Office Grump An Enemies to Lovers Romance - Nicole Snow Page 0,58

a few times.

He’s a middle-aged jackass, and worse when he’s drinking.

He’s tall and broad with silver hair and a face full of wrinkles like my father. Something about the resemblance makes me cringe.

Sabrina needs her liquid courage, though, so instead of walking away, I order a scotch and a sugary-sounding tropical cocktail for her.

“Here you are.” I hand the drink to Sabrina.

Jake looks over at me, and I hear his breath stick with the inevitable, unwelcome outburst.

“Magnus Heron! Good to see you again, son! You’re looking well, as you should be. Your name was all over Ad Wonk!” he gushes.

I smile, not exactly friendly, wondering if we should beat it and take that walk after all.

Then his beady little eyes fall on Sabrina. He winks at me. “Glad to see you brought some nice accessories this time around.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? He’s my boss.” Sabrina bristles right away. She damn sure isn’t going to take his insinuations.

“This is my Executive Assistant,” I snap. “I’m still a happy bachelor, thank you very much, and that’s the way it’ll stay.”

Willis shrugs at me, making an exaggerated wince like I’m the one being ridiculous.

He doesn’t dare lower himself to an apology.

“No need to be uptight, Mag,” he says, looking down as he swirls his drink in his glass. “Just meant you’ve got a nice young piece.”

“Watch how you talk about my employees, idiot.” It flies out like a bullet, harsher than the biting November wind back home.

Willis stumbles back, doing a double take, his lips moving.

“Christ. Calm down, boy. I golfed with your dad. No shame in your game; it’s how we all do things, isn’t it? The hot ones ought to be good for something more than pushing papers and typing.” He laughs. “Don’t you think?”

Fuck no.

I want to drag this braindead clod into the parking lot and break his nose, but that might cost me my career. I’m not sure which part of this is worse—the fact that he finds it funny or that he thinks I’m just like my father.

Another one of the boys with money and a reputation ruled by his dick.

“Final warning, Willis. If I ever hear you talk like that about one of my people ever again, I’ll hire the attorney to file the harassment claim myself.”

His bushy eyebrows almost leap off his face. “Now see here, I don’t know what you’re on, kid, but it’s pretty goddamn rude of you to get all up in arms over—”

“Over a despicable old worm who’s cheated on all four wives he’s ever had? Yeah,” I snarl, closing the space between us so I’m in range where only he can hear. “Also, you’ll be damn lucky if I don’t beat the shit out of you.”

His mouth drops. “Listen, I—”

“Don’t,” I growl, looking over my shoulder as I break away, heading in the other direction.

It’s for the good of everybody in this room.

One more second in his presence, and I will follow through on promise number two. Bruised knuckles and blood.

I hear Sabrina’s heels tapping and the rustle of her dress behind me.

“Mr. Heron? Wait up! Hey. Hey, Mag?” she tries, her voice laced with fear, confusion, and so much uncertainty.

I hate it, but she can’t follow me out of this room. Not now.

If she does, rumors will be lethal. They’ll already be bad enough coming from anyone who saw me get up in Willis’ face.

Stopping, I throw up my hand, spin around, then grind out, “Stay. Don’t follow me.”

She looks horrified.

I can tell from the way the clicking ceases that I’ve stopped her in her tracks.

Maybe I should have let her, though.

She already didn’t want to be here, and after this shit, neither do I.

I’ll find my own ride back to the hotel the way I prefer.

Alone.

11

Omens, Omens Everywhere (Sabrina)

Heron’s tone was a knife to the heart.

He left me all alone. Dizzy. At a party I don’t even want to attend.

I get it. He’s obviously upset, but I just wanted to make sure he was okay.

I’m still trying to figure out what just happened.

Yes, the old guy’s words sting. Not only do I know I don’t belong in this room for certain, but I’m aware everyone else views me as a prop. His little accessory.

And Mag’s overreaction only drew attention to it. Awesome. Thanks a lot, boss.

That said, I can’t forget the pep talk in the hall, the way he touched my face. What even?

He’s never been...gentle before.

Until tonight, I didn’t even think gentle and Magnus Heron shared the

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