Hired (Forbidden Lovers: Rosie Anders)

2 - What Did You Do?

The next morning, I walk into work acting as nonchalant as possible. I can't give away my news until Matthew has said it himself to the entire firm with some kind of speech to explain just how I got it so people know I got what I deserved without having to resort to his perverted tactics.

I set up my desk and try to keep busy as everyone else files in for the last day of the working week. I hear a noise from across the room and smile when Matthew strides out of his office to stand before everyone.

"Good morning everyone!" Matthew calls out once everyone is settled and they all turn to look at him. I can't help but smile even more, knowing what is about to come.

"Why are you so happy?" Chloe whispers.

"You'll see." I compose myself so I can leave the beaming smile for after the announcement.

"I'm afraid I start the day off with some very sad news." I furrow my brow, wondering what he is going on about. "It saddens me to say that yesterday evening after everyone else had left, Rosie came to me and handed in her resignation." He pauses to a few gasps from people and Rosie stares at him ignoring the whispers and looks in her direction. "This change is to be effective immediately, so today will be her last day." He offers a sad smile and sighs. "That will be all."

"That bastard!" My mouth drops open and I can't look anywhere but at him. He must sense my stare because he locks eyes with me and gives me a wink, with a infuriatingly amused smile. It only lasts a second in reality before he turns and heads back to his office, but that look is engrained into my mind forever more.

I stand and ignoring the calls from Chloe and Kacey, storm into his office letting the door crash into the wall, no doubt alerting everyone in the office to us. "What the fuck was that?" I whisper loudly, careful to not draw any more attention to us. "You said you'd give me the promotion."

"Technically I didn't." Matthew moves around his desk and towards me, backing me up against the wall, now hidden by the open door. "You said give you the promotion or you'd quit. I agreed, but I didn't say to which part." He smiles again and I want slap the smirk right off his stupid face.

"You twisted my words." I speak through gritted teeth, now realising just what kind of a man he really is.

"No. You just assumed we both meant the same thing when we said okay." He leans in closer, his breath tickling her face. "Of course, there is a way you can get me to retract my earlier statement." He pushes the door shut and I jump slightly as it slams.

I push against the wall, not sure I should even consider this. I should just accept the termination and go work for another firm that will value my expertise. Only, how long could it be before I find another job somewhere else? And who's to say Matthew will even give me a decent reference for a new job. This could be the only way. I cannot believe I am even considering the fact that playing this games with his rules could be the only way to ever get a job at the top.

"You said yourself, everyone already knows how to get a promotion so if you really wanted it, you'd have done what it takes last night after everyone else had left." He moves closer to me and places his hands on the wall, either side of my face.

I tilt my head up and look him the eye, pretty sure I already know the answer to my next question. "And if I refuse to play by your rules?"

"Then the termination still stands and we'll all be sad to see you go." He trails one hand down my face. "Me especially. But I'm sure I will find the courage and strength from somewhere to replace you."

I sigh heavily and I can see in his face he knows exactly what my next words are going to be. "Okay, you win. I'll do whatever it takes."

Matthew moves back and puts his hands in his pockets. I shouldn't find that nearly as sexy as I do. "Only problem is, now, you've made me make a statement that I'll have to retract before I can give you a promotion, so..." He trails off and I understand the look in his eye immediately. I'm going to have to do far more than anyone else to get that promotion now.