Playing with Power - Book 5: New Adult Office Romance Read online

  Lauren noticed the odd look Landon was giving her. “Come to think of it, maybe we should just hire her as your body guard.”

  “Oh, I’m sure she’d love that.” Lauren took his hand. “Don’t worry, I promise I’ll be careful. I honestly don’t think Nick would hurt me.”

  2.

  It’d been such an amazing weekend, Lauren had nearly forgotten the ultimatum she’d given Parker the Friday before. It was only after saying goodbye to Landon and getting ready for work she remembered the shit-storm she could be walking into. Just as she was heading out the door, she double checked the audio file was saved on her computer at the MyBFC office. She wouldn’t put it past him to try destroying her phone.

  As she walked to work, she smiled at the memory of Landon’s face when he’d heard the recording. Sitting in her bedroom, she played it for him just before they went out to eat. The sound was a little muffled because she’d had to shove it down her bra but their conversation had come through clear enough.

  “What, are you gonna hit me? You gonna pin me up against the wall again? You’re just a sad little man. You know I’m not scared of you.”

  Landon had looked at her and nodded appreciatively. She’d enjoyed watching his reactions as they listened to it, the anxiety and excitement of the moment still fresh as she relived it. When the recording ended, Landon had crossed his arms over his chest.

  “What?” Lauren said suddenly feeling embarrassed.

  “What what? You’re a fucking badass, I can’t believe you! What possessed you to actually record all that? I mean, it’s great you did but...holy hell, Wren.”

  “I don’t know, I just figured it was a good idea. Stop looking at me like that!” The feeling was an odd combination of self-conscious pride.

  “I guess I know never to cross the notorious Lauren Kemp. Good job though, seriously. What a fucking prick. I can’t wait to get this company going and destroy him.” Lauren enjoyed seeing the anger in Landon’s eyes, the feeling that he’d protect her no matter what. At the same time, she loved showing him she didn’t need much protection.

  Lauren shook her head, clearing her mind of the memory. It threatened to devolve into daydreams about her boyfriend, flying away from her at that very moment. No! Knock it off. You’ve gotta be sharp here. Parker’s like a trapped animal right now.

  She climbed up the stairs from the subway, thankful for the fresh autumn air. It was just becoming her favorite time of year and with as busy as she was, she probably wasn’t going to get much of a chance to enjoy it. I wonder if I’ll miss the seasons when I’m living out there? Even as she consciously tried to enjoy her walk to work, she couldn’t shake the feeling she was walking into a viper’s nest. Steadying herself, she rolled her shoulders back and confidently strode into the StyleSpur office.

  Faith looked up from her computer and immediately rushed over to her. A pang of guilt hit Lauren right in the stomach as she realized she hadn’t called her all weekend. I really need to tell her about Rochelle, maybe even play her the recording. On the other hand, Lauren was very aware how incriminating the recording was to her as well. Hopefully Parker didn’t realize she’d also recorded herself blackmailing him for a promotion. Even if I played it for her, would it matter? I’ve told her about things like this before and she’s stayed with him throughout...

  “Good morning, sweetie. Did you have a good weekend?” Faith said almost roughly guiding her away from the main room.

  “Um, I guess. Can I just get a cup of—” she said as they passed the kitchen.

  “No, sorry. Parker insisted I take you straight to his office the second you get in.” Lauren’s stomach dropped. He’s got something planned.

  “But really, can’t I just set my bag down—”

  “Nope! In a minute.” Lauren could hear the tension in Faith’s voice. She glanced at her friend and could tell the smile was painted on. Taking a deep breath, Lauren accepted her fate and walked to Parker’s office.

  “Knock, knock!” Faith said in a chipper tone as she pushed the office door open. “I have the delivery you asked for.” She winked at Lauren as Parker looked up from his desk.

  “Great, thank you Faith. You can go.”

  The door slowly closed, but Lauren remained standing rigidly just inside the office. She was gripping the straps of her backpack so tightly her knuckles turned white. Apparently, my bravery is a bit weaker in the morning, she thought bitterly.

  “Please, take a seat,” Parker gestured. Lauren tentatively put her bag down and slipped into the chair. “Did you have a good weekend? Weather was great, wasn’t it?”

  The whole scene was unnerving. Parker sat opposite grinning, trying his very best to seem friendly, affable. Did he seriously just ask me how my weekend was? Has that ever happened in the history of...ever? Everything was in such stark contrast to the last time she’d been in his office, Lauren felt a bizarre sense she’d stepped into a dream.

  Parker waited a moment for her response but continued. “Mine was great but let’s get straight to business. Lauren, I want you to know how much I value your contribution to StyleSpur. This company wouldn’t be half of what it is without your hard work and dedication.” He paused again as if waiting for her to thank him. Lauren could only swallow the bile in her mouth. It was like waiting for a wild animal to charge. “So with that in mind, I’m happy to offer you the position of chief technical officer.”

  Lauren blinked several times, not believing the words that just came out of his mouth. A tiny smile crept across her face as she slowly accepted the reality of the situation.

  “You value my contribution to the company so that’s why you’re making me CTO of StyleSpur?”

  The tiniest twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his true feelings, but he quickly recovered. “Of course, Lauren. What other reason could there be? We would be so lucky to have you join the management team.”

  Heart thumping in her chest, Lauren struggled to keep her emotions in check. After so many years of abuse, she was finally getting the upper hand on Parker Jarvis and it felt so good. She tried to remain magnanimous but couldn’t resist rubbing his nose in it just a little.

  “See? Was that so difficult? I have to say, I’m glad you were able to fight against all your natural instincts and finally make a decent decision for once.”

  His expression faltered and Lauren saw a flash of anger in his green eyes. The muscles in his jaw clenched and he was just about to speak when Faith poked her head in the door.

  “So...”

  Parker quickly recovered, the salesman smile returning swiftly to his smarmy face. “I believe Lauren was just accepting my offer, weren’t you?”

  Lauren hesitated for just a moment. Some intuition was telling her there must be a trap but where? She was the one who asked for this. “Yes, I accept your offer.”

  “That’s so great!” Faith exclaimed, hugging Lauren from behind. “In that case, we have a big surprise for you. Just give me one minute before you come out.” Faith left, taking all her happy effervescence with her. A heavy cloud hung over the office as she and Parker regarded one another.

  “I hope we can find a way to work together,” Parker said. His eyes were cold and his lips barely moved as he spoke.

  “I do too.”

  He glanced over her shoulder and said, “I think they’re ready for you.”

  Confused, Lauren turned to see Faith waving her over. She mumbled a thank you to Parker as she left his office and walked down the hall. She was grinning ear to ear, her long blonde ponytail swishing behind as she glanced back to the main room. She pulled Lauren into a tight hug and whispered in her ear.

  “I hope you aren’t mad, but Parker told me he was going to offer you the position and I knew we had to celebrate.” She pulled back, practically beaming with happiness. Ah Faith, you’re too good for all of us, Lauren thought. “I just had to make sure you said yes first.” Then speaking in a louder voice to the whole office she said, “It’s my pleasure t
o present the new CTO of StyleSpur!”

  The entire office erupted in applause, punctuated with loud bangs as everyone pulled the strings on their poppers. Colorful streamers and glitter rained down on Lauren’s head as everyone cheered. They drew in to personally congratulate her, each person taking a moment to tell her how happy they were to have her in charge. Even Rochelle congratulated her, although her eyes were saying something completely different.

  As this was going on, Faith was busy in the conference room setting up a brunch buffet complete with bottles of champagne. Lauren was led into the room where, in a truly bizarre twist, Parker proposed a toast.

  “I’ll keep is short and sweet,” he said tartly. He raised his Solo cup of champagne. “To Lauren. May this be the beginning of a long and prosperous partnership.”

  “To Lauren!” they all replied.

  As the team mingled around the food, chatting and energized from the rare Monday morning treat, Lauren excused herself to the bathroom. Locking the stall door, she sat on the toilet lid and tried to collect herself. Parker’s words echoed through her mind.

  A long partnership...I’m going to fuck over all these people. I can’t possibly find everyone a job and there’s going to be collateral damage, no matter how hard I try. Whether or not he deserves it, am I actually capable of destroying Parker’s company? I suppose I’m in too deep now...

  She pulled out her phone and typed Landon a quick message.

  I know you won’t get this until you land but...I got it. He made me CTO. I don’t know if I should laugh or cry.

  Throughout the gathering, Lauren did her best to try and pull Faith to the side, hoping at the very least to arrange to meet for drinks later on. It seemed a nearly impossible task. Every time she got close to pulling her away, Parker appeared out of nowhere, still grinning like an idiot. Finally, as everyone began filtering back into the main room, remembering that they were indeed at work, Lauren was able to corner her in the nearly empty conference room.

  “I’m so happy for you,” Faith said rubbing Lauren’s arm.

  “Thank you sweetie, seriously. This was way too much, you outdid yourself. You certainly know how to throw a party. Listen, I was wondering if—”

  “Oh, I can’t keep it a secret anymore!” Faith exclaimed. Her energy was so overwhelming Lauren nearly took a step back. “I promised I wasn’t going to tell anyone but...” she said looking around to see if the coast was clear. “Parker asked me to marry him over the weekend.”

  Lauren had never been good at poker. According to her brother, she might as well play with her cards facing out for all the good her poker face did. She couldn’t conceal the shock on her face.

  “I know, I know. You aren’t his biggest fan.”

  “Faith, it isn’t that. I...there’s something I’ve gotta—”

  Clearly not listening, Faith exclaimed, “Look! I’ve been wearing it spun around but look what he gave me.” She twisted the ring around on her finger revealing a gigantic diamond that sparkled under the fluorescents. “Isn’t it beautiful? He actually got down on one knee. I spent the whole weekend planning the wedding, can you believe it?”

  “Oh man...” Lauren looked into Faith’s big eyes and saw nothing but hope. “It’s beautiful sweetie. You’ll make a gorgeous bride someday but—”

  “Won’t she?” a deep voice said behind her. Parker strode past and grabbed Faith by the waist, holding her like some type of trophy. “I thought we agreed we weren’t going to tell anybody, baby?”

  Faith flinched. “I only told Lauren. I didn’t think it’d be that big a deal now you two are partners and everything.”

  He pressed his lips together in a tight smile. “Of course it’s okay. Speaking of partners, I need to steal Lauren away for one minute. Mind following me?”

  Lauren wished she could shoot lasers from her eyes as she followed him down the hall. As soon as the door shut to Parker’s office, he slowly wheeled on her. Aware the glass walls offered little privacy, Parker’s body language remained neutral yet his tone dripped with venom.

  “I know what you’re trying to do but don’t bother. I came clean this weekend, told her everything. I thought it was better she hear it from me. But don’t you dare—”

  “So you won’t mind if we have a little girly chat about it then? Getting cheated on isn’t something you can just brush away with a shiny ring. I’m sure she’ll need to talk,” Lauren smiled warmly.

  “Of course I can’t stop you, but I’d prefer if you didn’t.”

  “I’m sure you would. You expect me to believe you told her about the blowjob I walked in on Friday night and then she happily agreed to marry you on Saturday? Parker, come on now.”

  He coolly regarded her with heavy-lidded eyes, all emotion draining from his face. “You’re going to believe it because I’m telling you it’s true. You want to try and test me, by all means, go ahead.” Ah, now here is the Parker I recognize. I knew he couldn’t hide behind that mask for too long.

  “What exactly are you going to do about Rochelle. I was surprised to see her here this morning. As the CTO I think it’d be prudent—”

  “Oh fuck off with that CTO shit,” he spat turning his back to her. “She still doesn’t know we know. I think we still might be able to use her.”

  Lauren crossed her arms. “You’re serious? You’re going to keep her on? Fine. As far as I’m concerned she’s pulled from the development team and can sit staring at a wall for all I care.”

  Parker shook his head. “You can’t do that.”

  “I fucking can and will.”

  When he turned and looked at her, a bright smile glued to his face, a thought flashed through her mind. He’s a sociopath. He’s a clinical, plain-as-day sociopath. How have I never seen it before?

  “Of course you will. You’re Lauren Kemp and you do whatever the fuck you want.” The way he spoke while smiling was clownish and creepy. “Get the fuck out of my office.”

  Lauren gladly left, a small shudder involuntarily rippling through her as she returned to her desk.

  3.

  Despite Landon’s insistence, Lauren didn’t feel it was necessary to stay at Ali’s apartment. Nick had probably vented whatever frustration or anger he’d been feeling and that was that. It’d been over two weeks since she’d received the photos and nothing else had happened. Besides, she felt safe enough staying at the office with three other roommates. Even so, she was looking forward to a night with her best friend.

  As she was walking home from work, she got a phone call from Landon.

  “Well hello there. I wasn’t expecting a call from you tonight.”

  “Well, here I am, all yours,” he replied. She loved hearing the smile in his voice. Lauren was always surprised at how giddy she felt every time he called.

  “Don’t you have that thing tonight?”

  “It’s only three in the afternoon here, babe. I don’t need that long to get ready.”

  “Ugh, I can’t wait until we’re in the same time zone.”

  “Well...that’s actually why I’m calling. I had a meeting with Christopher this morning and it looks like things might be moving quickly in the next couple weeks, a lot faster than we originally thought.”

  “Why, is something wrong?” Lauren still didn’t like the idea of having to deal with Christopher Liche in any form but also relished the idea of being able to prove him wrong. She hadn’t spoken to him since their first and only meeting but the memory of his dismissal was fresh.

  “Nothing’s wrong, no. It’s just, the applications for the incubators are coming up and we should be fully incorporated and running well before we apply.”

  “I still don’t understand why we have to do all that. Can’t we just start a company like everyone else? I mean,” she switched the phone to her other ear, “it just seems so...tech-hipster.”

  Landon laughed so loudly Lauren heard his dog barking in the background. “We absolutely can do it without the incubator, but we have a gr
eat shot at getting in. It’s just the difference of slow growth and accelerated growth. Don’t you want to hit the market and dominate within a year?”

  It was still so hard to believe but the more they talked about it, the more she wanted it. Deep in her gut, she wanted to run a successful company that she’d built from the ground up. Applying to these incubators would make everything public and real.

  “Of course I do. I just need to learn more about it before I feel comfortable, I guess.” She fumbled in her bag for her keys and dropped them on the ground with a clatter.

  “Where are you anyway?” Landon asked, his voice wistful.

  “Just walking through the lobby up to the office. Why?”

  “Curious. What are you wearing?” He was closer to the phone now, his voice husky and breathy.

  “Seriously? I’m not answering that,” she giggled. “Besides, you probably wouldn’t like the answer.”

  “Oh! That’s another thing. You need to go shopping. You’re becoming the CEO of a fashion related startup and you need to look the part.”

  Lauren pouted briefly as the elevator doors closed. She knew he was right but that didn’t make it any easier for her to pick out clothes. “You mean I shouldn’t be on the cover of magazines in jeans and a stained MIT sweatshirt?”

  “Hey, I love your sense of style but seriously. You have the company credit card, go shopping.”

  “I guess I could take Ali tomorrow if she isn’t doing anything.” The elevator stopped with a wobble and she stepped out. Brian and Lev were working under their headphones but otherwise the airy office was quiet. “How much can I spend? What’s my budget, boss?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, three, four.”

  “Hundred?” she asked idly. She started flipping through the mail on her desk, attention drawing to a large square package.

  “No...thousand.”

  “Thousand?” she yelled. Both coders shushed her as they glowered from their computers. Lauren walked toward the kitchen to give them some peace. “Three, four thousand dollars? You’re joking, right?”