I'd had it restored to its former... glory.
If you could call it that.
"Thank you," she whispered, gratitude shining in her eyes.
I dipped my head, adjusted myself one more time.
"Of course, Ms. Sinclair. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend."
Her attention dropped to the seam of my pants—and the appendage I'd tucked beneath my belt—before dragging back up with tantalizing slowness.
"I look forward to our partnership."
I waited a moment, let my intent settle over the room. Her lips parted slightly. We were finally on even ground.
Satisfied, I turned and left her.
She'd earned this space.
Now I had to figure out a way to keep Nathan away from it.
And as soon as my own door clicked shut, I was fucking pissed again.
I stormed down the hall, destination clear: across from the hole I'd pulled Emma out of.
I didn't bother knocking.
The door slammed open and Nathan jerked in his chair, startled—before settling back, that familiar smirk cutting across his features.
"Damien. Did you get everything figured out with Accounting?"
"There was no issue in Accounting," I bit out, closing the door behind me with all the restraint I had left.
His face twisted in mock consideration. "I could have sworn there was."
"Enough." I stepped closer. "What in god's name were you thinking, showing Ms. Sinclair to that office?"
He smiled. "Just a little bit of hazing."
My teeth clenched. "Did you haze Alex Ferguson? Or Chris Toll? Or Tyler—"
"I get it, Damien," he cut in. "I know the speech."
"Then why do you keep doing it?" I couldn't hide the incredulity.
He leaned back, folding his hands over his stomach. "I think it's fun."
I blinked. "Fun?"
"Yes," he said, chair creaking as he leaned forward. "I love the look on their faces when they try to be so polite, but they're dying inside." A slow grin spread across his face. "There's nothing quite like watching someone squirm while they smile."
My vision narrowed. "What is wrong with you?"
That grin only widened. Fueling my anger.
I inhaled, slow and deliberate, unclenching my fists one finger at a time.
"Don't come near her again," I said, fury overriding my better judgment.
