Page 55 of Counterfeit Connection

“Get you fired?” he quizzes. “You’re going to walk away on your own before I leave here today.” Griffin’s right hand slides across the small of my back to rest on my hip as he ushers me behind closed doors.

As I close my office door, Griffin’s pacing slowly like a caged tiger ready to lash out. “This side of you is not my favorite, in case you were wondering.”

“That man, your boss, told you that you should sleep with me to encourage me to hire this firm.” He keeps pacing, only this time, one of his hands is gripping the back of his neck. “How often does he request that of you? Of all the women here?”

“You heard that?” I say simply. “I didn’t know if you had hung up by then.”

He laughs. “Yeah, I heard every word.”

Before I can respond, my door opens and Mr. Wilder strolls in without even knocking first. “What seems to be the problem here? Mr. Shaw? Has Kaitlyn done something to upset you?”

I jump to my feet to diffuse the situation before he says or does something insane. “It’s all a misunderstanding, Mr. Wilder.”

“It’s hardly a misunderstanding at all,” Griffin says. “I’ve come here to let you know that this will be Kaitlyn’s last day.”

I stare at Griffin like he has three heads and six feet. The use of my mouth seems to be not an option at the moment. “I’m sorry?” Mr. Wilder replies.

“Listen to me very closely, you disgusting pompous pig. I was on the phone while you were encouraging Kaitlyn to fuck me to gain business for your so-called firm. Good thing I record all my calls. I have a feeling my personal attorneys would have a fieldday with the evidence I’ve collected in such a short time to bury you.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Wilder blusters.

“I wouldn’t? Try me.” Griffin stands over Mr. Wilder’s small stature in a pissing match I’m not sure who will win. After the room remains silent for a few seconds, that felt like years, Wilder lowers his gaze away from Griffin and takes a step back. “That’s what I thought. Here are the terms, you will offer Kaitlyn six months of full benefits and severance, and you will put in writing that you will never approach another woman in this firm with your indecent proposals ever again. If the terms are not adhered to, this recording will be given not only to the press, but the authorities and last, but not least, your wife. Do I make myself clear?”

“Mr. Wilder,” I move to stand between them. “This isn’t…”

“Kaitlyn,” Griffin says in a tone that makes me stop in my tracks. It frightens me a little, but it also makes me want to fight back. “Stop.”

“I underestimated you, Shaw,” Wilder says, adjusting his tie. “Both of you.” He looks to me then back to Griffin. “I’ll give you forty-eight hours to change your mind, Kaitlyn. If you don’t, Mr. Shaw’s terms will take effect.”

“I…” I stand here, seething in anger, trying my best not to scream or cry and watch as Duncan leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

“Kaitlyn,” Griffin says in a sigh.

“Don’t!” I growl, pointing at him. “You don’t get to just come into my job, throw your weight around with my boss, threaten him, and quit for me.” I place my hand on my chest. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”

“Who am I? At this moment, I’m rescuing you from this hellhole. He works you too hard, then speaks to you like he’s your pimp. I won’t have it. I absolutely won’t.”

“I am not yours to rescue nor am I your property, Griffin Shaw.”

“I hate to remind you, Kaitlyn, but to the world I am your boyfriend and as that boyfriend, I will not allow any human on this planet to denigrate my girlfriend. Your mind, body, and soul are mine to preserve. This little prick is not even worthy enough to breathe your same air. Could I have handled things better? Of course. Will I apologize? Absolutely fucking not. If you want to yell at me, fine. Let’s take this somewhere private and you can scream your lungs out at me. However, that will not change what is happening here.” He stands tall with his shoulders squared and his chin held high. Like a knight in fucking shining armor I didn’t even ask for.

I want to stomp my feet like a petulant brat because that’s how he’s making me feel right now, but I won’t give him the satisfaction. I simply snatch my bag from the drawer, slip my feet back into my heels, and march out of my office without saying a word to him.

I stop by Mika’s desk and give her a quick hug, whispering in her ear, “I’m okay. I’ll text later to explain.”

She looks past me and must see Griffin following behind because her eyes widen. “You better.”

I hug her once more then cross the reception area and exit through the front door.

It’s barely after lunchtime so the streets are bustling. I nearly run into two or three people who are trying their best to get wherever they are going. “Shit,” I mutter under my breath then turn to head toward the subway station, my usual route home.

I’m stopped by a strong hand around my arm.

“My car is waiting. Let’s go back to my hotel room. It’s closer.”

I’m acutely aware of the fact people are looking at us. There are even a couple phone cameras raised in the air. There always are when Griffin is around.

So, I don’t fight him on this. I simply nod and allow him to guide me to the large, black SUV waiting for us. Even though I want to slam my purse to the floor, I pull it into my lap, squeezing it so tight I’m certain my nails are leaving marks in the leather. I don’t even acknowledge his presence. I watch out the window. Person after person going by. Vehicle after vehicle going by. Reflection after reflection in the buildings.

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