Chapter 6

BRUCE

At exactly 8:00 AM I stepped into my office and sank into my fancy chair. The room smelled of rose and the air-conditioner hummed gently in the background. Everything was in its place, too neat and too perfect. I took a deep breath and tried to settle my nerves. I loosened my tie and tossed it on the desk, where it landed with a soft thud. I stood up and walked over to the window, looking out over the city below. The world seemed so small, so fragile.

"Good morning," the sound of a female voice catched my ear and I turned to see her, Charlotta standing in the doorway, holding the door open. For a few moments I stared at her, without finding anything to say to her.

Today she was wearing a form-fitting pencil skirt, a silky pink blouse, and a pair of black stilettos. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her makeup was natural. Despite her good looks, she's twice as aggravating as she is attractive. She's not loyal, not by a long shot. I'd thought she'd be soft, but instead, she's stubborn and I'm sure she's going to be nothing but trouble. And that's exactly what I'm gonna give her.

"What did I say about knocking before stepping into my office?" I asked, straightening my suit as I walked up close to her.

"You're nothing but a pompous asshole who thinks he's better than everyone else," she hissed, her voice full of arrogance.

"That's hardly the worst thing I've been called," I said nonchalantly, lifting my shoulders in a shrug. "You might not think it's a big deal, but I can tell there's something else you want from me, and it's not just about the job offer," I said, keeping my voice level and even.

"You can try to act all cool and composed, but we both know that's not the case," she retorted. “Of Course I might have needs, but it has everything not to do with you of all people."

"I think you should learn to control that tongue of yours," I said. "We're going to be working together for the umpteenth time, and I won't tolerate having someone with such a bad mouth around me." I gave her a pointed look, making it clear that I wouldn't put up with her behavior.

"It is you who will need to adjust to this side of me, because if you expect me to work with you, you'll have to accept that I won't tolerate your outbursts," she shot back at me.

I usually don't tolerate this level of disrespect. Maybe I should just fire her and be done with it. But all I wanted to do was tear that blouse off of her body and bang her right here, on the table. I took a step closer, pushing her to the wall and pressing my body against hers. "Fine then," I said. "If that's how you want to play this game, I'm more than willing to match your energy. If you're going to keep this up, I'll let you know that I won't hesitate to terminate our working relationship. I have plenty of other candidates who will be happy to take your place."

I leaned into her, careful to keep some space between us, I could feel how fucking hard my dick was for her. I was sure she could feel it, but I didn't care. I needed her to know that I was angry with her. I needed her to know how much she had gotten under my skin. "You really are an arrogant ass, aren't you?" she retorted. "You think you can just throw money around and people will bend to your command.”

I pulled away slightly, gazing down at her entire frame with narrowed eyes. She looks so fucking hot with perfect boobs hiding behind those blouse. Her maroon eyes stared back at me, her breath were coming out in short little pants. She lowered her hands, letting them rest on the wall behind her and angled her hips toward mine, a flirtatious smile played on her lips. “It's not about money or power," I said, keeping my voice even and composed. "It's about being professional and respectful. We're both adults, and we should be able to work together without this kind of conflict.”

"How can you say that when you're the one who keeps throwing your authority around?" she whispered. “Do you really expect me to just move at your every demand?" She looked at me with a challenge in her eyes, daring me to find a response.

If I sensed that she was terrified, I'd back off but even through the chilly atmosphere in the air, I could sense her arousal. She fucking likes this, and from the way my dick's getting harder by the second, I fucking like this too. Charlotta pressed forward into me again, rubbing her body against mine like she wanted me to.

I was seconds away from cupping her breasts, I wanted to hold those boobs and squeeze them when the doorbell rang, interrupting my thoughts and disrupting the moment. I cursed under my breath as I let go of her, straightening my clothes and putting some distance between us.

"Come in," I beckoned and Mateo walked into the room, looked at me and then at Charlotte he was surprised to see us both standing.

Mateo Delgado was my best friend and COO of LOTEX Group. He was about 6 feet tall, with broad shoulders and a strong build. He had dark brown hair that he kept neatly trimmed, and his eyes were a warm hazel color. He was the guy I could always count on, the one who always had my back. He was the one I'd go to for advice, the one who'd make me laugh when I was down. He was like a brother to me, and I knew I could always trust him.

"Good morning," he greeted.

"Good morning. I wasn't expecting to see you, Mateo," I replied, taking my place on the table. 

He side-eyed Charlotte and then me as he hesitated to speak. I turned to Charlotta, noticing her dark hair, sexy eyes, and red lips. I motioned with my head toward the door. She hesitated to leave, but my cold stare made her turn and leave, slamming the door behind her.