“God, my eyeballs are bleeding,” Neo says, his jaw cracking on a yawn. “I’m almost done with these emails. I think I deserve a raise.”
I say nothing, just continue to swirl the mouse around my screenin an attempt to look like I’m doing something. I don’t think it’s working, because he looks over at me and his lips twitch.
“We actually haven’t discussed payment. I’ll have you know that I’mveryexpensive.”
I don’t doubt that. Pursing my lips, I let my hand fall into my lap. There’s no point even pretending to work when Neo’s watching me this closely.
Neo smirks mischievously. “Do you have, like, an HR person or something? I feel like I should file a complaint. This can’t be legal.”
“I will pay you what I pay Chloe.”
“And what is that? Probably beans. Actually…” He turns back to the laptop, clacking away, and I’m captivated by the concentration on his face as he does it. His brow furrows, his shoulders hunch. He chews on his bottom lip as he works, making it wet and swollen.
I can’t look away.
His scoff brings me back to reality. “I demand twice what she makes, and when she returns, I demand you pay her that too. Along with back pay plus bonuses for putting up with your grumpy, tiny-dick ass. God, Wylder, seriously? A dude as rich as you, and you pay this much?”
Once again, I’m confused by the source of his ire. I did a lot of research before hiring Chloe and know full well that I offer above-market rates. “It’s more than what other assistants are paid. It’s competitive.”
He glowers at me. “Well, it’s shit. I mean, have you seen St. Dimas? The rent prices are outrageous, and you don’t go to the store, but groceries cost more than this.”
He chews on his lip again, and I feel something stir in me. Something I can’t really put a name to.
“Anyway, that’s what I want. Deal?” Those hazel eyes are almost glowing as they meet mine. Before I can respond, he adds, “Oh, and I want a food allowance.”
I arch an eyebrow at him. “You are presumptuous.”
“I’mthatgood.”
I wet my lips, and his gaze falls to the movement, his pupils dilating.
“And, once a day, I want you to tell me something really inappropriate…something you’ve kept hidden from everyone else. Some deep, dark secret.”
My monster rears its head, and my heart thumps wildly in my chest.
Tell him what you dreamed of last night.
I keep my face level. “I never think anything inappropriate.”
Neo snorts so loudly he chokes. “Yeah, you’re a fucking liar who lies. I bet you have all sorts of filthy, dirty thoughts in that head of yours.” He moves closer, his breath hitting my cheek. I don’t lean away, just sit there, feeling him against me. “Tell me. Tell me a secret right now, and I’ll continue answering these emails. Finish them up, get your inbox all nice and tidy.”
I swallow, the click loud in the silent room. The monster rattles the cage, but I hold firm.
But Neo’s not done with me yet. His hand slides to my thigh, a finger tracing the seam of my slacks. I really should stop pressing them. One less line for him to memorize.
“Come on. Tell me, Wylder. What is a thought you’ve had today that you’d never tell anyone?”
He leans back slightly, and our eyes catch.
Tell him. Tell him.
“No.”
Neo blinks, disappointment filtering across his face. The light in his eyes dims, and he pushes his chair back. “All right, then. Deal’s off.”
He stands abruptly and sets the laptop on the desk. The absence of him near me makes something inside of me crack slightly. “Where are you going?”
“To do something else. I don’t work for fucking free.”
