Page 43 of Selfish Suit

He adds more to my plate, sends me tasks he could’ve given someone else, and keeps me on the floor late most nights, under the pretense of “preparation.”

Sometimes I think it’s his way of keeping me close.

Other times… I wonder if it’s his way of keeping me just far enough away.

THE CEO

DOMINIC

“Hey.” Braxton steps into my office without knocking on Friday evening.

“Hey.” I keep typing. “You need something?”

“You’ve been working longer hours than usual lately,” he says. “But it seems like you’re getting less done.”

“I wasn’t aware I had a boss here. You can write me up if you like.”

He doesn’t laugh, just crosses his arms.

“I was wrong about Ivy Locke,” he says.

I stop typing.

“She’s smart. Sharp. Good instincts,” he continues. “Not just a pretty distraction for you.”

“I know that.”

“But I have to ask…”

He leans against the wall.

“Be honest with me. Are you sleeping with her?”

His question makes my head shoot up.

“I’m clearly in an office talking to you right now,” I say. “Do you need to get your eyes checked?”

“You know what I mean.”

Silence.

“We’re down to the wire for time on the Skittles pitch,” I say. “I believe this conversation can wait.”

“It’s not a conversation. It’s a yes or no question.”

I meet his eyes. “No.”

Braxton smirks. “So that’s a yes.”

He pushes off the wall.

“Fire her by the end of the month or else.”

I arch a brow. “Or else what?”

“Or else I will.”

“Because you think I like her?”