Manage My Heart (New Year New Me 2)

“Oh.” Alby’s eyebrows arch. “Such as?”

“He didn’t go into specifics. But he mentioned the importance of treating employees and the products with consideration and respect.”

“And we don’t?” Alby roars.

I remain silent.

“You need to make him understand that powerful people do what’s necessary to maintain their position.”

“He’s very family

-oriented. I think his values lie elsewhere.”

“Why do you think his daughter’s interest in you is so important?” Alby snarls, all but foaming at the mouth. “He’s led by his emotions. You capture that girl’s heart, and we’ll have our deal.”

“I’m not interested in her, sir. I let her know that months ago.” I place my hands on my knees, tightening my fingers.

“Are you a team player or not, boy?”

“I think I’ve proven many times over that Alby Software is my top priority.”

Alby slams his fist down onto the table. “And yet you balk when it matters.”

I flinch. “And what would happen after we signed the deal?”

“You’d have a wealthy wife. I’ve seen you, boy. You have no staying power with any of those pretty little arm candies you bring around. Would this be so different?”

“Yes.”

“Why? This time you’d be getting something more than a round in bed—power, prestige, money, and a spot as the owner here. I need to know the man I leave in charge will do whatever it takes to keep us afloat and flourishing. You’ve shown great promise over the years, I’d be disappointed to see I was all wrong about you.”

I grit my teeth.

“You’ve given up so much. It’d be a shame for you to have to start over somewhere else at thirty-five.”

The old fucker is threatening me. If I don’t bring this deal home, I won’t have a job to worry about. Red rage rises up, blocking out my vision. After everything I’ve given to him, he still wants more.

“That’s it, boy. Get angry. Remember this helpless feeling. This is what it means to be a worker instead of an owner. The choice is up to you.”

I rise abruptly, rattling the glasses on the table. I turn on my heel and walk to the door, leaving him behind. If I wait a moment longer, I won’t be able to stop myself from exploding and doing things I might regret. He’d backed me into a corner. I knew he had a shady side to him, but I figured out of sight out of mind. I should’ve known he would eventually turn on me. It was in his nature.

He could take everything away. I would be left with nothing more than a severance package and what I’d managed to save in my 401K. Pure terror has me fleeing like the hounds of hell are nipping at my heels. I barely remember the trip from his room to mine. I walk inside, and Adora looks up at me with concern.

“West.”

I stalk forward, bury my hand in her coarse curls, and pull her body to mind. Bending down, I devour her lips, channeling my anger into the hunger our game of hoax has awakened. I plunge my tongue between her lips, tasting her flavor as I explore every facet of her mouth. My hands roam her body, massaging her ass and moving to hike up her skirt to reveal her thick thighs. She squeals, and I use the opening to deepen the kiss, tilting my head this way and that as I strive to slake my thirst. How could I give this up? I slip my hands between her cheeks, massaging her center.

Her whimpers and moans are smothered by my mouth. Nipping her swollen bottom lip, I move down her body, squeezing her flesh lightly. I sink my teeth into the area where her shoulder and neck meet, marking her. Releasing her skin, I step back.

“I need to see you.” My voice is guttural and rough. I tug her white blouse free from the blue pencil skirt and yank it apart. Buttons fly, landing on the carpet with muted plops. Her breasts peek out from beneath a blush pink lacy number that contrasts with her golden-brown flesh. I run my thumbs over her stiff peaks. She thrusts them forward.

“Fucking pretty.” The dime-sized, brown nipples beg to be sucked. I clamp my teeth around one lightly as I pluck the other with my fingers.

Crying out, she buries her fingers in my hair and forces me closer. I suckle her, tugging and rolling the opposite bud between my fingers. I switch, making sure to give the twins equal attention. Pulling back, I pop the clasp in the back and groan as the bra falls away. I cup the warm weight in my palms and push them together. Flicking the turgid nipples, I suck them in my mouth once more before kneeling in front of her.

She looks thoroughly debauched—chest heaving, hair mused, and her skirt shoved up around her waist. I caress her skin with my fingers as I nuzzle her core. Running my tongue along the seam of her underwear, I enjoy her flavor and the feel of the pink lace. She squirms, and I chuckle. Gripping the back of her thighs, I nip at her flesh. “Tell me what you need.”

“More.”