Chapter Twenty-Four
Addison
Seeing Rowan in work mode is the hottest thing I’ve ever witnessed. All day, he’s been in his office answering phone calls and slamming on the keyboard like he has a personal vendetta against technology. I’ve never heard him raise his voice until today, and while I was poking around, he stopped on one of his rampages the moment he noticed me standing in the doorway. He lost all of the bite in his tone in an instant before instructing whoever was on the other end to get their shit together, pronto, and hung up on them.
In between screaming matches with hit men, he’s been showing me the books, and it’s hot garbage. Everything is a complete mess, and nothing is up to date except what I implemented. I can tell he isn’t great with computers, but he really is trying. It’s hard for him to manage all of thisandkeep up with what’s owed to the compound.
Which is why his deal is seeming more enticing by the second. I hate to admit it, but I’m really thinking about his proposal.
I know it’s all moving quickly, but there’s just something about this that feels refreshing. I’m not stuck in some cubicle all day and subjected to hour-long board meetings. I’ll be working withactualassassins. That still creeps me out to think this whole operation runs off the blood of others, but I won’t be doing the killing. As long as no one asks me to shoot someone, I’ll be fine.
Wow. I wonder how Loxley is handling all of this…
I miss her. My codependency is usually my biggest issue, but that sound has been quieted for the moment. I know she’ssafe with Atlas. The guy has been in love with her since they were kids, and if he has half the skill that Rowan does, then I know she’ll be alright.
I still want to see her, though. I’m slowly breaking Rowan’s walls down, and I give him a few more days before he caves. He has this whole tough guy act about him, but I have him wrapped tighter than I ever could have imagined.
“Why don’t we take a break?” I suggest after his fifth heated phone call. He’s seething with rage, and I can’t imagine what’s got him so worked up.
“I have two more reports,” he says, dismissing me as he continues to read the document open on his desktop.
I grab the mouse and minimize the screen before pinning him with a hard stare. “And I think you need to cool down before you do something you regret. These are your employees, Rowan. They can quit, too.”
“Let go,” he commands.
I turn my nose up at him. “I don’t think I will. In fact…” I pull the cord and disconnect it from the monitor. “I think I’m going to keep this.”
“Addison!” He hisses as he reaches for me, but I sidestep him.
“If you want this mouse, then come and get it,” I smirk.
What’s one way to relieve stress?A chase.
He needs to take a break, and if I have to force him, then so be it.
He shoots up, his chair rocking back. “You had better hope you’re faster than me, Sunshine.”
I dart out the door, smiling so hard it’s making my cheeks hurt as I curl the mouse toward my chest. I take the stairs two at a time, careful not to trip over my feet as I round into the living room. I turn when I don’t notice his heavy boots on the staircase.
Rowan braces his hands on the upper railing before slinging himself over and landing a few feet away from me with a thud like some delusional superhero.
“Fuck me!” I shout, shuffling around the couch.
He clears it with ease, stepping over the cushions as he chases me into the kitchen. “Fuck you?” He chuckles. “Alright, Sunshine.” He braces his hands on the counter as I pant across from him. He swipes his palm over the surface slowly. “This is our second time ending up here. Do you remember what happened last time?” He takes a teasing step in my direction, and I squeak as I scramble to match his energy and shift so we’re still across from each other.
“I’ve got something for you,” he says darkly as he reaches into his back pocket before pulling out…
My Rose Toy!
Where did he get that?
“You went through my stuff!” I accuse, pointing a finger at him.
He smirks, turning it over in his hand. “I found this sitting on top of one of your totes, and I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to ask you what it’s used for, but I guess I’ll find out soon.”
I place my hands on my hips. “It simulates oral sex. Something you could use some work on.” I examine my nails, not an ounce of truthfulness to my words, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“Looks like I’ll get a much-needed lesson then,” he growls before launching himself around the counter.
