More Than Hate You (More Than Words)

“Then we’ll address all the employees and let them know about the pending change in management. If you’d like them all to know that you were named VP of Finance because you married your way into it…” I shrug. “I don’t think it’s smart or good for your image, but that’s your call.”

Her eyes widen for a moment before she smothers her shock. “What’s happening to Perez?”

“The same thing that will happen to Shane and all the other VPs. They’ll go quietly if they want their very lux severance packages. If they resist…let’s just say we both know how to keep them quiet.”

I’m betting Shane kept the blackmail material he’d cultivated against each of them somewhere in his office. He’s been banned from the building, and I’m about to have the keys to his kingdom. I’ll find whatever he stashed, and all the outgoing VPs will learn quickly that I have no hesitation in using their momentary lapses of judgment against them.

“You’re a bastard.”

“That should be no surprise.” But if she’s resorting to name-calling, it means she has no better defense, and I’ve won. “Last chance. Are you going to let me put the ring on your finger, or are you going to flaunt for all your fellow employees and new subordinates that you’re in bed—literally—with the enemy?”

Sloan does her best to blank her expression, but there’s a mutinous line to her mouth and a fire in her eyes as she jerks the bachelorette party favor from her neck and works the fifty-thousand-dollar ring off the plastic chain. When I hold out my hand, she jabs the sharp edge of the diamond into my palm. When it gouges me, I refuse to wince.

Show no weakness.

I give her a saccharine smile instead and seize her left hand in a firm grip. “You’re mine from this moment until 365 days after we say I do.” I ease the ring onto her finger, gratified to see it there. It fits perfectly, as if it were made for her. “Now we’re engaged. Congratulations.”

“Fuck you.”

I tsk at her. “That’s no way to talk to your fiancé.”

She scoffs. “That’s the only way I’ll talk to a bastard like you.”

Sloan might be angry now…but that fire will burn out. And she’ll soon realize the torch I’m carrying for her isn’t one she can snuff out.

I lean closer. “Fair warning: I’m going to make you fall in love with me.”

Sloan laughs at me like I’m delusional. “I’ll fall in love with my vibrator way before I fall for you.”

“Baby, I’m going to make you feel way better than your vibrator ever could. I’ll have you panting, pleading, and crying out for me.”

“Wow, your ego is bigger than your inner bastard. I didn’t think that was possible.” She shakes her head. “Bless your heart.”

I know that’s Southern-woman speak for fuck you.

“Bless yours.” I twist the ring on her finger and look right into her eyes. “Because once I get you naked and under me, you’re going to need it.”

The rest of Thursday and Friday—up until noon—are a blur of activity.

After Bruce Rawson signed on the dotted line without additional strong-arming required, the email outlining the change in management, effective next Thursday, went out to all employees. The accompanying meeting to answer employees’ questions is a zoo. After quickly conferring with Sloan and HR, I name acting VPs for every department in the company, issue a press release, and generally keep the troops calm.

A couple of hours into our Friday, I turn to Sloan, already knowing I’m going to start a fight. “Pack a bag for the weekend.”

She gives me a wary stare. “Where are we going?”

“Maui. We’re getting married tomorrow, so if there’s anyone you want to invite…”

“What?” She twists her engagement ring on her finger like she’s itching to take it off.

I nod. “When we return to Dallas, we’ll be man and wife.”

“Don’t you mean bastard and hostage?”

I continue on as if she didn’t insult me. “If you have a bridesmaid in mind, call her now.”

“So we’re just going to a justice of the peace? We can do that here.”

I shake my head. “We’re having a ceremony with my friends and family.”