Chapter 8 - Blair
It’s quarter to five when I start packing up. My first day of work went really well. I enjoy it! Apart from the very rude interruption when Simon did that alpha move on Matthew, that was just embarrassing.
But in reality, that isn’t what’s been looping in my head.
I almost kissed him!
Or, technically, he almost kissed me and did nothing at all to stop it from happening.
Did I want him to kiss me?
Ugh. I can’t lie to myself. He’s gorgeous. There was chemistry between us from the moment I met him. But I keep reminding myself that it was all orchestrated, and he was probably faking the attraction.No, he wasn’t. He was fascinated with me.
It doesn’t even matter. He’s rude, bossy, and controlling, and I am counting the days until I can get back to my life.
Although… I really do like this job.
And I’ve probably lost my other one by this time anyway.
And when Simon isn’t trying to control everything, he can be really fun to talk to.
Dammit, he is so sexy!
My mind has been looping in this same way for hours since he stopped by the office.
I call out a goodbye to everyone in the open-plan area, smiling and waving. Matthew’s wave is tight and awkward. I hope things aren’t weird between us from now on. I have to work with the guy every day.
In the elevator, I fish my phone out of my purse to book an uber but instead find a message from Simon.
I’m outside the building. Come down when you’re ready, and I’ll drive you home.
For the smallest moment, I think,oh, that’s sweet.But then I remember that I don’twanthim to control everything, and annoyance spikes through me. He actually came back here just to fetch me. Does he not trust me to get home on my own? Maybe he thinks I’m going to break the deal and try to run away again. If he doesn’t trust me, then how can he ask me to trust him? It’s a two-way thing!
I storm out of the building with a scowl on my face, glaring at his dark-tinted windows. Even though I can’t see him, I know he’s watching me.
He climbs out of the car and walks to the passenger side to hold the door open for me. I don’t say thanks as I duck in, and as soon as he gets back in on his side, I start lecturing him. Part of me knows I need to be angry with him to stop myself from thinking about the almost-kiss. The other part of me is in denial about that.
“What are you doing here?” I snap.
“I came to fetch you. I didn’t want you traveling home without me,” he says tightly.
“I am perfectly capable of calling an Uber. What the hell is going to happen to me in an Uber?” I argue. “Why don’t I feel like I have any freedom around you!?” I shout a little louder as my annoyance builds.
He groans, leaning forward slightly as he pulls out of the parking bay.
I turn to look at him, wondering why he isn’t fighting back or being his usual controlling self.
That’s when I notice the blood on the shirt beneath his jacket.
“Is that blood!?” I squeal in shock, grabbing the edge of his jacket to pull it aside.
The entire left side of his shirt is soaked in blood. Bright red and sticky.
“It’s okay, it’s not as bad as it looks,” he sighs.
But now that I’m more aware of things, I notice how exhausted he sounds, and like he’s in a lot of pain.
“You shouldn’t be driving! Go straight to the hospital. Or pull over and let me drive you to the hospital!” I demand, stress making my voice higher-pitched than it normally is.
