“Just because it’s tiny doesn’t mean it isn’t fierce and skilled.”
“A fact I’m well aware of,” he answers suggestively. He definitely isn’t talking about number twenty-three. He gives me a playful side glance. “Do you want to place a bet?”
“Oh, I’m betting on this one. We shorties have to support each other.”
“I meant another sort of bet, just you and me.”
The promise of some sexy bet makes my skin warm up and my heart flutter. “What do you have in mind?”
“How do you feel about being tied up while I take advantage of you?” he whispers in my ear.
Fuck… My knees turn to mush, a shiver runs up my spine, and heat spreads in my lower stomach. Images of being tied up while Lex finally lets his inner beast free flash before my eyes. He understands how much I enjoy the idea, his gorgeous face veiled with want. Alright. Even if neither of us wins, we’re absolutely trying light bondage.
Before he can answer, we’re interrupted by Brian. “Guys, the votes are closing in three minutes,” he reminds us on his way to Mason and Steven.
“For an hour?” I ask Lex once we’re safe again.
“Not enough. Two minimum.”
“Two and a half, and you have a deal.”
“A little greedy for someone who’ll tap out in twenty minutes,” he teases, his eyebrow cocked up.
“It’s how longThe Shiningis.”
“You’d tie me up to make me watch a movie?”
“I would forThe Shining, Lex.”
We place our bets and find the others around the arena, ready to enjoy the carnage. The ambiance is like the Super Bowl but for nerds, and it’s surprisingly fun to watch robots demolish each other to death.
After the first series of rounds, while there’s a break for the winning robots to get some maintenance, I excuse myself to go to the bathroom. As I come back, a masculine voice stops me in my tracks.
“Congratulations on this morning’s presentation,” Hugh says, his sneering tone making my skin crawl.
Fighting the displeasure he ignites in me, I face him and force a smile on my lips. “Thank you. It was a resounding success.”
“Alexander said the app was mostly your work. Is that true?”
“Yes, it was a personal project until Kelex bought it from me.”
“It’s impressive. A shame you didn’t look at your options before selling. We would have bought it for much more than Kelex could ever afford.”
His remark irritates me irrationally. “Not everything is about money,” I dryly retort.
“Of course not. But Avoss has the means to make such a tool accessible worldwide with a snap of its finger.”
“Well, Avoss also sells private data and supposedly secure information to Fortune 500 companies, among many other unethical things.”
My jab amuses him. “Ah, you don’t like us very much, do you? A shame… I wanted to offer you to work for us for double your salary.”
Given his tone, I have no doubt that he’s dead serious, so I look at him with widened eyes. Working for Avoss is the opportunity of a lifetime. People would kill for such an offer—especially for double my current pay.
“Maybe I misjudged you. Perhaps I can convince you,” he notes, mistaking my silence for hesitation.
“No. I’m happy where I am.”
“Once more, Kelex won’t get you very far. Money-wise or career-wise. Sleeping with your boss may help you climb the ladder, but it’s a very short ladder you’re working with.”
