Free Shake Her World (Restrained Book 1) by Sylvie Nathan Page A

to wait for her in her office?” Thompson jokes, flashing another wide smile.
    “Ms. Mason locks her office every time she leaves for longer than 15 minutes.” It’s really hard to bite the “you moron” back that just wants to spill out of Ariana’s mouth.
    Seriously, how long have this clown been Ms. Mason’s boyfriend? Over a year, and he still acts like he doesn’t know that Ms. Mason never leaves her office open, because she’s paranoid about her work being stolen. Or just rightfully suspicious, because who know what Thompson would do if he got full reign their unsupervised.
    “And you don’t happen to have a spare key?”
    “Mr. Thompson, do you need me to look for a neurologist for you?”
    “Now, why would I need that?” the guy asks, surprised.
    “To check your apparent case of senility,” Ariana deadpans, earning an eye roll and a rueful chuckle.
    “Harsh, Anna. I just wanted to surprise, Sophie.”
    “Ms. Mason doesn’t like surprises.”
    “I’m sure, she’d love this. If you know what I mean.” He even wiggles his eyebrows, as if the suggestion that he wants to fuck his girlfriend in her office during the busiest time of the day isn’t revolting enough in itself. After cheating on her with some poor girl who probably has no idea that he’s been in a long-term relationship with the CEO of a multimillion dollar company.
    He’s a fucking piece of shit and Ariana wants to gauge his eyes out with her five inch heels.
    “Well, you’re out of luck.” She shoots Thompson a toothy grin. “I don’t have a spare key.” It’s a lie, but the jerkwad doesn’t need to know that. “So can I take a message?”
    Thompson’s face sours, but he’s quick to cover it up. “Nah, just tell her, I’ll pick her up after work tonight.”
    “I’ll do, Mr. Thompson. Have a nice day.” And please, get hit by a bus.
    “See you, Anna.”
    He leaves with a little wave while Ariana flips him the bird the moment his back disappears behind the tinted glass door that separates her tiny office from the bullpen. She turns back to her screen, staring at the open planner worksheet blankly. Ms. Mason could do so much better than Neil Thompson. She definitely deserves much better than Neil Thompson. Someone who would accept her and love her just the way she is, and not a complete asshole who cheats on her behind her back and talks down to her whenever they’re in company.
    Sadly, Ariana can’t do anything to open her boss’ eyes. So she forces herself to concentrate on entering Ms. Mason’s schedule into the digital planner and getting lost in double checking the seemingly endless dates of meetings and other events Ms. Mason has lined up for the next week. She doesn’t look up until she hears the soft clicking sound of Ms. Mason’s heels, and has to muster up all her courage to force a smile onto her lips at the sight of her boss’ thunderous expression.
    “Any messages?” Ms. Mason asks, the coldness in her voice making Ariana cringe inwardly.
    “Mr. Thompson was here but left when I told him he couldn’t wait for you in your office,” she answers dutifully. Ms. Mason’s eyes narrow.
    “He perfectly knows no one is allowed in my office when I’m not present.”
    “He wanted to surprise you.”
    If she didn’t know better, she’d swear twin spots of dark red appears on Ms. Mason’s mocha colored cheeks when she presses her lips into a thin line. Apparently, Ariana couldn’t hide the derision from her tone enough to prevent her boss from catching onto the hidden meaning.
    “He said he’ll pick you up after work tonight,” Ariana adds, changing the subject quickly.
    After a few heartbeats of silence, Ms. Mason nods. “Thank you. Anything else?”
    “I finished double checking your schedule for next week. And Mr. Carlisle called to confirm your attendance at the Alan Turing Foundation’s Annual Charity Gala tomorrow.”
    “Have you checked my appointment for the final fitting with