at the closed boardroom door. “We’ll have to start without the others.”
Libby’s phone vibrates on the table. She quickly grabs it and turns away to talk. We all keep silent, but find our attention distracted anyway when the door opens and a young girl saunters in wearing a black skirt suit, showcasing the most amazing pair of legs.
Shit.
“It’s nice of you to join us, Holli.”
The sarcasm drips profusely from Daniel’s words, but it flies straight over Holli’s head. Instead, she walks to a nearby chair, plonks herself down, and puts her hands in her lap.
“Sorry,” she murmurs.
Daniel looks on disapprovingly while Libby shoots Holli a friendly smile across the room. It looks as if the two are good friends if I judge solely on the way both of them are smiling right now. But how the fuck does Holli work for Libby? What sick twist of fate has prompted this almighty cock-up?
I don’t want to draw any attention. Shrinking in my seat, I keep my head turned and out of her line of sight. She is sitting right by the fucking door as well, so it’s not like I can even try and quietly escape. Not even James Bond could get out of this crappy situation.
I’m stuck.
My hand comes up to my chin and I pretend I’m listening to Daniel’s presentation. He babbles on about figures and projections, but also brings up stats for customer service levels and order dispatches. Turns out Holli and two others sitting in the room are team leaders in a small customer service office in Coventry.
Team leader, though? Holli?
I scoff under my breath at the thought of her managing employees. That’s a joke if I ever heard one. Especially with her attitude anyway.
“And our warehouse staff ...” Daniel drones on in the background. He mentions the pervy bloke next to me and his apparent managerial level in the stock warehouse.
It’s idiotic.
These people aren’t managers.
“And Elizabeth and I would both like to introduce Alex Lewis.” I hear my name and try to pay attention. “He and his team will be overseeing the expansion of our business. Stand-up, Alex,” Daniel says, starting to clap.
I’m treated to a round of applause as I push back my chair and stand. My eyes scan the faces around the table, but I make sure to dodge Holli. I’m not ready for that explosion yet. Her heated eyes on the side of my head are enough.
“Nice to meet you all,�
�� I start with confidence, avoiding eye contact with both Libby and Holli. They both hate me for different reasons right now, but I’m a big boy and need to suck it up. “I’m looking forward to working with all of you. I’ve been introduced to the head office staff, but I’m happy to have met with all of you from different locations as well. We have plenty of ideas for this project, and I can’t wait to share those with you.”
There is a scoff, but I choose to ignore.
“Thank you, Alex. Right, well that brings us to the end then,” Daniel says as everyone starts grabbing their belongings and getting up.
I’m the first one out of my seat, making it no secret I’m in a hurry to leave. One pissed off woman I can handle, but two? Even I’m not prepared to dive into that shark infested pool of oestrogen.
Thankfully, I make it back to our shared office quickly, so I can grab my laptop and get the hell out of here for today. Taking sanctuary back at my own office sounds like the right idea.
But I’m not quick enough.
The office door flies open and Holli steamrolls in with Libby closely following behind. Closing my eyes, I take a harsh breath and brace myself.
“You!” Holli lunges for me, but I duck out of the way. “You absolute bastard,” she screeches.
Libby quickly closes the door and grabs hold of Holli’s arm. “What are you doing?” she barks, pulling her away from me. “Have you lost your God damn mind?”
“He ... He is a bastard! How can you let him work here?”
Still confused, Libby looks between the two of us. “Am I missing something here? It seems like you both know each other.”
“You could say that,” I spit.
I’m past caring at this point because I know I can’t do anything to stop what is about to come out. Libby is about to find out the real reason for our investment, and it’s going to kill her.
“Why do you say it like that?’” Libby turns to me and I see her grip loosening on Holli’s arm. “What’s going on, Alex?”
“I’ll tell you what’s going on.” Holli leans across and smacks me across the face. “He is playing you for a fool, Libby. He doesn’t want anything to do with you or your business. His whole life revolves around money and revenge. Do you honestly believe he is trying to help you? No. He wants nothing more than to see you and your business run into the ground.”
“What?” Libby wrinkles her brow at Holli. “What the hell are you talking about? That sounds ridiculous.”
“He’s a liar. He’s trying to screw you over,” Holli hisses.
Libby looks confused now. “Tell me what’s going on because I don’t understand. How do you know Alex?”
“We met through his sister.”
“Alice?”
Holli nods. “He got really drunk one night and told me all about this plan he has for revenge. He said it was to get back at a woman and he was going to run her into the ground for what she did to him. Please, Libby, listen to what I’m telling you. This bloke is absolute poison and he is trying to tear you apart.”
Sucking in a sharp breath, I watch Libby turn toward me, her eyes wide, and disbelief coating her beautiful irises.
I know it’s all about to erupt.
But it’s fine. I deserve every slap, hateful word and abuse I’m about to get. But no matter what, I won’t ever regret my decision.
I’ve spent hours, days, even weeks, lying awake at night wondering how she’s been doing all these years, and now I’ve got the opportunity of closure. But only if I want it.
“Alex?” Libby’s wide eyes blink with disbelief. “Alex, is this true?” She prompts me again when I don’t respond. Her hands start to shake and her face drains of colour. “It is,” she croaks, “isn’t it?”
I should divert my eyes, but I don’t. My face is like stone. I’m rock solid and unmoving. There isn’t anything for me to say.
Libby comes to her own conclusion by my silence. “You are a monster,” she whispers, her voice wavering. “Why did I think you were different this time round? You are a self-centred arsehole.”
She is partly right there.
I am a self-centred arsehole—sometimes. And I did takeover her company to run her into the ground.
But she only knows half of this story.
There is one critical piece of information she is lacking. Something so hurtful I know it will sway the thoughts in her head in an instant.
Just walk away, Alex.
I keep my lips fused together, holding back the words threatening to spill out. She can’t know. It isn’t good for her to hear this from me. I’m being completely selfish in an attempt at saving my own arse.
She won’t believe you.
I listen to my head and keep quiet as tears fall from Libby’s eyes. She swipes them away angrily and takes a deep, steadying breath before fixing me with her steely glare. “Get out before I call security,” she cries.
“I can’t believe he’s not even got the nerve to apologise to you,” Holli scoffs, putting her arm around Libby’s shoulders, a smug satisfaction illuminating her face.
Rolling my eyes, I put my laptop in my briefcase and stand in front of them. “I have nothing to apologise for,” I say to Libby. “And you,” I mutter, turning to Holli, “need to keep your fucking nose out. You’re just bitter because I rejected your advances. There isn’t an ounce of class about you, at all. And I’m glad I made the right decision that night.” I take the opportunity to look her up and down, my eyes showcasing the utter disgust she makes me feel.
“Just leave,” Libby repeats again as I’m heading for the door.
She’s just angry. It will probably pass.
I know I’m better off giving her a couple of days to calm down over the weekend before I come back next week. But even then, I’m not stupid enough to think this will all be swept under the rug. I know this woman better than she thinks, so I’m pretty sure she will still be holding this grudge when I walk through the door on Monday. But that’s shit I’ll have to deal with next week, I guess.
TEN
I am not in the least bit surprised when Kelly tells me on Monday morning that Benedict and Sean are waiting for me in my office. It was inevitable they were going to want to discuss the plan and what happens next after Friday’s blowout with Libby.
“Can you tell Jack to come see me afterwards?” I tell Kelly, handing her the stack of portfolios I had spent the weekend reviewing. Because on top of everything else going on with Libby and her business, I’ve got another load of deals going through at the moment, and I have to juggle my time accordingly. “I think Alice is popping by to pick this up today. Can you make sure she gets it?” I pass over a brown envelope containing this week’s cheque.
“Do you not want her disturbing you?” Kelly asks, taking everything out of my hands.
“Just give her the envelope and she can leave,” I reply, pushing through my office door and closing it behind me. “Morning gentlemen,” I greet, rounding my desk and opening up my laptop. “I don’t need to ask why you’re both here. I’ve been caught.”
“Too right you have,” Sean snaps. “This wasn’t supposed to happen—”
“Remember who you’re talking to,” I remind him. “Yeah, I fucked up, but it isn’t that big of a deal.”
Benedict stiffens. “Alex, it is a big deal. I’ve been in communication with Libby’s solicitor this morning. Turns out she is appealing to nullify the contract under the grounds of fraud. She thinks you’ve deceived her and that she hasn’t signed a legitimate business deal.”
Raising an eyebrow, I pick up my pen and tap it against the edge of my desk. “Well, that’s surprising.”
And it is.
I didn’t expect her to try and pull out of the contract. I’d figured a few days would give her some breathing room, but clearly things are still raw.
“How the heck did she find out?” Sean asks, crossing one leg over the other.
“Irrelevant,” I say, waving my hand.
I ha
ven’t had chance to fill Sean in on the Holli and Libby drama yet. I’ll most probably do it later when Benedict isn’t around.
“I received a statement from the solicitor. It sounds as if you let your little plan slip to a girl who happens to work for Libby.” Benedict leans back in his chair, and fixes me with a ‘you fucking idiot’ stare.
Shit.
The bastard knows.
“You slept with some girl and told her?” Sean’s jaw drops open. “Where is your common sense?”
They both flinch when I throw my pen down on the desk. “Enough. I made a mistake, alright? I didn’t know she worked for Libby. She is one of Alice’s friends who I met at my mum’s house one night. We haven’t slept together. In fact, I was the one who told her where to go.” My breaths come hard and fast as I try and fight my own corner. “I couldn’t believe it when she walked in that meeting on Friday. And I think she was just as surprised to see me. She didn’t know my plan was for Libby because I never mentioned her name. It was just a shitty coincidence.”
“One that’s probably lost us this deal and caused us a heavy compensation settlement,” Sean states, annoyance lingering in his tone.
Benedict nods. “Mmm.”
“Look, it’s not that big of a deal. We can recover from this. And I was starting to have second thoughts anyway,” I confess with a shrug. “I don’t think this was the right deal for us.”
Sean leans forward and points an accusing finger at me. “I knew it,” he calls. “She’s stolen your man card, hasn’t she? That’s why you don’t give a shit if this deal falls through. You weren’t going to go through with it anyway because she has you by the balls.” He stands up and kicks the chair from behind him. “Tell me, Alex, because this isn’t just about your personal life now, but the future of this company. Have you slept with her?”
My blood boils as it pumps thickly throughout my body. I narrow my eyes to dark and vicious looking slits as I bestow the almightiest of looks across the room at Sean.
“You need to back the hell up,” I hiss through gritted teeth.
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