The Soldier's Roommate

Chapter 28: Trust his words.

Alice

Of course, they were right.

How else would I have gotten a spot for this interview?

God, how could I have been so stupid... How could I let him fool me like that, again? Ten years later, and still, I haven't learned a thing, it seems.

"What the hell am I doing here, Lee?" Anger seems to take over as I try to process what exactly is happening here, but Lee doesn't seem phased at all.

He just waves off the secretary, who then closes the door on her way out. "Take a seat, Alice. I hear you're in need of a job."

And right in that moment, I understand why I'm here. I understand why the sponsorship came through after I saw Lee in the parking lot that day. I understand why he paid for that fancy hotel and everything else that comes with this interview.

That arrogant asshole wanted to show off.

I bet he jumped at the chance to show me what he achieved and I haven't, justifying his choice all those years ago. It's kind of sad, really, that he still feels the need to validate his decisions so many years later.

"Had I known you're the one offering this job, I definitely would've shut it down the second your name came up."

He raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips when he retorts, "Well, no need to be all hostile about this, Alice..."

"No need to be hostile?!" I interrupt him, feeling the fire in my veins as I look at this excuse of a man in front of me. "You sent me out here, knowing full well I wouldn't accept this offer, because let's be real here... We both know just how little I want to be anywhere near you. And still, you expect me to worship the ground you walk on? Are you this delusional?!"

I can feel his eyes on my body, and suddenly I feel so, so, dirty, that I just want to jump into a pool of disinfectant to get rid of his dirty glances. "Well, I mean, you're here now. Nothing's stopping you from going to dinner with me as well."

And I have to admit, this is not what I expected.

"You think I want to go to dinner with you?! What the..."

"Well, it could be a business dinner. I mean, I am the CFO of this business, so I can pretty much do whatever I want, so..."

Arrogant shithead.

I'm having a real hard time not to punch him straight in the face, to be honest. Opening and closing my fists next to me, I just look at him, taking deep and controlled breaths before I speak up again. "First of all: I'm not for sale. I'm not an object, and I damn well won't let you treat me as one. I'm also pretty sure my boyfriend wouldn't be too impressed if I told him I'm going out with my ass of an ex."

I turn, walking straight back to the door before I look at him once more, feeling the need to say those last words as well. "Las but not least: Go fuck yourself, you goddamn coward. Interfere with my life again, and I'll make you regret it. Don't underestimate me."

And right as my hand pushes down the door handle, ready to leave this godforsaken building, Lee speaks again, his words stopping me dead in my tracks.

"You should think about Jake, Alice."

I snap around, watching how he walks toward me with that cunning smile on his lips. He obviously thinks he has the upper hand here.

Well, he forgot who I am. "What did you just say?" I ask, already feeling how my fingers tingle from the need to punch him straight in the face.

"I'm just saying, you always cared for that little rascal, right? I'm pretty sure you need a job to do that. I'll pay you well - I'll help you pay his tuition, his living costs..."