Page 102 of Conflict
THE NEXTmorning, I’m sitting in my office, stewing until I can’t take it anymore. I promised Alyssa I’d let it go, that I wouldn’t do anything. But that’s just not in my nature, and even though she’s going to be pissed at me, I can’t help myself.
Since Wellsley-Callahan is only a few blocks from my office, I walk the distance, getting angrier with each step that brings me closer. With a one-track mind, I enter the building, ride the elevator to the top floor, and stalk towards Sawyer Callahan’s office. An older woman with a stern expression stands when she sees me.
“Is Callahan in?” I bark out, not even caring that I sound like an asshole.
“Yes, but he’s occupied. You cannot go in there.”
I give the petite woman a glance. “Who’s going to stop me?”
“Excuse me!” she gasps when I walk right past her and place my hand on the doorknob, only to find it locked.
Pounding on the door, I don’t even give a damn if I’m making a scene. “Goddammit, Callahan, if you don’t open this door right now, I swear to God I will fucking break it down.”
My anger grows exponentially with every passing moment. Finally, just when I’m about to bust my fist against the door, I hear the lock twist. The door opens to reveal Callahan with messed-up hair and a wrinkled shirt half tucked in. I step inside, closing it behind him.
“What the fuck do you want now, Wellington?” Sawyer growls.
“Now, now, Sawyer. Clearly, something is wrong. Why don’t we all sit down and discuss the matter?”
It’s only now that I notice Cheyenne sitting on top of Sawyer’s desk, her hair equally messy. Fuck.
I hold my hands up. “I apologize for interrupting, but this couldn’t fucking wait.”
Sawyer takes his seat at his desk, running a hand through his hair. “What’s going on? What has you all riled up this morning? I swear, Wellington, we go months without seeing you, and now, it seems like you’re here all the time.”
I ignore the comment. “The head of your fucking board threatened to fire Alyssa if she didn’t get him insider information from me. That’s my fucking problem.”
Sawyer rears back then leans in closer, his eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me right. Archibald fucking Wellsley found out about us and decided to use it against her. The fuck actually had the audacity to ask her to spy on me or risk losing her job. And you know what?! I’d fucking give her the information myself if she wanted. But she doesn’t because that’s the kind of woman she is. If your damn company can’t see what an asset they have in her, then I will happily poach her from you. Just try and fucking stop me.”
“Fucking Wellsley,” Sawyer mutters, once again running his hand through his hair. “I swear to Christ, Shane, I had no idea. He has no say over employment anymore. Alyssa has nothing to worry about. She’ll be fired over my dead body.”
“Tell that to Wellsley. He threatened to go to the board, say she’s a risk, that there’s a conflict of interest between her working here and dating me.”
“There’s no conflict, Shane,” Sawyer tells me.
Cheyenne interrupts. “I think this is a discussion best had with Alyssa present.” She walks across the room and opens the door, asking the secretary to call Alyssa and ask her to come up immediately.
My heart hammers while we wait because I know I’m about to be in deep, deep shit.
And when she walks in and sees me, her expression reddens, her eyes blazing, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think she is possessed.
Oh, fuck.
When Marnie, Sawyer’s secretary, calls and asks me to come to his office immediately, multiple disaster scenarios run through my head. None of them, however, prepared me for seeing Shane in Sawyer’s office, rage apparent on his face.
“Alyssa, Shane’s informed me of the threats made by Wellsley. I want to assure you—the both of you—that I will investigate this matter and ensure nothing happens to you.”
I nod to Sawyer then turn to Shane. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I hiss, not wanting to cause a scene, but totally wanting to create a scene.
Shane throws his hands up into the air. “I’d apologize if I meant it, but I haven’t lied to you and I’m not going to start now.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “Oh, really, pool boy?”
He grimaces, and I feel a sharp twist, knowing that it was unfair to throw that back in his face. “Since then, Alyssa. I know you said you could handle it, and I trust that. I’m sure you can. But as I was sitting at my desk this morning, I couldn’t stop picturing his hands on you or the fucking disgusting things he said. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I just let that go?”
“Wait a minute,” Sawyer pipes in. “His hands on you?”
