Page 28 of Revenge Puck

The kind of woman I normally date are bold. Loud. Wear a lot of make-up, make a lot of demands, and demand attention.

She appears to be none of those things.

And her brother admitted she was watching me in the office, which means she’s interested.

Which means she’s curious.

Which means she’s full of hope.

Something ugly settles in my chest: a plan.

Clarity.

I’ll be exactly what she thinks she wants.

I’ll text back. Bring her flowers. Give her gifts. Whisper in her ear, bring her coffee at work, make her feel wanted.Go down on her until she’s clutching the bed sheets.

I’ll make her believe there can be anus.

And when she falls head over heels in love with me?—

I’ll show Declan what it’s like to watch someone you love get fucked over by the wrong person.

“Hello?” Sutton says. “Earth to Aaron.”

I don’t recognize the sound of my own voice when I respond with a “Yeah.”

She pouts. “You’re no fun anymore.”

I laugh sardonically. “What did I do now?”

“Nothing. Yet. But why do I get the feeling…” My sister hesitates, considering her words. “Promise me you’re not going to do something stupid.”

I stare at the dark stretch of highway ahead.

Too late.

My plan is already being built, brick by vengeful brick.

Juliette Kennedy isn’t my type.

She’s better.

FIVE

JULIETTE

I may be the only person in existence who’s ever been thrilled by the idea of sitting in a human resources meeting.

New job. New badge. New life!

Look at me go!

We’re two hours deep into a PowerPoint presentation labeled Workplace Conduct and Professional Boundaries, trapped inside a glass conference room that resembles a fishbowl, but fortunately there are bagels and other snacks.

Boundaries.

Is that corporate speak for “Don’t be an idiot at the office!”