Free Hers by Dawn Robertson Page B

sleaze-ball. Drooling all over poor Livie, and she’s eating it up. Note to self - have a talk with her about Daniel, or fire her. Either way, both may be a little fun.
    “I'll do it.”
    The voice sends a shock through my system, and I look up to meet Levi's gaze. His hair is styled perfectly, a grey custom suit adheres to all the right places on his body, and I can't help but ogle him across the table. Without showing my nerves, I try to speak above the side conversations around the table.
    “No one else?” I scan everyone's faces; they all look like they just dodged a bullet.
    “If that is settled, I have someplace to be.” Daniel stands to walk from the table. I still have a laundry list of shit I need the board to discuss, but no one seems interested at all.
    “Ah, he who cares so little about the company that bears his name.”
    The conference room falls silent; all the men stare at me with shock. Clearly, Daniel walks around here like he is untouchable, but that will come to an end, now.
    “What did you say?” He turns around mere inches from my face, questioning me like I have to answer to him. Wrong.
    “I said, Mr. Alexander, for someone who actually bears the name of this company, you surely show little interest in its well-being and business. But I don't believe I stuttered.”
    Still silent, the men watch as I enter into a pissing match; I am sure to win.
    “I have an appointment.” He is short, to the point, but I can see he’s pissed. His face clearly shows frown lines as his mouth sets into a straight line, his brows furrow, and as he turns to leave he lets out a fucking huff. Did he just fucking huff at me?
    He turns to walk from the room, but I have the last word. “Hey Daniel, next time you miss a board meeting for an ‘appointment,’ you can pack up your office, and get the fuck out.”
    A couple men smile, Levi included. Others are sizing me up. I’m pissed. Like most men in the corporate world, they think they can walk all over me, and that just won't be happening.
    “Let me get one thing straight before we continue with the mountain of business before us. I will not be disrespected, talked down to, or trampled in my boardroom.” My voice elevates as I continue my tirade. “I am not your wife, or your side piece of ass. I am your boss. If you do not like what I have to say, or the way I do business, please, get up and get the fuck out now. It will save me the trouble of firing your ass down the line.” I slam my fist on the table, “If you haven't heard about the way I do business yet, I suggest you all start asking around.”
    No one says a word. They stare. Levi sits in his chair with a smug grin on his face, soaking it all in.
    “Now, shall we continue?”

    Behind the safe walls of my office, I curse this entire trip to London. Of fucking course Levi would have so eagerly volunteered himself for the trip. Of. Fucking. Course.
    My phone vibrates across my desk as I continue running over files I just received from London. I can't believe what a mess their branch of the company has become. Had I known this before the buyout, I would have never fucking bought this headache. Revenge or not, it’s not fucking worth it.
    Looking down at the display on my phone, I see an unfamiliar number, so I ignore it.
    “Olivia,” I buzz through the intercom. Her reply is quick.
    “I need lunch, now. Um, get me chicken tacos from Chipotle. Sour Cream, cheese... the usual. With a Dr. Pepper.” I cut the line before she has an opportunity to reply. I know I shouldn't take my frustrations out on her, but after watching her all gooey in Daniel's radar this morning, something bitter has snapped in me. Shit, that was even before the nightmare business trip I am being forced into.
    A soft rap on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I invite in whomever is on the other side, since Olivia is off getting my lunch. The heavy door slowly creeps open and there stands Levi. He closes the door, then makes