Mr.Williams stands in the hallway with a group of other executive officers and managers.Mortification floods my veins with ice.
Ms.Baker pushes through them with a cup of coffee in each hand.
“I’ll take those,” Brennan says as he strides back through the doors again.“Thank you, Ms.Baker.I need an icepack and a first aid kit as well, please,” he requests.
Her sweet, concerned smile is nothing like the nasty looks she gave me earlier.
“Are you hurt, Mr.Diamond?”she asks.
“No, it’s for Ms.Tripp.Bring them into my office.”
Her expression falls, but she corrects herself and nods.As she turns and skirts around the group of men waiting in the hall, Mr.Williams steps toward me.My skin crawls as he looks me over from top to bottom.
“What happened?”he demands.
“I’m sorry, Mr.Williams, but the CEO’s office isn’t available right now,” Brennan interrupts.“You’ll have to hold your meeting elsewhere.Ms.Tripp, follow me.Now.”
Even if it means choosing the fire over the boiling pot, I follow Brennan through the double doors and shut them behind me.
Alone with the man I swore I never wanted to see again, I cling to the door handles and second guess my decision.Brennan has the power to crush me in ways no one else ever could.I take a deep breath and turn around.
He rises from the mini-fridge and kicks it closed behind him before gesturing me to the armchair.I skirt around the far side of the couch and perch on the edge of the seat.He sits on the couch and places a bottle of juice on the coffee table in front of me.
“Drink,” he commands.
“I’m fi—”
“Just drink the damn juice, Audrey, before you pass out and make me feel like the worst big brother in the world.”
I grind my teeth, and for a moment, I consider reminding him heisthe worst brother in the world, but I won’t win by poking the bear, so I twist the bottle open and take a swig.
He waits until I drink half the juice before leaning forward and pinning me in place with his intense blue stare.
“What’s wrong with your contract?”
His question isn’t what I expect.After nearly choking in surprise, I swallow and shake my head.
“Don’t lie to me, baby doll.I watched you as you read it and know there was something you didn’t like.Tell me what it is and I’ll fix it.”
For half a second, I yearn to ask him to waive the educational requirements.It would make the next few weeks so much easier.But I can’t.I refuse to feel beholden to him, and if he makes an exception for me, I’ll always owe him.
Pride also insists I keep my dilemma a secret.I can handle it.I’ll get my GED and qualify for my position, just like everyone else in the office.
I’m ashamed I let myself go so long without the equivalent of a high school education.I pushed so hard to overcome my obvious fears but avoided healing anything else.
After twisting the cap onto the bottle, I set the juice on the table, weave my fingers together in my lap, and meet his gaze.
His intense concern nearly buckles my will, but I firm my spine and loosen my grip on my fingers.
“There’s nothing wrong with my contract.”
He narrows his eyes.My heart pounds against my sternum.
Ms.Baker knocks on the door and brings in the ice packs and first aid kit.She aims a glare at me from behind Mr.Diamond when he dismisses her.
The moment the door closes behind her, he stands.
“Take off your blouse,” he demands.
