Free Anna's Contract by Deva Long Page B

we hold is a natural right of the businessman.” His expression changed and now he looked like Brother Kevin giving a sermon back at her Catholic school.
    “It’s a way to save jobs. Instead of firing people, Darco uses physical discipline. It’s effective. Our internal research shows that employees who work with the ongoing fear of punishment are more effective and slack off less. Idle chat around the coffee machine is markedly reduced, and we endure fewer bathroom breaks. There has been no smoking at all at Darco since we implemented the policy. It’s improved our margins by over fifteen percent. And reduced our healthcare costs significantly.”
    Heart hammering like a fool’s ticker before a short-tempered king, Anna dug her nails into the arms of the chair.
    “After all, no one forced you to take a job here. No one made you sign these papers, did they? ”
    She slumped back in her seat.
    “Did anyone force you, Anna?”
    Caden Morning’s eyes were locked on her chest, and her breasts pushed harder against her blouse’s cheap material. Can he see my boobs growing bigger the more he speaks of spankings and punishments?
    Why are they doing that?
    He looked over her file. “I see you scored well on our hiring assessment. You’re what we like, Anna. Eager and willing to please.”
    She remembered her interviewer saying something similar. “I can tell you’ll go the extra mile.”
    Months ago, Anna had nodded with veiled desperation, hoping for a regular salary and a desk. The one requirement for the cushy job with her own cubicle and computer, had been her signature on a baker’s dozen pages out of a massive stack. The interviewer had been in a rush, and Anna signed without looking.
    “You can’t mean…”
    “You can, of course, quit. You can look for another paycheck. It’s a free country. We have roads to drive and fuel to burn. You can hit the pavement any time. But drive fast. If you refuse your punishment, my next call will be to the County Sheriff.”
    Anna put her hand to her mouth.
     

two
     
    Faced with Director Morning’s insane corporal punishment talk, Anna’s attention turned to her new kitten, Sir Puffin Paws. That’s what she called him. She found him last night, chased by a pack of neighborhood dogs up the tree in front of her building. Anna drove the pack away and rescued the minute furball. Now Puffy waited in her bathroom with several water and tuna filled Tupperwares.
    I hope he’s alright.
    Mister Paws came from the street, and should be able to survive a food and water-filled bathroom for a while longer. At least for the duration of Caden Morning’s discipline speech.
    Either he’d fire her or he would force her to endure some company discipline. Caden might dock her pay or move her to an undesirable position. Either way, the next minutes promised to deliver a drama she would rather skip.
    If he fires me, I can go cuddle my kitten.
    “Please go sit on the couch,” Caden said.
    “What?” The short brown leather couch and matching ottoman sat on the side of the office. Over it, hung a painting she had not noticed before. A roaring lion, brushed in a blurred, impressionistic style.
    “I need to loop in Miss Tolling. I’m not sure the company can forgive what you’ve done, Anna. We may need to prosecute you, regardless of which punishment you decide to take.”
    “But I can’t afford a lawyer.” Her voice cracked, high and shaky. Caden Morning stood. She repressed a gasp, seeing the front of his pin-striped pants bulging outward.
    “Think about what I said while Tolling and I discuss your case. She’s your direct manager, so the final decision is hers.”
    “Please, Mister Morning, I have rent, my mother, my car…”
    “I’ll see what I can do.”
    Anna nodded and walked over to the couch. Then she sat and crossed her legs. Caden ran his gaze over her body. His eyes were hungry and inappropriate.
    From behind her bangs, Anna returned the look.
    Caden Morning leaned