My Cruel Lover (Wicked Poison #3) - T.L. Smith Page 0,15

I knew it was inevitable. We were just living, not really breathing. I want to breathe,” I tell her, hoping she understands my answer. “I actually came in so I could speak to you about something work-related, if that’s okay?”

She shuts her laptop and turns to me to give me her full attention. “What can I help you with?”

I look down to my feet and then glance back at her. “I want to transfer.”

Rylee’s mouth forms a perfect O. She looks at me a little shocked, then nods her head. “Was the pay not high enough? I know being Beckham’s assistant is hard, but that’s why he pays so well, knowing what an ass he is.”

No, the pay would never be an issue. It’s double what I was earning before working for him. Actually, it’s so good, I’ve been saving half of it every pay, so I can have savings.

Savings.

I’ve never had that before.

But my well-being has to come first.

“No, I just don’t think it’s working out,” I reply, my hands coming together to meet in some sort of attempt to calm myself down.

“Has he done something to upset you?” Rylee asks. “Because if he has, I can kick his ass.”

“It’s just not going to work,” I relay again. I do not need to tell his sister about what I saw.

“Okay, well, it won’t happen right away. We will need to find a replacement for you, then you will have to train her, and we will have to move you back to your old position if it's not already filled,” she says.

“That will be fine, thank you.” I go to turn, but her words stop me.

“He can be an ass, I know. But he isn’t that bad if you give him a chance.”

I don’t say anything else. Just walk out the door and to my desk. When I get there, his office door is open, and I can hear him on the phone, so I get on with my day.

I don’t see him again until later that afternoon when he walks out.

“Jacinta.” I look up, and he’s standing in front of my desk. “You wish to be let go of this position?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Why?” he asks.

Oh shit! I didn’t think he would ask me directly, and I don’t want to tell him.

“I think you can find someone better suited than me.” I give him as honest an answer as I possibly can.

His dark eyes assess me to see if I’m telling the truth.

“I approved the request. They are looking for someone now,” Beckham says, then walks off.

I go back to my work.

The rest of the day, he doesn’t ask me to do a single thing.

And that’s okay with me.

“Jacinta.”

Goddammit! I’m ready to leave, my bag in hand, which he can clearly see since the office door is open.

“Please come in here for a second.”

I huff and head to his office.

When I enter, Beckham looks up from his desk and turns to face me. “You want a different position because of what happened over the weekend. Am I correct?”

“Yes.” No point in lying.

“What if I said, I will act with nothing but professionalism around you if you stay?”

“I saw your cock, sir.”

“And some would think you lucky.” He smirks, and when he sees I am not amused, it drops from his lips. “I see. Would you reconsider?” he asks.

I bring my purse up and clutch it tighter in my hands. “You won’t treat me any differently?”

“I will treat you as a regular employee if that’s what you wish. But I need someone who knows what they’re doing without me having to tell them. And you are good at what you do.”

“Thank you.” It’s the first real compliment he has given me.

“If I act out of line again, I will let you transfer, and you can keep the salary you currently receive,” he says, surprising me.

“Thank you. Can I think about it?”

“Take your time.” He turns back to his computer, effectively dismissing me.

I walk out. Once I get far enough away from his door, I let out a long sigh. What the hell was that? I scratch my head, and I am sure the face I am pulling is showing my confusion.

Once I slide into my car, I finally take a deep centering breath.

I don’t know if I should stay, but the pay will help Oliver and me greatly.

After I pick up Oliver, I head home. Turning onto our street, there is a car parked out the front of my house that looks