Page 76 of Corporate Escapades

“Hi, Molly, what’s up?”

“Oh, my gosh. I’m freaking out!” she erupted. “Dom had me deliver a file to Tom’s office, and when I got there, his door was shut. There was a woman inside talking with him about two messed-up people. Anyway, my purse fell as I moved and hit the wall. They totally heard me outside. I didn’t stick around to see if they would open the door. My heart is pounding out of my chest.”

“Dang. How long were you listening for?” asked Mya.

“Not long. I heard a woman’s laughter, which made me take pause. Who do you think the other person was?”

“Probably Angela. If I had to wager a guess, I’d say they were talking about Vic and Paris, but considering you weren’t there long, you may have heard things out of context. Monitor them. Maybe you’ll find an answer. It wouldn’t be surprising if they turned out to be the saboteurs.”

“I’ll find some time to further monitor over the next week. Maybe we’ll learn something else about the situation?” she said excitedly.

“Sounds good. Be careful.”

“Careful is my middle name,” replied Molly. “Though lately, I feel like it should be stalker.” She laughed.

Mya hung up the phone and contemplated what Molly had said. She was certain it had to be Angela behind the door.Angela was sketchy, to say the least. She didn’t understand how Vic could harp on Paris about Tom, then turn around and sleep with Angela.Men,she thought, tossing her phone back onto the counter.

Mya smiled. The day was over. She had made some popcorn and was just about to sit down when a knock sounded at her door. She wasn’t expecting anyone and hoped it was Paris. Forgetting to check her peephole, she swung the door open and was surprised to find Cristo on the other side.

“Cristo? What brings you here tonight. We didn't have plans, did we?” she asked.

“You, of course, and no,” he replied.

Looking him over, Mya realized he had once again been drinking. “Go home, Cristo. You're clearly inebriated. It’s Monday night. All I want to do is eat my popcorn and watch a movie.” She made a move to close the door on him, but he lurched forward and stuck his foot in the door jamb.

“I came all the way over here. Let me in!” he demanded.

“No! Go away!” she screeched.

Moving forward, Cristo shoved the door open with brute force, which made her step backward. Clearing the door, he slammed and bolted it behind him. “I want to continue our game,” he replied softly. Reaching out, he grabbed her by the wrist and jerked her toward him. Mya slapped him across the face. He didn't even flinch but shoved her onto the sofa and stood before her. “You want it rough tonight?”

Mya looked up at him in anticipation, waiting for his next move.

“Every day, you walk into the office looking beautiful and flirting with me. This has gone on for years now, and I think it’s time you admit your feelings. With no end in sight, I’m growing tired of this game. Don't you want to change things up?”

Mya stared back at him. She couldn’t seem to find her words. Now he wanted to talk?

“Answer me!” he barked. Walking away, he went to the kitchen and began looking through the cupboards until he found a bottle of whiskey. Grabbing a glass, he poured out two fingers. Picking up the bottle, he took a large swig and then returned to the living room. “Here,” he said, handing her the glass. “Drink that.”

Continuing to stare at him, she shook her head no. She didn’t want to drink it because she knew what would come after, and she was struggling with her composure. She didn’t want to give in to his demands, but she felt like she was losing the battle.

“Just drink it!” he boomed. “Sometimes your games are simply maddening,” he added. Getting up, he moved over and sat next to her on the couch. “I brought my friend with me,” he replied as he patted the gun inside his coat. “Don’t make me use it, okay? Unless it’s a turn-on to you.” He grinned. “Is it?”

“No,” lied Mya. She knew the gun wasn't real.

“Okay, I didn’t really think so.” He laughed and then tipped the bottle back to his lips. Wiping his mouth with his coat sleeve, he said, “Now, this is how things are going to go down. You’ll play nice and do as I say. We’ll spend an enjoyable evening together. We’re going to take our relationship to the next level because we’ve played enough games, don’t you think?” Refilling her glass, he handed it to her.

Mya kept one eye on him as she downed the liquid. Her hands were now shaking so badly she dropped the glass on the floor, and it broke into two large pieces. She was anxious. She didn't want the game to change. She had no idea what would happen, which was a scary thought.

Cristo stood, kicking the glass pieces toward the kitchen. Reaching down, he grabbed her hand and pulled her off the sofa. Unzipping his pants, he let them drop to the floor and kicked them aside as well.

“Turn around,” he requested. She didn’t move. “Please, turn around,” he said again. This time she turned away from him. “Take me to your bedroom so we can get more comfortable, okay, love?”

Mya led him out of the living room and down the hall. The whiskey was going to her head and making her feel numb. Once inside her room, she flipped on the bedside lamp and turned to look at him, but she didn’t utter a word.

“Make love to me,” he requested. “Let’s enjoy this night.”

“No,” she replied firmly. Cristo didn’t seem to notice the look of anger on her face.

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