Series: Werewolves of Wall Street Series by Renee Rose
Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66669 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66669 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
My beautiful, sadistic boss.
This version of Blackthroat informed my first impression of the man when I came to work at Moon Co. The heartless, callous, pompous Wall Street CEO out for blood all as a form of entertainment.
Is it weird that in addition to finding it sexy in an anti-hero sort of way, I now find him completely relatable? That’s frightening. I probably should get off Wall Street before I become like these people.
“Madison?”
I pause with my hand mid-air, already reaching for the phone to call Aiden. Blackthroat’s tie is eskew, and his hair looks like he’s been tunneling fingers through it. “Yes, sir?”
“Don’t wear those dresses anymore.” He doesn’t use his bossman voice with me. The words ring as more of an appeal. Friend to friend. “Please. I truly can’t take it.”
It’s an absurd pronouncement, but for some reason, I believe him. For whatever reason, my billionaire boss seems to actually find me–a young woman barely out of college with mediocre sex appeal, and a strong dose of nerd–to be irresistible.
I can’t fully digest that information–it makes my head swim. I touch the window cut-out of today’s dress. I didn’t wear it to taunt him. The dresses have become part of my identity here.
Blackthroat offers a grim smile. “Expense a new wardrobe. Fly to Paris on my dime to shop. Just please stop with the torture.”
I can’t seem to think of a single response, so I settle for a wobbly nod and “Understood.”
He appears almost pained as he turns away. “Thank you.”
I draw a breath and pick up the phone to call Adalwulf’s office.
His assistant seems to recognize my name. “Yes, Ms. Evans. What can I do for you?”
“I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Blackthroat. He has an eight-figure offer on the Adirondack property, but he’s willing to entertain a competing offer from Mr. Adalwulf this afternoon, provided he brings a certified check.”
The assistant is silent for a half-beat, then she draws a quick breath. “Will you hold for just a moment, Ms. Evans?”
“Yes.”
I wait on hold a full three minutes before she returns and says, “Mr. Adalwulf will send a courier over with an offer this afternoon.”
“Oh, I’m afraid Mr. Blackthroat insists that Mr. Adalwulf deliver it personally.” I’m not sure if that’s true, but Blackthroat wanted to sweat Adalwulf, and I don’t care for the guy, so I’m going to represent my boss’ interests here.
“Please hold.”
Another three minutes passes. “Mr. Adalwulf will bring it personally to Mr. Blackthroat this afternoon.”
“May I tell him what time to expect Mr. Adalwulf?”
“I will call when he leaves the office.”
“Thank you so much.”
She calls close to five. Adalwulf probably thought he was sweating Blackthroat back, but it’s not like he was in any position to win anything. Blackthroat has something he wants, and now he has to beg for it.
That has to hurt.
I call Brick via intercom to let him know.
“Get my executive team up here for the meeting,” he replies.
I call each of them, and the team streams upstairs looking both gleeful and deadly, like the badass adventure team slow-mo walking away from the explosion.
They’re definitely out for blood. I would pity Adalwulf if I weren’t so firmly on Blackthroat’s side in the matter.
Adalwulf arrives equally padded with courtiers. A half-dozen men enter, all dressed as expensively as their master.
“He’s waiting for you in the conference room.” I extend a polite arm, like a butler. “It’s right this way.”
Adalwulf gives me a raking glance, and his nostrils flare on an inhale as he walks by me.
I follow the men into the conference room and stand politely in the doorway. I already set the fancy glass water bottles at every place, but I look at Blackthroat. “May I get you anything?”
His eyes glint that strange golden glow they sometimes take on in the light. “Stay and take notes.” That amber gaze meets mine, and I understand what he’s asking me.
For some unfathomable reason, Brick Blackthroat finds my presence stabilizing, and he wants me in the room when he deals with his treacherous cousin.
“Of course, sir.”
Adalwulf, who is positioned with his back to me, turns with a leer. He seems to think he knows something about me. About us. He appears almost gleeful now.
What was the secret he mentioned to me that night he was waiting outside?
How did he know I’d come home at that time? My brain suddenly snags on the thread and pulls. I don’t know why I didn’t consider this question at the time. Was he waiting for me? Or was there someone inside the building who told him when I left for the day? Or was he there for another reason?
I find my chair in the corner and sink into it, chewing on this mystery.
“You sure you want her in here for this?” Adalwulf taunts Blackthroat.
My brow furrows.
“I would’ve thought these negotiations might be kept a bit more private.” There’s a sneer to Adalwulf’s words I don’t like. I also don’t like not knowing what in the hell he’s talking about.