Page 106 of Last First Date

“Knox,” she called after me, but I didn’t turn back to reassure her. This was something I needed to handle on my own terms.

As soon as the door to my office slammed shut behind us, I released Benjamin’s arm. “What the hell are you doing here?” I demanded, my tone sharp and unforgiving.

Benjamin leaned against the doorframe, a calculated nonchalance in his demeanor. “Just checking on some last-minute details for my party. No harm in that, right?”

I scoffed, seeing through the thinly veiled excuse. “Cut the crap, Benjamin. I know you’re not here for party details. What’s your game?”

His gaze flickered toward Waverly’s desk before returning to meet mine. The unspoken implication hung in the air, and I felt the anger coil within me. “I’m just here to ensure everything runs smoothly. And who knows? Maybe catch up with your lovely assistant. I mean, come on. That’s one hell of a package.”

“Shut up,” I hissed. The mention of Waverly as “my lovely assistant” pissed me off. It was a deliberate attempt to provoke me, and I wasn’t about to let it slide.

“That’s enough, Benjamin,” I growled, my voice cold and lethal. “You will not speak of Waverly in such a manner. Not while you’re in this building, not while you’re in my presence. Do you understand?”

He chuckled. “Someone is a little protective.”

“Just don’t,” I warned.

“Was that your idea?” he asked.

“What are you talking about?”

“That little trip to New York,” he said, smiling. “Good on you, man. You convinced that innocent little woman to get naked for the world. As a man, I must thank you for that gift. It’s an image I’ve saved for future reference.”

The anger that had been simmering within me burst into an uncontrollable rage. I wanted to lay him out. He deserved to have his teeth knocked down his throat. “That’s enough,” I spat, my face inches from his. “Don’t you ever speak about her like that again. She’s not just some object for you to fantasize about.”

“Well, well,” he replied with a laugh. “Someone’s got a soft spot for the little secretary.”

“No,” I cut him off. “I don’t care what games you like to play in your spare time, but you will not drag Waverly into them.”

A mocking smile played on his lips. “Why so possessive, Knox? She’s just an assistant. Unless, of course, there’s more to it than that.”

The insinuation cut through me, and before I could control my reaction, anger surged within me. “You don’t know anything about us. Just stay away.”

But Benjamin wasn’t one to back down. He reveled in the discomfort he caused, a predator sensing weakness. “Oh, I think I’ve struck a nerve. What’s the matter, Knox? Afraid I’ll steal your little assistant away?”

The crude comment struck a chord. I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain composure. The smirk on Benjamin’s face only widened, his satisfaction evident. It was a game to him, a calculated attempt to get a reaction. He had one goal—to get under my skin. He was a classic bully. If I showed weakness, he was going to pounce on it.

“You need to fucking leave,” I said.

“Wait a minute. Did you two hook up in New York? Is that why you’re so protective? You’re hitting that, aren’t you?!”

The audacity of his assumption fueled my anger. “None of your damn business,” I retorted, my restraint slipping. “But let me be clear. Stay away from Waverly, or there will be consequences.”

Benjamin chuckled, seemingly pleased with the revelation. “Well, well. Looks like the mighty Knox has a soft spot.”

The condescension in his tone pushed me to the brink. I reached for the intercom and summoned security. I wasn’t about to let this escalate into a physical altercation, but I refused to let Benjamin’s insinuations go unanswered. He wanted me to hit him. He was already blackmailing me. If I knocked his ass out with an office full of witnesses, he would own me. I didn’t even want to consider what his demands would be.

“You can get the fuck out on your own, or building security will drag you out. Pick your poison.”

“You’re not going to throw me out,” he said, laughing. “Get a grip. I think there’s enough of that woman to go around.”

“You’re a pig,” I said. “Waverly would never give you the time of day. You are scum. You have zero class.”

“Is that so?” Benjamin sneered, the smile never leaving his face. “Maybe it’s time I remind you of who I am and who you are and what you did.”

“I know exactly who you are,” I said, my voice steel. “You’re a low life who takes pleasure in making others uncomfortable. A snake in the grass.”

He laughed again, louder this time. “Oh, Knox, your words don’t affect me. Perhaps you should use that energy to keep tabs on your little assistant instead.”