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“You’re welcome,” he grumbles, loading his plate with food. I sink into my chair between them and stare blankly at the food. I am never going to live this down. When I don’t pick anything to eat, they both begin moving things in front of me, and I give them a weak smile. Amberley is going to pester me stupid about all of this. What a nightmare. “You’re being unusually quiet. Something the matter?” Cain’s deep rumble brings my head up and around slowly. I blink at him and shake my head. Yes! I slept in his bed. If anyone gets wind of this downstairs, my work life will be hell. Felicity will make sure of that. I open my mouth to say something, apologise even, when Cain’s eyes slip past mine, over my shoulder, landing on his bed. He clears his throat and resumes eating, leaving me tongue-tied and red-faced.
We eat in silence. Or at least I do. Both Cain and Perry are chatting over me about work matters. They must not care that I’m privy to such information, but the truth is, I’ve shut off. My mind is a chaotic blur of anxiety. People will know I never left yesterday after I was sent upstairs to Cain’s office. I frown into my coffee, obsessing over what to say when my phone chimes. Abandoning my drink, I jump up, check it, and sigh in relief when I see it’s Amberley.
Where are you? Beryl said you didn’t come down after your meeting. What’s going on? X
I look up, and Cain is watching me, so I turn my back. I quickly type a response.
I passed out. Long story. I need makeup! x
My phone rings almost instantly. “Hi,” I breathe.
“Fucking hell, Lauren. Where are you?” she exclaims loudly.
“In one of the rooms. The doctor came to check on me and,” I give a long sigh, “I still look like I took a round with Tyson. Can you bring me some makeup?”
“Sure, what room?”
“Oh, I don’t actually know. One sec,” I twist to my boss, “What room is this? My friend is going to bring me some makeup,” I whisper, my cheeks burning red as I see his face darken.
“Sure, let’s all have a fucking meeting whilst we’re at it,” he spits.
“Whoo hoo, gang bang!” Perry cheers.
“Amberley, I’ll meet you downstairs,” I say in a rush and disconnect the call. Glaring at my boss, I stomp towards his bathroom and grab my clothes off his chair. Prick. Prick. Prick, I chant with each footstep. His constant aversion to me grates heavily as I tug my dress on. I use my finger to give my teeth a freshen up with his toothpaste, and I shove my knickers into my bag. With a determined sigh, I open the bathroom door and walk through the room.
“Where are you going?” my boss asks.
“To meet my friend.”
“You’ve hardly eaten anything.”
“I can’t afford to eat any of this,” I mutter. “Deduct my stay from my wages.” My cheeks flame, and I hurry toward the door.
“The doctor is on his way to see you. Sit down,” Cain demands, rising from his seat.
“He can check me downstairs,” I squeak and bolt from the room.
“For fuck’s sake!” Cain curses loudly as the door clicks shut. I hear Perry laugh deeply and another ‘fuck off’ before I get out of range.
I reach the elevator bank and press the button frantically. The doors whoosh open, and Dr DeLuca smiles. “Lauren!”
“Hello,” I croak, slipping inside.
“I was on my way to check you over.” He frowns, taking in my crumpled state.
“Oh, yes, sorry. Maybe you can do it here or downstairs?” I suggest. My eyes plead with him to agree, and he must notice because he nods slowly.
“Sure, how are you feeling?” he enquires as we begin to descend.
“Better. I slept really well.”
“I know,” he chuckles, “you were snoring. It’s probably the swelling.” He motions to my face. Snoring. When? My eyes widen—I’m mortified. DeLuca laughs. “Cain was adamant I check on you throughout the night,” he explains.
I pale on the spot. “What?”
“It’s okay. It’s my job.” He rubs my arm reassuringly. “Don’t worry. We were never alone. He supervised,” he adds, assuming I’m thinking the worst. I wasn’t. My boss. Supervised?
I pull back, feeling sick. If this gets out—if my colleagues find out—I can kiss my job goodbye. “I’m sorry.” I press my palm into my stomach and give him an apologetic smile. I didn’t even wake. Something about Cain coming into the room whilst I sleep sends an odd shiver down my spine.
