Page 5 of Room Twenty-Four: Under Their Hands

He shrugs and the cold light in his deep gray eyes would make me shiver if I wasn’t inured to it. I’ve seen it a million times on the faces of the board and a lot of other men over the years. “No can do. I’m supposed to help you. They expect me to stay until this is all taken care of since you insist on doing this.”

I point at him, my head starting to pound already. “This is still my company, Phillip. Go back to work. I’ll be back when this is done.”

His arrogant head tilts to the side and the smirk he’s wearing makes me seriously contemplate punching him in his smarmy little mouth. “Not going to go. Not until the board tells me to.”

“Fine. Then stay out of my way. If you fuck this up, I’ll make sure your sorry ass is out on the street before the end of the day.”

“Whatever.”

And that right there is the problem. Nobody is scared of me in my own damn company because they know the board is gunning for me, wanting me out.

My heart rate kicks up and I feel that breathless, tight feeling in my chest again. Panic swells and it takes everything in me not to turn and run. I can feel darkness at the edge of my vision and it takes a lot to fight it.

This day just keeps getting better and better.

But I step forward and smile at the woman when she moves forward to shake my hand and we go over everything we’ll need to do in this very quick moment.

I push the uneasy feeling down and suck it up. I will do what needs to be done. I always do.

CHAPTER4

Seth

“I’m telling you, boss. There’s something going on out there on the streets. I’m hearing little bits and pieces but I’m not sure what the hell it’s all about. It’s kinda pissing me off.”

Bruno laughs. “You’re just pissed because you couldn’t charm whatever it is out of anyone. That’s usually what manages to work for you.”

I shoot him a glare. “I’m good at what I do, man. If it’s charming the pants off of someone to get the information I want, I’ve got no problems with that.”

“Schmoozing doesn’t always get shit done, Seth. Sometimes you’ve gotta break a few eggs.”

“Wise words, my friend,” I roll my eyes.

“Honestly, sometimes I don’t know why I listen to you guys. You’re both being assholes today.”

Marco glares at both of us. “I wanna get this shit wrapped up and you guys are sitting there trying to score points off each other.”

My brows lift. “Marco, you know that we’re kidding. What the hell has your panties in such a twist?”

Bruno smirks. “It’s been at least six months since he’s been with somebody. The man’s suffering from blue balls and dick brain.”

My lips twist. “You have no class.”

“I don’t need class. I’ve got everything I need right here.” He reaches down and grasps his dick and I chuckle.

“Talk about dick brain.”

“Better than what you have, buddy.”

“Ugh. You really don’t have a clue, do you?”

Marco groans. “Come on, guys! Let’s get some whiskey and go out to the club.” Before I can say anything he sighs, “not the sex club. I just want to have a drink tonight.”

Bruno and I eye each other solemnly. “Are you sure you don’t want to go and get a little something to play with? It’s been awhile, boss.”

He shakes his head and I don’t like the look in his eyes. His dark eyes are cool and detached. “No. I’m just not interested.”

“Okay. So let’s go to Rhythms tonight and then Club Sin tomorrow night. We’ll watch some women and get in the mood.”

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