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I’d spent the day suffocating. There was no other way to put being stuck in an office behind a desk staring at employee records and going through the various advertisements that looked like glossy sales brochures for the rich and famous. I’d glanced at the limited set of financials Jackie had provided at least three times, realizing that the bottom line was the company had made a hefty profit over the last three years. But even though I wasn’t a whiz at business ventures and techniques, I continued to question how Galen had amassed such an extraordinary amount of cash and possessions.
Maybe he was mortgaged to the hilt, making certain everyone who did business with him perceived he was rich. That had been my father’s way. While the mob had paid him damn good money, we’d lived far above our means. It had all come crashing down the day he’d been murdered by an opposing crime syndicate. The bank had taken almost everything.
I didn’t want that for Lily. I’d need to spend time delving into how desperate Galen’s financial situation had been before his death. It would take Harlow’s reports to be able to do that.
A few seconds later, I pushed away from the desk, picking up Harlow’s resume for a fourth time. I might not have a background in big business, but I could smell a jacked-up resume when I saw it. To that end, I’d picked up the phone and conned my way into finding out why she’d been terminated, although I’d been able to read between the lines. Her love affair with the boss hadn’t gone as expected. Another reason to keep clear of involvement.
I drummed my fingers on my desk, trying to plan how I’d handle her involvement. The truth was I needed someone who knew the business. However, I’d need to be able to trust them. She’d already lied to get the job. Was she capable of anything more unscrupulous? Who was I kidding? I certainly shouldn’t have a say in the matter. I closed my eyes, and the only visions were of her face, her body, her luscious lips. This was getting out of hand.
At this point it really didn’t matter. As of now, she was off limits. Even if I thought otherwise, it was obvious she wanted nothing to do with me. Fine.
It was time for me to get the hell out of here. I had to pick up Lily then do some grocery shopping. I made it to the door as it was opened, the person not bothering to knock, Harlow bouncing into me with a hard thud.
“Don’t you look where you’re going?” she demanded, the tone the same as the day I’d met her. Some things never changed.
I’d been forced to grab her arm to keep her from falling, which had prompted her to slam her hand against me, several files cascading to the floor.
“Don’t you ever bother knocking?”
She narrowed her eyes, doing her best to jerk out of my hold. The woman should have learned by now that I was far too strong for her. “I was just doing as you asked. Are you leaving? I’ve been working nonstop for hours and you weren’t going to give me the courtesy to stay until we talked?”
“I didn’t think it was that important,” I told her.
“Of course you wouldn’t. You demand something then walk away. That’s just what I should have expected.”
“What the hell does that mean?” I glanced around her, noticing at least four of the other employees were watching our sparring match. I pulled her inside, pushing her against the wall. “I suggest you keep your voice down. We can have a discussion anywhere else you want, sweetheart, but not in the open. Got it?”
She pursed her lips, her eyes full of venom. Then she plastered a smile on her face. “Certainly, Mr. Masters, but for the sake of professionalism, you won’t call me sweetheart again.”
I had a feeling she’d explain in detail what would happen if I did. “Fair enough. Now, put the reports on my desk and I’ll get to them in the morning. I have other things to contend with.”
“More important than keeping your brother’s company operational?”
I pulled away, controlling my hot temper, but not nearly enough before opening my mouth and slamming my foot into it. “I have a feeling that you’ll do just fine. Besides, it’ll be a great learning experience for you about the industry. Maybe then you’ll be able to provide the advice I need instead of lies.”
Fuck me. I wasn’t just a bad man, I was reprehensible. Maybe it was for the best. I’d end up hurting her in the end just like everything I touched. At least now, she had a very good reason to hate me.
As my words settled in, she jerked away. There was no need to be concerned she’d physically retaliate. She simply backed toward the door, giving me one last look then walking away.
But not before I’d seen the look of hurt in her eyes.
CHAPTER8
Harlow
I stood at my window able to watch him leave, surprised when he’d gotten into a truck rather than on his Harley. While I’d been hard on him, I hadn’t expected the sucker punch to the gut. He’d called the Martin Agency, somehow managing to get one of the assistants to talk. My guess was everyone there knew what I’d done. Would Savage go so low? I couldn’t be certain. It was obvious he hadn’t been happy to see me.
I certainly hadn’t been very nice to him either, especially in my attempt to act superior. I’d done to him exactly what had happened to me more than once, undermined his authority and acted as if he had no business being in his position. What had happened to the girl determined to make a difference in the world? I was no longer certain.
There couldn’t be a worse scenario.
“Ms. Fox?”
I turned around to face another employee. At least she had a bright smile on her face as if she was also happy I was here. For now. Once she learned the truth about my resume, she’d sing another tune.
“Just Harlow.”
She smiled as she walked inside. “I’m sorry you had to come into chaos.”
