Chapter 8

At 7 a.m. on the dot, I was jumping out of the Escalade. Today I was feeling particularly confident, probably because I was rocking Savannah's clothes.

The blue linen blouse and black pencil skirt, matched with some black pumps I found at the back of my closet, was honestly a good outfit.

When I stepped into the building, I was greeted by the unpleasant stares of my fellow workmates. The one that stood out the most was Tatiana's.

"The whore has arrived." She yelled, and everyone in the lobby chuckled.

I could already feel my blood boiling. And for some odd reason I felt self-conscious. Maybe my outfit was too provocative.

"Are you sure the whore wasn't already here?" I fired back, earning an even louder round of laughs.

She rolled her eyes. "Well, Aubrey, I think you are the only slut around here. How do you explain Bryce just hired you from nowhere? The only explanation is you slept your way there..."

"I did no such thing!" I fired, taking long steps towards her. If she wanted a fight, then I would definitely give her one.

Tatiana looked down at me, mockingly. I never noticed it before but she was actually taller than me by a few inches.

"You know what they say, the truth hurts. So tell me, was he amazing because I think he is so great-"

The next moment, the sound of the slap I threw could be heard echoing off the walls. Tatiana's face flew to the side and she turned back to look at me with shock mixed with fury.

"Bitch!" She screamed and then lunged forward but a cool, calm voice caused almost everyone in the lobby to freeze.

"Stop." Just a simple command, yet with such efficiency.

Why does this feel like deja vu?

I didn't even need to turn my head back to know that he was pissed, I could sense it.

And to think, this is only my second day and I've already caused so much drama.

"In my office. Now. Both of you." He sliced icily, then strode to the private elevator.

***

After an awkward ride with Tatiana in the elevator, we were now both seated in Bryce's office. His grey eyes were switching between Tatiana and I, but they would linger on me for more than just a few seconds.

"Bryce-" Tatiana began but he cut her off.

"Not another word." He seethed, then he stood and walked over to his large glass office windows, overlooking New York.

"Why are you treating this place as a kindergarten? How dare you cause such commotion?" He spat acidly.

I could tell he was angry but I could hear a sprinkle of amusement in his voice.

"Mr Roberts," I began, and he didn't cut me off. Tatiana looked at him incredulously. I smirked inwardly. "With all due respect, I don't think it's nice calling someone a slut in front of work colleagues-"

"Well, you slapped me-"

"Enough!" He yelled, immediately silencing both of us. "I saw and heard what happened. Both of your behaviours were unacceptable, especially you Tatiana. I'm sorry to say this but you are fired."

We both looked at him in shock.

"What!" Tatiana scream-yelled. "But you can't do that! I did nothing wrong. Bryce, please you can't-"

He raised his hand dismissively. "Go to H.R and collect your final pay check."

This was all so very sad. Sure, she was a bitch but I didn't want her to be fired. I just wanted him to put her in her place.

Tatiana rose abruptly. "Okay. I'll leave. But you will regret this." She said through gritted teeth, then turned to leave, not before sending me a death glare.

Once she left, silence fell between the both of us. It was a pregnant silence. He just stood there, staring at the city and damn, did he look sexy.

No, I shouldn't be admiring him. He is my boss, nothing more nothing less.

"So, I will be getting back to work now." I rose, about to leave.

"Not so fast. Don't think you're off the hook." He said, then he looked at me.

"I never said I was. But what did you expect me to do? Just let her bad mouth me and go on about how I had to bang you to get this spot? She had that slap coming."

He smirked. "Well, you do know that in a sense, it is partially true?"

Gosh, he is such a hot arrogant bastard! But he isn't wrong about that.

I couldn't help but blush. "That is not the point. She bullied me, and I reacted. That's how life works Bryce."

"I guess you're right. I'm just glad I wasn't on the receiving end of that slap. She looked like she was going to fall." He said, and we both chuckled. "Anyway, what's my schedule like today?"

And the authoritative figure is back. I guess all good things must come to an end at some point, right?

"Well, you have a meeting with a Mr Henderson at 9 a.m. The rendezvous being a restaurant called El Fonci's, I made the reservation yesterday. Then you have an inspection at the construction site outside of the city, after the meeting."

He looked impressed. Not bad for a rookie, I presume.

"Great. We will be leaving at 8.30. Meet me in the garage downstairs before that."

"Wait, I'm coming with you?" I asked, confused.

"Well, you are my P.A. I need you and that functioning brain of yours to take notes and stuff." He shrugged.

I nodded then went to walk out of the door. Before I could even reach for the door handle, he said huskily, "That is a view that I'm surely going to like seeing every day."

Now it was my turn to smirk. I glanced back at him, sending him a mischievous look. "I'm glad you like it. Just don't get too excited, it's a tad bit too unprofessional don't you think?" I purred.

He then smirked devilishly at me. "Careful, Aubrey. You're playing with fire."

"Don't worry, I can take the heat."

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