Page 77 of Nefarious
Who could blame her for trying to get out with everything intact—her money, her power, her pride?
Dane.
Dane had never thanked her for helping him leave without incident; he never would forgive her if he knew how she’d managed that.
Four more days, and this tiresome chapter of her life would be over. After all this time, she’d make damn sure Dane came to her with no attachments. Starting next week, they could be the featured couple on financial magazines.
And then maybe they’d start their takeover of Fleetwood Capital while watching R&M collapse from within. With Noelle removed from play, Val would have to focus the next six weeks on building the Trojan horse that was Selena.
A movement out the window caught her eye, and she watched Dane park and walk across the lot, quickly but not hurrying. He walked like a man who owned the world.
Like every man did.
Selena,
Can you meet me in the training room after work?
Anthony
Dane,
There’s a conference in New York City this week. I was invited to attend, but the board has very strongly urged me to stay here until I’ve settled in. I’d like for you to go in my place. You’ve missed the first two days, but there’s a flight out this afternoon, and you’ll be able to catch the last most important panels.
You can, of course, expense the trip.
Noelle Constance | CEO Fleetwood Capital LLC
Dane took the stairs two at a time and opened Noelle’s door without knocking. Rosamund Shirley sat across from Noelle, hands on her knees, with her head now turned to face Dane as he intruded.
He ignored Rosamund and rushed straight up to Noelle’s desk, finger raised. “What the fuck are you thinking?”
“Excuse us, Rosamund.” Noelle stood, smoothed her skirt, and waited until Rosamund had left the office. “Good morning, Dane. I trust you’ve read my email.”
“A conference? Are you banishing me as punishment?”
She swallowed. “It’s not punishment, Dane. I just thought it would be good, forbothof us, if you took some time away.”
He stepped around her desk and closed the distance between them. “Good for both of us? I think what you mean is that you want me away from here. All you have to do is tell me you don’t want me, and I’ll leave you alone. You don’t have to send me away.”
She sat erect, carefully composed, but her hands shook in her lap. “Dane. I need time to sort out my feelings, to gain control of myself. You—” She shook her head, jaw working silently. Then she muttered, “I can’t even think when you’re around.”
He thought he’d wanted to see her broken, but something inside him yielded. A wave of fear he might have blown it staggered him, and he dropped to his knees, grasping her fingers. “Please. Please. If I mean anything to you, just keep me here. We can start over. I’ll take you to the movies. Or we could just go get a coffee. Anything. Noelle, please.”
She closed her eyes and a tear rolled down her cheek. “Dane, please. Just go.”
God, it was just like the last time. He let go of her before he humiliated himself a second time. Letting her push him away without a fight. Again. “Okay. I’ll go.”
As he left her office, an unfamiliar pain twisted his gut.
Margaret,
Guess who’s coming to town? I believe I owe you for that favor. I’ll be staying at the Marriott at Times Square tonight. I should be arriving around 6.
Dane
Val’s door opened, and Noelle practically poured into the office. Val quickly opened the voice recorder app on her laptop and hit the big blue circle before she stood and helped Noelle to a chair.
Noelle shook her head. “What have I done?”
