EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT: Something Like Hate

Excerpt

When I arrive at work, I am thankful the elevator is working today. If only I can get a few minutes of peace before I have to deal with my employees and all the ‘emergencies’ they have the moment they see me.

When I step into the elevator car, I hear a female voice calling, “Hold the elevator, please.”

I’m about to push them closed when I recognize those beautiful legs. So, I open it.

Actually, I lean against the doors to hold them, and say, “Princess, as always, it’s a pleasure to see you.”

She scrunches her face and looks at the cup she’s holding. “It’s too early to deal with you, overlord.”

“I thought I was the emperor.”

“Same old, wrinkly, evil thing.” She rolls her eyes, stepping inside.

“Why are you here, Ms. Solis?” I lean against the wall, watching her closely.

Claire looks different; like a grown-up version of herself. Stylish, well-manicured, and yet, there’s still that woman who loves to wear baggy clothes, run with her dog, and enjoy every moment. I can see her. If only I could feel her too.

“Stalking you, obviously,” she responds, stabbing the number twenty several times.

“The numbers are for you to press once and it takes you to the floor you desire. It’s not to choose the speed of the car,” I explain to her, amused.

“Oh, is it?” she says, stabbing the numbers before. “Oops, what’s going to happen now, Mr. Know-it-all? I bet we’re going to go very s-l-o-w.”

“Still a smart-ass.”

“Only for you, Mr. Archer.” She smiles sweetly.

Fuck if I don’t want to devour her mouth. I look at her outfit. It’d be easy to pull up her skirt, press her against the steel wall, and fuck her hard.

Stop! Think of something else or you’ll have a hard-on while you’re walking to your office.

“Are you here to beg for your old job?” I ask, distracting myself from her luscious body. I swear her ass is tighter and rounder.

She doesn’t answer. Her gaze is focused on her phone. It’s not until we arrive at the twentieth floor when she finally looks at me. She smiles and says, “I’m guessing you haven’t heard the news yet.”

“Obviously, I’m the last one to know, as usual. I’m still wondering how is it that Mom found out about you before I did.”

“Well, let me know when she tells you,” she winks and steps outside like a princess. No, a queen.

“Welcome to Blend Digital Media, Ms. Solis,” the receptionist greets her.

“Good morning, Kim.”

My stomach drops all the way down to the fucking basement. “Wait, Blend has a branch in Denver?”

The company is big. Huge. They’re my biggest competitors. I had no idea she worked for them. Why didn’t I know that?

Claire turns around, her grin is wide and her eyes crinkle. It’s as if someone just told her she’s won the lottery. “You didn’t receive the invitation to our grand opening?”

God, she’s gloating.

I clear my throat and say, “I heard a rumor they wanted to move west, but why here?”

“The location is convenient. I thought the competition was a little further north from us, I guess you like the building too.”

I look around, wondering if Jonathan Black is in charge.

“So, who is your boss?”

“This is my branch,” she says with a cocky tone. “I made partner.”

She walks away, swaying her hips, owning the floor. The redhead who was in her apartment building yesterday morning changes her to-go mug with another mug. She glances at me after Claire mumbles something and opens her mouth surprised.

Claire turns around and gives me that I hate you glare that I’ve missed for so long. “Go back to your hole, Archer.”

“You’re my competition,” I say, sizing her up.

“More like, I’m here to take over and to take you down,” she says, lifting her chin already owning the place. “I’ll enjoy it.”

No way. There’s no fucking way she’s here, and fuck if this isn’t worse than my Monday. But I won’t let her see this move shakes my core.

“As much as you enjoy licking frosting, Ms. Solis?”

She huffs, turns around, and walks away.

“It’ll be a pleasure to see how you’ll try. I always enjoyed it, Clarice.”

Fuck, can I take her down?

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