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Beside me Blake erupts into amused laughter. It’s good to know that my question was more amusing than insulting. It’s a nice laugh, deep and happy sounding. When Xavier’s laughter joins his I’m relieved that my impulsive question didn’t offend him.
“No, Ellie, the money isn’t so you keep quiet. Lawrence will be leaving my employ as soon as I gather enough statements to prevent him from thinking he can sue Luminoso. I don’t care who you talk to about his inappropriate behavior, or the fact that I know about it.” I bobble my head again and silently berate myself for being such a wimp.
“I’ve been reviewing employee files. Overall, we are doing well, and I am rewarding employees who have stellar supervisor reviews with a small bonus to say thank you for a job well done. You have earned the raise too. As much as I appreciate your willingness to work so many additional hours, it’s my sincere hope that the extra money will allow you to spend more time with your family…” His words trail off as if there is a question there.
“Oh,” I say quietly, “I’m sure Mom would be happy if I could be home to help with Augustus and Lizzie more.”
“Your children?” Blake’s voice beside me draws my gaze back to him and his intense scrutiny.
I shake my head. “My sister and nephew,” I reply, closing the folder clumsily. I try not to talk about my family at work. It always leads to questions, and the answers are complicated, not to mention that they always leave me feeling raw inside. I know that people mean well, but it hurts to talk about, so I’ve gotten into the habit of keeping it to myself.
A flush staining my cheeks I stand inelegantly and lean toward Xavier with my hand outstretched. Despite my awkwardness I sincerely want to thank him for his generosity.
“Thank you, Mr. … Xavier. This means… so much.” I wave the folder a little bit and my voice hitches a bit with emotion. I clear my throat and force a smile onto my face when all I really want to do is throw my arms around his neck and sob my gratitude. He rises as well, taking my hand in his and shaking it.
“You’re welcome, Ellie. Thank you for coming to talk to us today.” I don’t feel like I said anything important. I only confirmed what they already seemed to know, but I smile at him and nod yes… again. I really do need to work on that.
“You’re welcome.” I echo his words and glance uncomfortably toward the door. Now that we are finished conducting business I can’t get out of here fast enough. Talking about Lawrence and the fact that Blake basically held my hand through the entire meeting has me feeling off balance. I also want to call my mom and tell her about the raise. I’m going to cash my bonus check before I leave today so I can stop at Wal-Mart and buy diapers, groceries and maybe a surprise for Lizzie and Auggie. But first, I have to get my work finished. I can make a list of what I need to get while I’m on the bus later.
“You can go now if you want to, Ellie.” Xavier says kindly noticing my longing glance at the door.
I clutch the folder against my chest and hurry from the room without looking back, turning to close the door behind me, a happy smile on my face. A smile that abruptly vanishes when a harsh hand grasps my bicep, fingers digging painfully into my soft flesh and spinning me around.
“Let me go!” I whisper-shout, attempting wrench my arm free. I freeze.
“What did you do, you little bitch?” An angry voice hisses in my ear. I renew my struggle against the punishing grip, trying to get away, but Lawrence doesn’t give an inch until the door behind me opens. A big hand slams heavily onto his shoulder knocking his grip loose enough that I am able to pull away. Stunned by the viciousness of his clasping hand, I rub my arm where I know I will have bruises by the end of the day.
“Are you okay, Ellie?” Blake’s voice rasps with anger as he steps between Lawrence and me, pushing my abuser back a step before turning to me. His eyes rake over me, assessing for damage.
“Yes, I’m okay,” I whisper, looking up to meet his blazing eyes.
“Go back to work, angel,” His gruff voice sends shivers down my spine and I don’t need to be told twice. Spinning away from them, I hurry down the hall as fast as I can go without breaking into a jog, more shaken by the brief confrontation than I care to admit.
Chapter Thirteen
Blake
Digging my fingers into Lawrence’s shoulder with a brutal twist I push him through the open door and into the office. That was shitty timing. If I’d known that he would be waiting out there I wouldn’t have let Ellie walk out there alone. Xavier is standing behind his desk, his face dark with anger. I have no doubt that he heard everything I did before I made my presence known. Seeing his hand on her, the nasty look in his eyes as he snarled and called her names, did something to me. I’ve seen a lot of ugliness in my life, from domestic violence and drugs to the brutality of war, but none of it ever moved me the way just the hint of violence directed at my girl did. Icy rage fills my veins. He’s fucking lucky he’s still on his feet.
“Lawrence,” Xavier’s voice is cold and tight, vibrating with barely restrained anger, “I’d like to f
ire you right now, but since HR advised me that we have to try to find a solution first…”
Jerking his shoulder free of my crushing grip, Lawrence interrupts him, “I don’t know what that little…” he thinks better of his words and pauses to collect himself, and it’s a damn good thing. If he finishes that train of thought I may not be able to stop myself from introducing his face to my fist.
“I don’t know what Elinor was here for, or what stories she was telling about me, but I assure you, sir, that I have done nothing inappropriate.” His words are infused with righteous indignation and if I hadn’t just witnessed him using physical force to intimidate a woman, my woman, I’d probably believe him. The thought makes me even angrier than I already am.
I bite back a snort of derision and Xavier glares at me, silently telling me to shut up. I know he’s just as pissed as I am having to give this jerk a chance to keep bothering the female employees, but there’s a protocol. I know all about protocols. The military has about a million of them.
“Miss Lovell was here at my request. I can assure you, she was not here telling stories or anything of that nature.” His tone is final and allows no room for argument or further comment. Lawrence seems to be aware of it. He nods once and waits for X to finish a look of impatience on his face.
“Now Lawrence, as I was trying to say, certain issues have been brought to my attention by members of my security team.” He gestures toward me and I give the nervous man a frosty smile. That’s right you sorry fucker. Blame me for your sorry ass getting canned.
“Please take a seat.” My words are polite; my tone less than, as I indicate the seat that I had been sitting in. He doesn’t even deserve to sit where Ellie sat. He lowers himself into it, crossing his legs and doing his best to look relaxed. He’s trying to fool us into thinking that he’s at ease, but he’s not. The sweat beading on his forehead tells a different story. Sitting in the chair Ellie just vacated, I meet his jumpy eyes with a narrowed stare.
“You need to know right from the beginning, Lawrence, that we have video evidence as well as statements from multiple employees about your sexual advances on female members of staff working under your supervision.” He swallows hard, opening his mouth to speak. I lift my hand, stopping him before he can make excuses for himself. His mouth snaps shut, and he glares at me. I couldn’t care less if I’ve angered him.
“Here’s how things are going to go. If you wish to stay in the employ of Mr. Cerelli, you may. For now,” Xavier makes a noise, but I don’t look at him. I recognize a laugh quickly disguised as a cough.
