Which meant he decided to end it. Of course, he did. He had to protect himself and the company. He did exactly what Keith had probably advised, cut me loose before I became a liability.
“I see,” I managed.
Norma was quiet for a moment. I could see her trying to figure out what to say. “I still need to do an investigation. It’s protocol. Which means I need to place you on paid leave while I sort this out.”
My stomach was twisted in knots. The unfairness was demanding I stand up for myself. But I didn’t have the energy to do so. Honestly, I wasn’t going to stay where I would be the center of all the office gossip. And I didn’t want to make a scene and add to my humiliation.
My jaw started working again. I clenched it so hard I was certain I cracked a molar.
“For how long?” I asked quietly.
“A week, maybe two. I need to talk to people, review the situation, make sure there weren’t any ethical violations.” She softened slightly. “I’m not trying to punish you, Ina. I’m trying to protect you.”
I snorted. “Of course. It’s all about protecting me.” I didn’t hide my sarcasm. She was being nice, but I didn’t give a shit. I was pissed.
“Am I allowed to get my things or do you have security waiting to toss me out on my ass?”
“I can help you collect your things.”
I rolled my eyes. “Afraid I might go all crazy and knock over desks? Smash things.”
“Ina, I’m so sorry. Please believe me when I say this is for your own good. I need to make sure you can continue to work for him and continue the relationship.”
I burst into laughter, and once again, I felt like the Joker.
“Oh, Norma, don’t worry, there isn’t a relationship. We had sex. That’s what young, silly girls like me do. We bang our boss and then we get fired for doing it while he eyes up the next victim.”
It was her turn to drop her mouth open with her cheeks turning a dark red.
I wasn’t mad at Norma. Not really. I was just so damn angry and hurt and she happened to be the one standing in front of me.
I walked back to my desk with Norma on my heels. I didn’t have much. I tossed what I could into my purse and turned to Norma, who looked like she would rather be anywhere else.
“Ina.” Dane’s voice came from behind me.
I froze.
“Don’t,” I said without turning around. “Don’t you dare.”
“We need to talk.”
“No, we really don’t.” I shoved my mug into my bag, still not looking at him. “You made everything very clear on Saturday. I’m sorry I misunderstood the situation.”
“You didn’t misunderstand anything.”
“Don’t patronize me.” I spun around and glared at him. All that righteous anger was making me vibrate, and if it werephysically possible, I would be shooting literal flames from my nostrils and ears.
I saw him flinch and take a step back. That gave me power. I had him off balance.
I took a step forward. “I know what I heard. I’m not an idiot. I’ve got a pretty good command of the English language. You are exactly what I thought you were. I was just too stupid to see the game you were running on me.”
“Ina, there’s no game.” He reached for my arm.
I stepped back. “Don’t touch me. Not here. Not ever again.”
“I was trying to protect you.”
“I don’t need your protection!” My voice rose, and I saw people turning to look. “I don’t need you, but more importantly, I don’t want you.”
