Page 94 of Coerced Kiss
A sigh slips from my lips. “Yes, sir.”
Heat sparks in his eyes. “And you can practice that line for tonight.”
What the?—?
Not giving me time to ponder the statement, he heads for the door. “Come. I’ll drive you.”
An hour later, he sees me off at the office with a kiss and a warning to be a good girl. Jasmine, who’s in reception when he opens the door for me, swoons.
“Wow,” she says when he’s gone, looking me up and down. “You look amazing.” Gripping the edge of the coat, she rubs it between her fingers. “This is a designer label.” Before I can stop her, she yanks the coat open and checks the label that’s stitched on the lining. “Oh my fucking God,” she shrieks. “This is a Cathy Liu. They tailor-make to size.” She lets go of the coat. “You have an attentive boyfriend.”
The elevator arrives. I get inside, pretending to check my phone, but Jasmine isn’t to be deterred.
“Did you go shopping last weekend?” she asks, eyeing my bag and shoes. “It seems he’s feeding you well too.”
I look at her. “Why do you say that?”
“You picked up a little weight, but don’t worry, you’re still hot. Guys prefer fuller girls anyway.” She nudges my shoulder. “So, did he buy you the clothes? I mean, it’s obvious. We can’t afford those brands on our salaries, can we?”
Suppressing a sigh, I recite a lie that I take from Saverio’s book. “He likes to spoil me.”
She makes a puppy face. “You’re so fucking lucky, bitch.”
The doors open.
“If only you knew,” I mumble under my breath as I hurry down the corridor.
Just as I reach the kitchen, Ms. Price exits. I almost bump into her.
“Ms. Brennan.” She looks at me from down her nose, her mouth pulling into a frown as she moves her gaze over me. “I’m glad you decided to honor us with your presence.”
“I’d like to work in the hours I missed.”
She turns on her heel and heads toward her office. “That won’t be necessary. I already deducted the hours from your salary.”
I swallow my protest. As I’m not a permanent employee, I don’t have the advantage of paid leave.
“Try not to make it a habit,” she shoots over her shoulder. “With Mr. Lewis gone, we’re understaffed as it is.”
I run to catch up. “Ms. Price, I was wondering.”
She stops and looks at me.
Clutching the handle of the bag in both hands, I ask, “When is the funeral?”
She blows out a long breath and lifts her chin. “Ms. Lewis wants to keep it a private affair. Staff isn’t invited.”
“Oh, no. I’d never intrude.”
“Then why do you want to know, Ms. Brennan?” she asks in a haughty tone.
Guilt eats into my gut. “I’d like to send flowers.”
“We’re sending flowers from the office.” She checks her watch. “If that’s all, your shift started five minutes ago.”
“Of course,” I say as she walks away with a stiff back.
The other girls look up when I take my place at my desk. Jasmine shoots them a knowing smile. They no doubt discussed my outfit. Saverio may think our fake relationship will appear more authentic if he treats me like a real girlfriend, but he’s not making things easy for me.