In a pent-up beat, I see the partnership slipping away. Isee myself returning to this office day-to-day like a glorified note-taker. And eventually, that path leads back home.
Because while I negotiated freedom from my family, I know that freedom is very temporary. If I can’t stand firmly on my feet, my leash will be shortened significantly.
The bleak picture propels me into action, using the only weapon I have at my disposal. Information.
“On second thought, I think I lost the number. I might find it when you find time to treat me the way I deserve.”
I turn to leave, with outward confidence and an inward battle. Fuck, I pushed this man’s buttons countless times, but that was before, when I didn’t care about this company as much as I do now.
When I didn’t see my future firmly entwined with Merged. Challenging Corm with dirty tactics similar to those he uses regularly might be a step too far, but fuck, I’m not giving up.
I’m almost at the door, trying to accept I might have lost this round, when he stops me.
“Come back. Fuck.” He picks up his phone. “Larissa, cancel my meeting… Yes, I know it started a minute ago. Get someone to take over if needs be.” He drops the receiver, and the phone jumps on the wooden surface.
Then he snaps his eyes to me, shaking his head with a smirk. He might be annoyed, but he respects that I stood up to him.
“Cal and Declan wanted to be here when we tell you,” he starts. “But obviously, a hangover makes you impossible, Ro.”
He uses a nickname I asked them not to use countless times, but I don’t let it provoke me.
I might have blackmailed him into this meeting, but I’m painfully aware my future is in his hands.
“Sorry, it’s Liam Stone’s unexpected presence that makes this issue pressing.”
He sighs and checks his watch again. “Take a seat.”
I would rather stand, the restrained energy cruising through me on the wave of my hangover. But as much as I defy Corm, I also respect him, and I’ve pushed enough today. I take a seat.
“Roxy, you’ve been an asset to Merged from the start. You’re smart and unflappable. You work well with all of us, but you also understand the employees, and you’re often more sensitive to the internal issues than any of us partners.”
I try to regulate my breathing, tears threatening their appearance. I can handle razzing, teasing, and arrogance just fine.
But praise? His words mean so much to me, I’m embarrassed to admit that even to myself.
It’s something I used to crave at home and never got. The little girl in me is starved for validation.
Spread those beautiful legs for me.My mind conjures Romeo’s words from last night. Jesus.
“Thank you,” I say simply and confidently, while my mind is all over the place.
Distracted by the memory of Romeo.
Exhausted from the lack of sleep.
Frayed at the edges while waiting to find out where Corm’s praise leads.
“It’s us who would like to thank you. And we decided to give you a one-time bonus. Five percent stake in this company.” He gives me one of his rare smiles.
His words line up like domino pieces in my head, building a victory tower. I’m about to be a partner at Merged. I’m getting a seat at the table.
Before the elation settles, the pieces immediately tumble down. Why only five percent?
Luckily I’m present enough not to voice the question, because it would come out as a sulky complaint.
I might be desperate, but I know better than to whine or attack. This is not the time for that.
“Thank you. I really appreciate that.” I give him a nod and a smile that isn’t completely fake.
