“There is also ENS Pharma there,” I retorted, and Matthews’ eyes narrowed once again. Yeah, I could make my own threats, and ENS Pharmaceuticals was a huge one. They were rivals in our field and were based in Bell Fourche near Spearfish.
“Well, now.” Matthews forced a grin. “You’re loyal to us, and your work is so valuable. Why are we considering Spearfish? Celebrate on Friday, then have your weekend. I’m sure you’ll return bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.”
I managed a smile and headed for the elevator. It was then that I noticed most conversations had died down around us. The team and other employees had been listening to Matthews and me.
Let them. I wouldn’t stoop to his level, but it was worth getting my CV in order.
Shotgun
He pulled over just before hitting the clubhouse and answered his cell. “Well?”
“We got it. The whole thing moves to clinical trials in a couple of months,” Rain announced.
“Congrats!” Shotgun said, happy for him.
“Yeah.”
Shotgun frowned. Something was wrong; Rain was subdued. “What happened?” he demanded.
Rain sighed. “I’m being forced to attend a celebratory dinner on Friday. I’ll be back later than I thought.”
“Matthews,” Shotgun spat.
“Yup, his usual self. Even made a threat about moving me to the satellite office.”
“Holy crap. Asshole said that outright?” Shotgun was shocked. He’d never met this Matthews, but knew of him. Rain had plenty to complain about.
“Yup. Tonight, I’ll be updating my CV. I’ll deliver it to ENS Pharmaceuticals while I’m down this weekend. I can’t work in this atmosphere anymore. There are things I want to investigate and experiment with, and Matthews is gonna hold me back.”
“Is that definite?” Shotgun asked.
“Yeah. Matthews plans to be a huge asshole. I’ll send my CV tomorrow and let them know I’ll be around on weekends. They should interview me straight away; they’ve headhunted me at least five times. I only turned them down because of loyalty.” He sighed and sounded exhausted. “Babe, I’m fucking tired of not being able to be myself.”
Shotgun froze. Had Rain’s thoughts gone to the same place as his own? “I was thinking of telling the MC.”
“What if they turn on you?” Rain asked.
“Then they aren’t my real brothers.”
“Are you sure? This is a massive risk,” Rain pushed.
“One hundred per cent. We can’t keep hiding what we are to each other. I’m fed up with slipping into hotels and not being able to be myself. Rain, I love you. I’m fuckin’ crazy about you,and I’ve had enough of sneaking around. If you don’t feel the same, tell me now. I refuse to be embarrassed by what I feel.”
Shotgun’s gut twisted. Would Rain turn on him, too? Was Rain happy for Shotgun to be his filthy little secret like Rowena was? His nerves built until he almost exploded.
“Hey, I don’t give a shit what they say. Nothing will make me give you up,” Rain stated firmly.
“Then I’ll let you know how it goes.”
Allegra
And yet again, I was late. Always freaking late. I pulled up outside my uncle’s status symbol—his mansion—and climbed out. I sighed as I noticed everyone else was here.
The door opened, and Thatcher, my brother, peered out, wearing his trademark smirk.
“Oh, sis, you’re going to get it!” he chortled, and I flipped him the bird.
“Fuck you, Thatch!”
