Tell Me - Ashe Barker Page 0,57

shocked. Is this any way to carry on in the workplace? What do our policies on sexual harassment have to say on the matter? Maybe you need to write us a new one.”

“I was sure you’d sort it once you knew. I love you.” She kissed him again, this time plunging her tongue into his mouth and taking her time as he returned the kiss. She managed to crawl into his lap, her shoes kicked under his desk. Tony found no further objections to offer

The sound of a throat clearing interrupted the continuation of their ‘business meeting’. They both turned. Isabel was framed in the doorway.

Thea thought the PA’s expression could best be described as glacial. Self-conscious, but interestingly not nearly as embarrassed as she might once have been to be caught in such a compromising position, she clambered from Tony’s lap. She tried not to make too much of a production out of straightening her skirt and offered up thanks that they had not had a few more seconds alone. Who knew what she might have got up to on her Dom’s knee? She shuffled around trying to locate her shoes, but despite her efforts Tony had to retrieve one of them for her.

Tony met the interruption with considerably more aplomb. Thea was impressed. She hoped Isabel had not been treated to such displays before between Tony and his senior staff, but somehow she doubted it.

Tony was all smiles. “Isabel, we have good news.”

His PA lifted her chin and sniffed, her disapproval almost palpable. “I gathered that much. Am I to understand that congratulations are in order?”

“What? No. Well, yes. Jeremy Malone’s coming back. We’ll be needing a revised contract for him. Could you run one off please? Mrs Richmond will provide the details of the changes.”

Isabel stiffened still more, glaring at the pair of them down her nose. Thea couldn’t recall ever seeing the loyal and usually so easy-going PA appear so disgruntled. Her next words were delivered with icy disdain. “I don't think that's a good idea, Tony. I explained that to you already, at the meeting last week. I suggest we all just consider this matter a little further before rushing into any decisions.”

Thea was astonished. She was head of corporate services here, and Tony owned the bloody company. They had the right to ‘rush into decisions’ if they so chose and neither of them required Isabel Barnard’s approval. Nor had they asked for it. She opened her mouth to point out something along those lines, but Tony was there ahead of her.

“I know you did, and I appreciate your input, as ever. But this matter is decided, Thea and I both believe this is the correct approach to take. Please make the necessary arrangements with Denise, if you don't mind.”

Isabel was not giving up. “But, what about the money we paid him? Even if we did treat him badly, and that’s a matter of opinion, he’s been compensated.”

That question had occurred to Thea and would have been among the next items she intended to raise with Tony. When she remembered.

Tony was unruffled. “Mr Malone wondered about that too. He offered to repay the funds he still has, but I declined. He was the wronged party, his life has been turned upside down by this, and he deserves to keep the money.”

Good answer. Thea approved. Isabel apparently did not.

“But, that’s just ridiculous!”

“Thank you, Isabel, That’ll be all.” Tony’s voice shifted in an instant to the cool, businesslike tone Thea knew he normally reserved for the bank manager. And for her, but only when she was bound and naked in his dining room.

“But—”

“And would you mind closing the door on your way out please? Thea and I have a number of other matters to discuss.”

There followed several moments of awkward, tense silence as Isabel scowled at them both. Her mouth was working but no sound emerged. From the corner of her eye Thea caught the slight movement as Tony tilted his chin in the direction of the door. It was enough, Isabel got the hint. She whirled on her heel and marched back into her outer office, slamming the door behind her.

Thea sat down at her desk again, and looked to Tony for some reaction. Any reaction. Would he even now reconsider based on Isabel’s advice?

He grinned at her and rested his chin on his hand. He seemed unaffected by the little altercation, whereas Thea was shaking. She wasn’t sure which had disturbed her more—Isabel walking in