I shrunk away from his disgusting hands but that was all the movement I could manage. "Don't be shy. You weren't shy on the dance floor. Come on baby, come to daddy."I wanted to throw up in my mouth but even my retching muscles wouldn't cooperate. I sucked in all the air I could into my lung, trying to muster a blood-curdling scream but his hand was over my mouth in an instant."Save your voice, there'll be plenty of screaming later, okay baby? I'll make you feel so good."He caressed my face and I could only scream in my head. My body wouldn't do anything I told it to.How the hell did I get here? Move damn it! I willed my legs to run, to kick him in the balls, anything.My hands, nothing.He was looking me over like he was a predator stalking its prey. My heart was pounding against my ribcage.Move damn it!"You're such a pretty little thing, in your little suit and shirt. I've always wondered what you had hiding underneath it all until she showed me last week. That was formed rig
"Where is he? Where is the bastard?" Debbie shrieked so loud I thought my eardrums would pop.She ran for his office with droplets of her snot playing everywhere. I assumed she would leave screaming when she was he wasn't in but she had better ideas.She threw and ripped and slammed anything she could get her hands on, screaming like a banshee all the while. No one dared interrupt her tantrum. I wondered what had caused this blowout and then my eyes went back to my screen.The apparent company-wide email contained a Dropbox link that contained a bunch of folders. A cursory look revealed they had names as their titles โ one of them was labelled 'Debbie'.With the way she was acting, my curiosity wouldn't let me leave it alone. I opened the folder and found a bunch of video files but couldn't tell from their thumbnails what they were so I clicked on one."You like that? You like the way I'm sliding all the way down?"Debbie was on top of Mosley doing not safe for work things in his offi
His fists clenched at his sides, the veins in his forehead bulging with rage. I felt a shiver run the length of my spine as I tried to calm myself down. The landline was just off to my right, if only I could reach it in time. But I was like prey before a predator; any sudden movements and I knew he would have me and Petra looking like twins. He was going to do that anyway, he saw so much hatred burning in his gaze. If this whole thing was Jesse's plan, he'd hit it out of the park"Calm down, okay," I said, slowly rising to my feet, his gaze following every movement I made. "You're only making things worse. Please just stop."That was the wrong choice of words because it was like a switch was flipped in his head, as if all retrained was instantly snuffed out.He roared as he stretched his arms towards me, closing the gap between us in a flash. It was like an out of body experience, watching myself scream in horror, watching Jesse appear out of nowhere and put Mosley into a chokehold,
"Okay?" I responded, confused, before regaling him with the tale of my heroic act of smashing a phone onto the bastard's head and how Jesse restrained him after. "Anything could have happened. You could have gotten badly hurt but you acted anyway. That, my dear, is heroic. In any case, well done. I'd recommend you get a raise but I'm sure you don't need it. Say hello to your father for me," he said as he walked away. I froze and stared at him wide-eyed. He knew who I was. This whole time, I thought my identity was safe, that no one knew. Who else knew? It suddenly felt like all eyes were on me but when I looked around, everyone was going about their business. Why was I alarmed? It wasn't like a big shot board member would go around spreading gossip about me. I exhaled my tension and silently giggled. Of course he wasn't going to tell anyone. If he actually knew my dad, he knew not to mess with him. I sat back in my chair with nothing to do since my boss decided to throw his care
"He'd only been here a week and thought he was my boss. Technically he was but also technically he wasn't. After the stunt he pulled with Ashley, I had half a mind to take my place as CEO of Renard Dynasty just to see the look on his dumb face. I wondered if it would be more shock or fear. He should be scared. Leading me on like that just to throw his little girlfriend in my face. What a scumbag. These thoughts kept me coming back into the office which was hard enough having to work under him. My desk phone rang again and I rolled my eyes once I recognised the caller ID. "Hello?" "Do you have those files yet, Remi?" Even the sound of my name now felt annoying coming from him. "What files?" I asked just to piss him off. "The investor files. The one I asked you to get just minutes ago." I already knew he was good at hiding his emotions. He would break easily. "Oh those. They're in the file storage, I think." "Alright then," he said before hanging up. I shot a look a
"This is my secretary," Jesse said, gesturing me over to his side. " She should have been here earlier but I sent her on some errands." "I can come back," I said. I didn't know what my dad had up his sleeves but I knew I wanted no parts of it. "Nonsense," my father replied, smiling. "Join us. And what's your name, young lady?" I crossed my arms over my chest. "Remi." Jesse's eyes were boring through the side of my head. I wanted him mad all along. Who knew all I had to do was be mad at my dad. "This is Mr. Renard, the founder and recently retired CEO of this company," Jesse said. I rolled my eyes at my dad who was smiling like he'd just won the lottery. "Oh, that's great." "Yes, it is," Jesse gritted through his teeth. I should have been happy I was finally getting to him, or at least occupied with thoughts of his I couldn't catch Ashley in the act. But my father being here was a whole other thing to deal with. What did he think he was doing anyway? "Young man, I m
"Mom, where's my red scrunchie?" I yelled from two thousand feet away, hearing my voice echo down the too-damn-long hallway.Waited and waited but no answer came. It was Saturday and I wanted to rush out of the house before dad came and started nagging me about the CEO thing again. "What was that, honey," mom's voice came echoing up to me."Did you say something, love?" Dad called to her.Christ, I needed my own place. I went back into my room but dad's voice made me stick my head back out."By the way, Remi, I have a guest that I want you to meet. He'll be here soon."Nope. I picked up my phone but couldn't find my gym bag anywhere. Hearing dad's door lock click open, I darted out of my room and down the stairs. "Sweetheart, breakfast is almost here. And come say hello to our guest." She pointed towards the living room.He'd arrived? I don't think I'd ever have a reason to run that fast ever in my life again. I covered the expanse of the long hallway, across the estate, the garage
"Thanks," I said as I sat down on a mall chair on the first floor."No problem. That guy was such a creep. Are you okay?" Ashley said, standing opposite me, leaning against a massive flower vase.I'd just been shoved to the ground and on top of that, I was saved by my imagined office rival. No more mall trips for me for a while."Yeah, I'm fine. What are you doing here?" I looked down and noticed her uniform. "You work here?""Yeah, on the weekends.""Why? When do you rest?" I was shocked. Being the receptionist at Renard was no easy job. She constantly had to pick up calls, interact with visitors and she still managed to remember to keep a jar of sweets stocked up on the counter."Don't really have a choice. Family has to eat."I felt like an idiot for asking. I mean no one really enjoyed working that much. But she was so young. As curious as I was, I didn't want to pry. "Sorry. What about your parents?" I mentally facepalmed. Why would I ask that?"Oh they're there. At least mine a
I sat in my office, staring at my CEO certificate.โCongratulations. Youโre ready to run a company!โ The golden words said.sI couldnโt believe how far Iโd come since I last read those words. The last few months were loud and rough; the betrayals, the struggles, all the pain โ it was all finally over.I stared at a picture on my phone โ one of Jesse and I at a company event. We were mid-conversation, laughing our asses off at something. For a second, I wanted to be back then. I was care-free then, with no worries on my mind.My phone buzzed, startling me. Jesse texted that he was coming to my office.After a few minutes, the door opened and Jesse walked in carrying two cups of coffee. โFigured youโd need some fuel.โโYou know me too well.โ I accepted the warm cup from him.โI do.โ He sat down and took his own cup. โWhich is how I know thereโs something on your mind.โI sighed, taking a quick sip and setting down my cup. โI canโt help it. I keep wondering โwhat next?โ, you know what I
โDo you think heโs going to kill her?โMy head had been on Jesseโs chest all morning. We talked and talked until I finally decided to bring up a burning question I had.โWho, Deandra?โ Jesse asked.โYeah. Those cops seemed like they would probably leak the details to Don Simeon, and apparently, heโs some big shot in the criminal underworld. So?โโI donโt know. ProbaโโA loud knocking โ no, banging on his front door jarred up alert. WHo the hell thought now was a good time.I reluctantly got off of him so he could go and check it out. I quickly put on some clothes just in case.โAshley?โ I heard him say.It had been ages since I saw his cousin so I went out to see her. Who I saw next stopped me in my tracks.โMom?โ Jesse said, standing stiffly at the door.Celia was standing on his doorstep looking like sheโd been sentenced to death.โIโm sorry, Jesse. She wouldnโt take no for an answer,โ Ashley said before turning to me. โHey, Remi. Iโm so sorry about this.โ And just like that, she wa
โI knew youโd come around.โ Deandra poured herself a glass of scotch.As some sort of power move, she made us wait half an hour before we met with her. Sitting in her office, for hopefully the last time, my heart was pounding a thousand beats a second. My mind was reeling. There is no way she was going to suspect us right? I mean, someone whoโs had to deal with so many crooked people would be able to spot crooked behavior. Maybe this was a bad idea.Jesse squeezing my hand soothed me a little but the anxiety remained. Only this time, it was a shadow in the corner of my eye as opposed to a looming figure blacking out my vision.โAnd you even brought little Miss Perfect with you.โ She smiled and took a sip from her cup.โIโm only here because you threatened Jesse,โ I spat. โI canโt stand being near you.โI crossed my fingers, hoping she would take the bait.โOh, so sheโs the knight in shining armor and youโre the princess?โ She asked, cackling. โEither way, I didnโt threaten him. I gav
I couldn't believe how much my life had changed. Things were going so much smoother without the drama from all the enemies I inadvertently made along the way.Better yet, Jesse and I had been making up for lost time. That part was amazing. Zero complaints there. I was firing on all cylinders, almost like all the stress was dulling my senses and now that theyโd all been cleared up, I could finally see things. My judgment was impeccable.Which is why I noticed the uneasiness in Jesse. We were in a doughnut shop, satisfying my sugar cravings. He had been trying to hide it the whole time, checking his phone when he thought I wasnโt looking, fielding calls, until he eventually turned off his phone.โJesse,โ I placed my hand on his, โwhatโs going on?โHe dropped his doughnut and sighed. โI thought I was hiding it well. Itโs Deandra.โHearing her name was like a shock. I knew she wasnโt done with us but why was she back so soon? โWhat does she want?โ My voice showed more worry than Iโd int
โWhat? Youโll try and kill me again?โโStop saying that!โ She stomped her feet and crossed her arms like a child throwing a tantrum. โI did that once! Canโt you let it go? Damn, why do you always have to bring that up and ruin the vibe?โMission accomplished. I hoped Jesse heard everything.โI didnโt want to have to do this, Remi, but youโve left me no choice.โ She snapped her fingers, and like something out of a movie, two hefty men walked out of the shadows, flanking Debbie on both sides. โThese men will teach you a lesson now,โ Debbie said as casually as if she was ordering a burger. My stomach dropped when the men started to approach me. Run! The voice in my head screamed, but my feet were rooted to the spot. Everything went into slow motion. I couldn't run away from her again. But if I didn't, her men would do unspeakable things to me. Jesse would want to help but I couldn't put him in danger for my fight. Visions of Oscar from the previous day flashed in my mind. I cringed
โTo-together?โ I stuttered. He probably thought I looked silly with the massive grin on my face but I didnโt care. I was right where I wanted to be, staring into the eyes of the man I loved.My phone buzzed, ruining the moment we were having.It was a text from an unknown number so I didnโt bother.โYouโre not going to get that?โ Jesse asked.I shrugged. โI donโt know who it is.โHe nodded thoughtfully and sat down. I began to feel awkward standing aimlessly in his office. I was hoping heโd say something to ease my tension but he didnโt. He didnโt even look bothered.โIโll justโฆ go.โThe walk to his door seemed a mile long and my legs moved haphazardly like I forgot how to walk but I eventually got to the door. โUm, Remi? Do you want to get dinner laโโโYes!โ I turned around before he could even finish his sentence. I mentally smacked my forehead.โCool.โ He flashed me a smile. โI guess Iโll pick you up after work. When do you get off?โI burst into laughter โ a bit exaggerated I wa
Things between Jesse and I werenโt quite back to normal but they were good. Better than I could have imagined in such a short time. We were talking and laughing together again. I was on my way to his office with coffee. I felt silly; I was his boss, why was I getting him coffee? I guess it didnโt matter because when I got outside his office, I froze. Through his slightly-open door, I could hear his voice, sharp and determined.โThat was your plan all along?โ He sounded shocked, like he couldn't believe his ears. โSomething is very wrong with you, Deandra. You need help.โโI see that little miss perfect has gotten to you.โ Deandraโs voice was smooth and deceptively soothing. โI had so much hope for you, Jesse. Oscar is a cancer that needs to be cut out, canโt you see that?โMy breath caught in my throat. History had shown me Deandra wasnโt to be trusted, but to bear witness to this level of manipulation? It made my skin crawl. โSo you want to frame him? What did he ever do to you th
โThe day just keeps getting better and better.โ Deandra chuckled and sat back down. โCome on in, Jesse. I have some news for you too.โWe hadnโt talked much after he kicked me out but I was still his boss. โDid you need something, Jesse?โ I asked.โNo. Just wanted to say congrats. I heard about the confession,โ he said.โOh.โ I puffed my chest out and sat up straight. โThanks.โโI made it happen by the way so you should be thanking me,โ Deandra said.I rolled my eyes.โBy the way, Jesse, Remi wasnโt playing ball so I had to find a work around for your Oscar-sized problem.โ Deandraโs smile was sinister. โOscar will be picking up a package later today โ Iโll give you the address. Letโs just say some friends will be paying him a not so friendly visit in a nearby alley. Now, you could join them or just watch; up to you.โโWhat did you do?โ I asked, suddenly alarmed. I didnโt care for Oscar but to go to these lengths was just unnecessary. Surely even Jesse could see that.โWhat I had to,โ
I couldnโt shake the queasiness in my stomach. Despite the media frenzy around the bribery scandal dying down, questions still lingered, and Renard's reputation teetered on the edge. To make matters worse, the person I had to depend on for results was none other than Deandra.Just as I picked up my phone to call her, someone barged into my office.A snotty-looking man in an expensive suit, shortly followed by an angry-looking Jesse. โWhatโs going on?โ I asked Jesse.โThis person isnโt supposed to be here,โ he answered, glaring at the man.โIโm here on behalf of Mr. OโHearn,โ the man said, turning his nose up at me.โIn what capacity?โ I asked.He rolled his eyes. โAs his lawyer.โI already hated this man. He was a lawyer, an occupation that Deandra had shown me was untrustworthy. Strike two was the fact that he was Mikeโs lawyer.I needed to make him feel as unwelcome as possible. โJesse, itโs alright. He wonโt be long anyway.โHe looked amused. โI assure you, Iโm not here to cause y