Dirty Addiction (Dirty 2)

My head drops. He’s not going to back down. I’m really going to have to find my way on my own with no money.

“Lucky for you, a heart attack changes an old man like me.”

My face lifts as I try to decide if he is serious or not.

His face looks sad. “I didn’t listen to your father when he pleaded with me to let him choose his own wife. I thought I knew better.” He rubs his neck. “I’m not sure if the company benefited greatly from their union. I know he was never happy in his marriage.”

He sighs. “I can’t change your dad’s fate, but I can give you a chance. I know you have been trying to prove that you are worthy of running the company.”

I nod.

“You’ve failed horribly.”

I frown but don’t deny it. It’s true. I’m not the right person to run the company.

“I am willing to give you a chance though.”

My eyes brighten just a little.

“Since I promoted Killian to CEO, there is a spot open in the company. We will need a new VP of Operations. I’ve been looking around, but I haven’t found anyone worthwhile y

et. Tony obviously isn’t a good choice.”

I nod, willing him to say the words that I want him to say.

“I’ll give you the job.”

My hands go around him, tightly holding him, before he even has a chance to say the rest. He pushes me back up after I’ve finished smothering him.

“Now, the job comes with some conditions. You will attend business classes.”

I nod. I already planned on doing that.

“You will run every decision by either Killian or me.”

I nod, not liking that as much, but I’ll accept it—for now.

“Lastly, this is a trial run. If you last a year, it can be a permanent position, but Killian or I can fire you for any reason at any time.”

I take a deep breath and nod. His terms seem fair, considering I have never run a company like this before.

“If you last a year, I’ll give you all of my equity.”

I raise an eyebrow at him. “That would be…”

He nods. “You would have controlling power over the company. You would have fifty-one percent. Killian will only have forty-nine.”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I can’t believe what he is offering me. I don’t understand what changed since the heart attack, but whatever it is, I’ll take it.

“Do we have an agreement?”

I smile. “Yes.”

I extend my hand, and we shake on it.

“Now that, that is taken care of, what is that boy still doing here?”

“What do you mean?”