And he’s not an asshole because he’s my competition. No, he’s an asshole because he’ll use anyone, do anything, andwon’tdo anything to get what I want. And smile the shark’s smile the whole time. Derrick Warren is an entitled prick who cheats, lies, steals, and sabotages to get ahead. Growing up, I’ve lied and sometimes stolen to survive, but Derrick and his family hail from the same circles as Val. He doesn’t need to—he just gets a kick out of it.
So yeah. Asshole.
“What?” I don’t do pleasantries with assholes.
“Cyrus,” Derrick says, crossing one knee over the other and straightening a nonexistent wrinkle from his pants leg. “Good morning to you too.”
“Is that what you’re in my office for? You could’ve called to do that. Or sent an email. Right now, we’re wasting billable hours.”
The corners of his mouth tighten, and his jaw flexes. Good. If I’m irritated because he brought his ass in here, then we both should be annoyed. It’s only fair.
“Actually, I wanted to extend my congratulations. By now you’ve heard we’re both on the list of senior associates being considered for partnership. Of course, they’re only choosing two. And Lloyd Taylor is a shoo-in since he’s the oldest senior associate and is Donald’s golfing buddy.”
Derrick wasn’t wrong. Lloyd and Donald Ryson were friends and, as of a couple of years ago, related by marriage. The only reason the other man hadn’t made partner before now was due to the smaller amount of business Donald had brought in. But in this business, who you knew counted as much as how hard you worked.
“Thanks for the congratulations and the update.”
“That leaves one selection left,” Derrick continues. “The competition’s going to be tough. And you know the firm’s reputation. Solid, grounded, family-oriented men with a firm foundation in the community. Lloyd has been married for twenty-two years, has a daughter in college and one about to graduate high school. His family has a street named after them and sits on boards of libraries, charity foundations, and museums. And of course, Jill and I have been together for five years with a son of our own. And Dad is the top cardiologist in the state, while Mom is from one of the oldest families. And you.” The smile is back, and it’s wider, glittering ... delighted. “Well, you. We’re all aware of your ... unfortunate past. And present. So sorry to hear about you and Val.”
You can’t put your hands on him. An arrest would look really bad to the partners. Not to mention it’s hell getting blood out of wool.
I heed my conscience but barely. I’ll be damned if I ruin my chances at a partnership I deserve and give him the satisfaction of knowing he dug under my skin. Fuck him.
“Thanks.”
The smile dips a fraction, and confusion flickers in his gaze. Probably wondering why I’m not going for his throat. Because contraryto what his elitist ass believes, I’m not one step above an animal just because I wasn’t born in a certain zip code.
“Sure.” He lowers his leg to the floor and straightens his tie. “It’s such a shame. Valerie Summers by your side added to your credibility and integrity here. So now you not only don’t have a partner but no prospects of being a family man.” He tsks. “That partnership is not looking good for you, my friend.”
“Thank you for taking time out of your busy day and coming in and sharing that with me.” I keep my voice flat, void of emotion, and my unblinking gaze leveled on his face.
On one hand, Derrick isn’t as confident in my loss of this partnership race as he seems, if he’s sitting here. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be trying to pull this psyching-me-out bullshit. He’s here because he still sees me as competition, and he wants me to take my own self out.
Yet ... I’m worried. As much of an arrogant motherfucker Derrick may be, he’s not wrong. The partners do have certain criteria for the associates they choose to make partner. Yes, they hired me knowing my background, but Val had been a strategic choice for me. She provided me entrance into upper-echelon social circles to which not even my clients have been able to grant access. Now she’s no longer by my side; I no longer have those connections. I’m also not family-man potential, which is important to some of the partners. My billing hours, work ethic, new business record, and client retention can take me only so far in their eyes.
Panic scales my gut, crawling on sharp talons for my throat. Ice-cold sweat rolls down my spine, and a dull roar moans low in my head. But I refuse to reveal the dread threatening to strangle me.
Not to him.
Not to anyone.
Another knock on the door interrupts whatever he’s about to say next.
“Come in,” I call out.
The door opens, and Donald Ryson enters. Both Derrick and I rise from our chairs to greet the silver-haired, distinguished founding partner of the firm. Tall, wide shouldered, and fit, he is one of the few men I respect and admire. And as his clear, shrewd green eyes scan the room, taking in me and Derrick and undoubtedly the temperature, he proves why he’s a brilliant, astute attorney.
“Good, I’m glad I found you two together. Saves me from having to hunt you down individually. You know I’m an old man.”
We both laugh as expected, but truthfully, the older man plays racquetball three times a week, golfs two times a week, and runs every morning. He’s more fit than a man half his age. Including me.
“I’m planning a small weekend retreat a month from now, and I’m inviting the both of you. Your wife and significant other are welcome. We’ll be flying up on the corporate jet on a Friday afternoon and returning on that Sunday.” Donald smiles and claps his hands once. “It’s going to be wonderful to get away from the office for a few days and spend time with each other. I’m counting on you to rearrange your schedules to make it.”
In other words,You have no choice. You’re going.
“A getaway sounds perfect, Donald,” Derrick says, his ingratiating voice grating on my nerves. “Jill and I will definitely be attending.”
“Great. Cyrus? I hope you can make it.” He arches an eyebrow, waiting for my answer.
