Helix: Yes, inquiring minds want to know.
Looking up from my phone, I see both my brothers are looking directly at me in the dim room, so I do the only thing I can. I lie.
Me: It’s a cookie.
Phoenix: A cookie made of lace?
Helix: A cookie? Is that what we’re calling it now?
Phoenix: I hope it’s Mindy’s cookie. Otherwise we might need to talk, bro.
Carefully slipping my treasure back into my pocket, I scratch my nose with my middle finger, assuring I make eye contact with each of the twins as I do. Assholes just had to spoil my fun.
Once the meeting finally drags to a close, someone turns on the lights, and I stand on legs that feel frozen from sitting so long.
“Thank you to everyone for prepping for this meeting. Each of you is an invaluable part of why Hale continues to be the leader in the worldwide cosmetics industry.” I take turns meeting each person’s eye as I speak. “Going forward, I’ll be brainstorming a few ideas about how to make these finance meetings run more efficiently.” I lift one hand like I’m taking the stand in a court case. “And I vow to make sure there’s coffee and cookies available at the next one as well.”
I receive a round of applause for that last part, and I chuckle. “There should be a questionnaire in your folders, so if you’d fill that out, you can return it to Allison’s office. They are anonymous, so feel free to give me any of your ideas about anything to do with these meetings or any aspect of your workplace. If you want to discuss something in person with me, please know that I have an open door policy and will gladly listen to what you have to say.”
Nods and a few smiles work their way around the table, and I clapmy hands. “Now get the hell out of here and go home. Take a walk and stretch your legs.”
Everyone disperses, and I’m left with only my family and Mindy.
“I think I have a blood clot in my leg from sitting so long,” Phoenix whines.
“I think I have a blood clot in my ass,” Nicolette adds, stretching with her hands on her back.
Phoenix loops an arm around Mindy’s shoulders and gives her a little shake. “I think our fearless leader was about to fall asleep until he had your cookie in his hand.”
“Oh, he loves Mindy’s cookie,” Helix adds, a cheeky smile on his face.
“He’ll probably decide to have Mindy’s cookie for dinner tonight,” his twin piles on.
“As he should,” Helix returns, nodding sagely. “It’s very important to quench your sweet tooth with your woman’s cookie on a daily basis.”
“Never want to neglect her cookie.”
While Nicolette looks confused and Mindy looks slightly horrified—because of course she’s caught on to what they’re referring to—I glare daggers at the two idiots.
I swear, all that nice stuff I was thinking about my brothers earlier, I take it back. They are the fucking worst.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
Punishing bad girls can be fun
Remington
Later that evening,Mindy tucks the final financial binder in the file cabinet and turns back to me. It’s around six o’clock, and the offices are closed. She turns and does a little wiggle dance.
“All done.”
“Very good, Ms. Espinoza,” I say in my most formal tone. Her eyelids dip, and I cross my arms sternly over my chest. I removed my jacket an hour ago and rolled my sleeves up my forearms, and I don’t miss the way her eyes dart to the exposed skin there. “I need you to come over here. Now.”
She crosses to me, the gnawing of her bottom lip telling me I’ve made her nervous.Good.I take out her panties and lay them on the top of my desk, smoothing out the crumpled fabric.
“These were returned to the lost and found today.”
Mindy’s shoulders visibly relax, and she suppresses a giggle. “Is that so?”
