Page 22 of Torqued

“So, I see you know my friend Spencer.” Lane narrows his eyes at me. “Be careful with this one, he has quite a reputation with women.”

Rush steps in front of me, holding my hand to the small of his back and shields me. “Spencer knows me well and I’ll be sure to let her know about you.”

“You do that, Hatcher. Although, she’s more than welcome to find out herself.” Lane’s eyes run over me again, and I feel nauseous.

“I didn’t realize you had business in the building also.”

“I do, much like you apparently, I have a sponsor based here.” Lane doesn’t take his eyes off me. Without a doubt, it’s meant to get under Rush’s skin.

“Well, hopefully we won’t have to run into each other very often.” Rush steps back, protectively keeping me to his side.

“It was nice meeting you, Spencer. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.” He smiles in a sickly sweet and repulsive way.

“Have a good day.” I hit the panel for the door to close, shuddering as my skin crawls.

Rush wheels around, checking me over. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I shiver. “he just gives me the willies.”

Rush chuckles. “I suppose that’s better than the way he makes me feel.”

“And how’s that?”

“Like my fist needs to be attached to his face.” He grumbles, and in turn, makes me giggle.

“I was ready to knee him.”

A smile plays on his lips. “Do you often surprise people?”

“Yes, but it’s usually because of my title and not my mouth like with you.” I quirk my brow when he starts to laugh.

Rush’s eyes swim with desire. “I like it when your mouth surprises me.”

“That’s not what I said.”

“It’s exactly what you said,” the doors open as he grins. “and I do like your mouth.”

I roll my eyes when he winks at me and I dart from the elevator. “I really do hate you.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, Prince-ass.”

I whip around on him, stalking back in his direction. “Stop calling me that!”

“Okay, I’ll be good.” The corner of his mouth pulls to the side.

“I’m watching you.” I narrow my eyes, pointing at him. “I need to stop here for two seconds.”

“I’ll wait.” He leans against the wall outside the conference room.

I release a heavy breath and head back into my initial meeting. As I push the door open, all hell is breaking loose. I pause, taking in the current climate and gauging the issue.

“Excuse me,” I step up to the table, calling everyone to order. “since when did we lose all decorum?” I pause, scanning their faces. “Davidson, what seems to be the issue with the proposal?”

“I’ll tell you what the hell it is,” Alex Fortner stands, slamming his hands on the surface in front of him. “you’re trying to steal my company, and I will not stand for it.”

I lean in, and from the corner of my eye, I watch Rush close the distance between us. I hold my hand out to my side, slowing him down. When I look back at Alex, he’s glaring at Rush.

“Let me be clear, no one is stealing your company. We are paying more than fair market share and you were supposed to retain board operating status but make no mistake…” I push forward, leering at him. “I damn well will do what I think is best for this company and if it does not include you, I’m alright with that too. If you prefer a hostile takeover compared to the way my father wants to do it, say when.”