Against the Rules by Ella Goode Page 0,4

come into my office. We need to make some human resource changes.” I drop Lucia’s hand before I kiss it—and her—in front of all the new hires. In a few steps, I reach my office door. Monica jumps out of the way so she’s not hit when I open it.

“Are you firing Ms. Sanchez? I just hired her. It took me five weeks to find her,” Monica wails.

Lucia must hear her because she turns a shade whiter.

“No, no one is fired.”

I slam the door shut.

Chapter 4

Lucia

“What did you do?” I look over to see Kevin staring at me. I think that’s his name. They’d introduced everyone during orientation. I open my mouth but close it because I’m not sure what to say. Do I tell the truth? That I slapped the boss a couple of times the other night because he thought I was an easy lay?

“Maybe it’s her outfit.” The girl on the other side of Kevin leans forward to look at my suit. Her nose is scrunched up in disgust as her eyes roam over me. I didn't think my outfit was that bad. I was trying to cover up. I wanted to look different. I thought maybe he wouldn’t recognize me if I dressed in this shapeless getup. No such luck.

“Don’t be a bitch,” Kevin says to her. Her eyes leave me and pin him. Her look of disgust has now changed to one of anger.

“I thought after college I’d be done dealing with you. I’m going to my office.” She stomps off. A few people follow, going to their designated areas. I have no idea where I’m supposed to go. The only thing I know is that I need this job and I guess it’s a good sign that he hasn’t fired me yet.

“Ignore her. She’s a spoiled daddy’s girl. I think your suit is-” He trails off. I snort a laugh because I know this thing I’m wearing is hideous, but I meant it to be exactly that.

“It’s not the best. Believe me, I know.”

“You’re pretty so I think you could get away with wearing a paper bag. That’s why Becky is being an asshole. She can’t have anyone prettier than her around. It’s some immature high school crap.”

“Thanks.” I fidget with my hair, not sure how to handle that compliment.

“Lucia, right?” He holds his hand out.

“Yeah, you're Kevin, right?”

“Yep. I work in accounting. What is it that you do?” I look to Finn’s door. He did say no one was fired so I guess I still have a job. For now at least. Maybe it was all a misunderstanding and he realizes that he was wrong. That he’d gone a little too far the other night in assuming that I would throw myself at him. The thought of doing exactly that has me squeezing my legs together. I shake my head, reminding myself that he’s my boss and a wealthy man who thinks he can take whatever he wants. He’s a jerk. But one that is really easy on the eyes. Too easy.

“I’m supposed to be one of his assistants.”

Kevin lifts his eyebrows. “I’ve heard he’s a nice guy. Maybe he has-”

“Don’t say it.” I laugh, shaking my head.

“What?”

“A case of the Mondays?” I finish for him.

“Lame, I know. It’s not every day I get to talk to a pretty girl.” He winks at me. “Come on, I think your area is over here.”

I start to follow after him until someone calls my name.

“Ms. Sanchez.” I turn to see a tall man with better fashion sense than I’ll ever have. “You’re with me. I’m assistant number two but you can call me Cesar.” He holds his hand out.

“I’m Lucia.”

“Oh, that’s different. I like it.” He nods his head. “We’re over here.” He leads us over to two beautiful desks that face each other. “We work together a lot so we share space.” He motions toward one of the desks, the one that’s fairly empty. His is filled with pictures and other knick knacks. Cesar has a liking for pandas and a handsome man with a beard.

“It's nice.” I look around as I take a seat. All the other offices are off to the sides. Some doors are open and some closed. A little way down from us are a few giant tables. I’m guessing they are for the meetings.

“Yeah, we work out here so we have access to everyone. We’re Mr. O’Hare’s left hand. We do odds and ends. Monica is his right.”

“She’s nice.”