Natalie pov
Damn this jerk.
He's been trying to get me fired since the moment I walked into his office, like it's his personal mission to grind me into dust. But he doesn't know how desperate I am or how much I need this job.
He can throw his worst at me, and I still won't back down.
I keep my posture straight, my hands locked in front of me to stop from shaking. He's watching me, waiting for me to flinch, to break—but I won't give him that satisfaction.
"I was only asking for clarification. I'm fine with it." My voice is steady, betraying none of the frustration bubbling under my skin.
I just need to make sure I keep my phone on vibrate so it doesn't disturb the kids.
"Not that it matters." He lifts his haughty, straight nose in the air as if I'm beneath even looking at. "Needless to say, I don't tolerate mistakes. Miss a chore, and you're out. Mess up, and you're also out. Are we clear?"
"Yes."
"It's yes, sir."
I bite the inside of my cheek so hard I'm surprised I don't taste blood.
"Are you daft or just bad at following instructions, Ms. Brooks?"
"No."
"No, sir. Now, say it."
There's a challenge in his tone, a cruel glint in his dark eyes. Nothing bright or shiny like the Alex I once knew.
This one is sadistic, feeding off my humiliation like it's his morning coffee.
But screw him.
If he thinks my pride will stop me from stooping low, then he doesn't know how thick my skin has grown over the years.
"No, sir," I say, forcing my voice to stay cool, unaffected.
His lip curls slightly. "That's how you'll address me from now on. Are we clear?"
I nod.
"You have a voice, use it."
"Yes, sir." The words feel like swallowing broken glass, but I force them out.
He enjoys this. I can see it in the way his shoulders relax ever so slightly, in the satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.
The bastard must find pleasure in making me feel as small as a dead fly stuck to the sole of his shoe.
But it doesn't matter.
I've gone through worse for the kids. I can do this, too.
"Now get out and do your job."
He doesn't even spare me a glance as he turns back to the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking New York City, his hands slipping into his pockets like he's already dismissed me.
For a second—only a second—I stand there and watch the sharp ridges of his back, the way his tailored suit hugs his broad shoulders. The way the light from outside casts a faint glow around his frame, making him look even more untouchable.
And it fills me with trepidation.
It's the invisible line again. The secret I'm keeping from him.
"Are your legs nonfunctioning, too? Or is it your ears?" His voice cuts through the air like a blade.
I snap out of it. "No," I say quickly, then add through clenched teeth, "sir."
"Then why the fuck aren't you leaving? You should've been out of here thirty seconds ago."
I give an awkward nod that he doesn't see, then force my legs to move. Every step is like dragging a mountain behind me, my fingers sweaty against the tablet I'm holding.
When I finally reach my desk, I collapse onto the chair, pressing my hands to my temples.
Bloody hell.
I just lost a few years of my lifespan in there. And the worst part? This is only the beginning.
The worst part is that what's coming will be worse than what's gone.
Because if he ever finds out what I'm hiding from him—
Riiing!
I jerk, my knee slamming against the desk.
"Ouch," I hiss, rubbing the spot before I pick up the phone. "Hello?"
"It's not hello." His voice slithers through the receiver, sharp as ever. "It's Pierce Holdings and Titan, Alexander Pierce's office. How may I help you? If you lack competence, how the hell did you even get the job, Ms. Brooks?"
I grit my teeth. "I'm sorry."
"You're sorry what?"
I hate him.
I hate him so much.
"Sir," I grind out.
"Repeat that, but without attitude this time."
My nails dig into my skirt. I want to scream. Instead, I take a slow, deep breath.
"Sir."
"You still didn't get me my coffee, in case you haven't noticed. It's about an hour late."
I grab the phone with both hands to hold on to my patience. "I only learned about your requirements today."
"So it's my fault the coffee is late?"
Yes.
Yes, you insufferable bastard.
But I can't say that.
"No, it's not," I say with a tight smile. "I'll get your coffee right away, sir."
Beep. Beep. Beep.
I stare at the phone, stunned.
Did he just—
That asshole hung up on me.
I squeeze my eyes shut, inhaling deeply. Stay calm. Stay professional. Murder is expensive, and I have kids to take care of.
Grabbing the company card, I head out, determined to find his damn coffee.
But when I reach the coffee shop near the firm, I stop short.
The name is different.
I check my notes. Then the maps app.
And my stomach sinks.
The place is fifteen minutes away. On foot.
In heels.
By the time I finally get there, my feet are screaming, and sweat clings to my skin. The shop—Masseria—is small, cozy, almost pub-like, but I have zero energy to appreciate the atmosphere.
I get Alex's coffee and place exactly one gram of sugar.
When I return, I knock, stepping into his office with a forced smile.
He's looking at his watch.
"Not only do you not bring coffee on time, but you're also another thirty minutes late."
"The coffee shop is fifteen minutes away."
"Not my problem. Walk faster."
He snaps his fingers. I grit my teeth as I hand him the cup.
He takes one sip. Then his lips twist in disapproval.
"Did I not say one gram of sugar?"
"That's what I put. Approximately."
"That's more than one gram, Ms. Brooks. And don't do approximately again."
Then, right in front of me—
He throws the cup into the trash.
My eye twitches.
"Go get me a new one. And make it right this time."
He leans back, fingers tapping the desk. "You have twenty minutes."
Twenty minutes?
Does he think I'm The Flash?
I stare at him, incredulous.
But no—he's dead serious.
"Do you have a problem with what I just asked, Ms. Brooks?"
Oh, I get it now.
He's trying to break me.
Trying to make me quit.
Well, he does
n't know who the hell he's dealing with.
"No, sir." I smile, sweet as poison. "I'll get a replacement right away."
I can play this game too, jerk.
And we'll see who holds on until the end.