I’m not done. “If you’re concerned about Mr. Svensson’s capacity to complete the job, don’t be. Rainier Equity’s track record speaks for itself. However, as a businesswoman, you should know better than to let personal vendettas get in the way of making a profit.”
“I don’t fault you for your viewpoint.” Linda’s lips thin. “Prior to my husband cheating on me, I’m sure everyone would say I sounded the same. However, Salinger and my ex are cut from the same cloth. You cannot trust men like that.” She sighs. “Obviously, he did a number on you. You’ll learn. Unfortunately. I do admire you, Mandy, and rest assured that I’m here if you need help with anything after he breaks your heart. Since he’s your boss and your romantic partner, that puts you in a precarious position.”
“I’m not a child,” I snap. “I’m thirty-four.”
Linda gives me a knowing look, one I probably give the interns on a regular basis. “Still so young.”
Is Linda right? Is Salinger someone I can’t trust?
“I must say, Mandy, that I didn’t have high hopes for this meeting myself,” Linda admits. “The only reason I acquiesced to extending the invitation was on the counsel of my godson.”
I stand. “Again, I do appreciate your time, and I hopethat you—”
“Jaxon!” Linda waves happily. “You stopped by after all.”
My stomach drops like I’m on the world’s most un-fun rollercoaster. I don’t want to turn around, hoping that if I don’t, if I just ignore it, he’ll disappear. But that’s not going to work, because my stalker is here, in the flesh, walking into the room.
No, no, no.
“Ms. Linda, lovely as always.” Jaxon gives his godmother a hug while I stand there, clutching my bag.
“Mandy!” He smiles at me. It doesn’t reach his eyes. “Great to see my favorite person.” His smile widens when he sees the fear I can’t hide in my eyes. “Where’s Pepper?”
Jaxon drapes an arm around my shoulder while I try not to puke right there all over the table.
“She has the cutest dog,” he tells Linda conversationally, like we’re old chums, like he hasn’t just spent the last several months making my life a living hell. “Did the meeting go well?”
Linda sniffs. “Hardly.”
“Salinger Svensson is a piece of shit, but we like Mandy.” He draws me closer to him. “Don’t we? Hopefully, Mandy will come to her senses and jettison that sociopath she’s hooked up with. Maybe find a nice boy, like yours truly.” Jaxon winks at me.
“Oh, you!” Linda is charmed by him.
I’m not. “I’m sorry, but I really have to go.” I can barely whisper the words.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Linda—I’ll escort her down.”
I want to collapse as I wait next to Jaxon forthe elevator.
Jaxon hums the Green Day song “Amanda,” the one he sang a few bars of at the singles mixer when we first met. I had thought it funny and charming then.
Jaxon steps into the elevator with me. As soon as the doors close, he’s herding me back against the wall. “Your little dog’s not here to defend you, and neither is that brute you tried to replace me with.”
All the charm he displayed in front of Alma and Linda has been snuffed out. All that remains is a monstrous glee.
“Surprise!” He laughs. His breath is stale on my face. “That’s right, it’s me. I’m the puppet master. I’m the one pulling the strings in your life. I control you.” He spins a finger in my face. “Do you get it now? I’m everywhere. I even had someone hack your grandmother’s Facebook. You can’t escape me. Give in. I’ve already won.”
He pokes his finger in my stomach. “All you need to do is ditch that asshole you’re spreading your legs for and bend the knee to me.” He grabs my arm.
I would give anything right then for Salinger to be there, to save me.
“You don’t want Rainier Equity to lose that port contract, right? Then send me a copy of your resignation letter and be at my condo at six o’clock tonight. Wear those panties I like.” He gives me a greasy smile. “I’ll even let you keep your little dog. But she needs to wear a muzzle.” He kisses my cheek.
The elevator dings. The doors open.
I’m free.
Except I’m not.
