Splendor(27)

Ian’s hand tightened around Jason’s wrist until he yelped in protest. Even then Ian refused to release him, his voice icy cold and filled with barely restrained anger as he bit out, “Shut your foul mouth, Jason. I want to see you in my office at once. Get your sorry arse up there right away and wait for me.”

“But – but Charlotte is expecting me,” protested Jason weakly. “We have an event to attend.”

“Then you’d best call and let her know you’ve been unavoidably detained,” retorted Ian sharply. “And our conversation won’t take long. Now get out of here.”

Jason rubbed his abused wrist as he exited, wisely not looking back on his way out.

Ian turned to Tessa, his voice and facial expression taking a complete 360° turn as he did so.

“Are you all right, Tessa?” he asked in the gentlest, most compassionate manner she’d ever known him to exhibit.

She was instantly enthralled by the tenderness in his gaze, the obvious concern in his voice, and nodded. “Yes, sir. He didn’t hurt me. I was just scared.”

Ian grimaced. “Is this the first time he’s harassed you? And be honest, Tessa. That bastard doesn’t deserve to be defended.”

Tessa hesitated for a few brief seconds before replying. “It’s – the first time he’s ever – well, put his hands on me that way, sir. But, no, it certainly isn’t the first time he’s said – um, inappropriate things.”

“I surmised that.” The stormy look was back on his face but she knew it wasn’t directed at her. “Why didn’t you file a complaint about him with Human Resources?”

She was startled at his question. “I never considered it, Mr. Gregson. I mean, he’s a manager. And part of your family. And I – well, I need my job, sir. I would never do anything to risk being dismissed.”

He stared at her in mingled surprise and alarm. “Good Lord, why on earth would you think you’d be fired for something like that? Especially when it’s common knowledge that this isn’t the first time that weasel has done something like this.” Ian’s expression softened, and she was taken aback by the almost tender look on his face. “You’re my most valued employee other than Andrew, Tessa. I would never allow you to be dismissed just for speaking up for yourself. And I certainly won’t allow Jason Baldwin to put his stinking hands on you ever again, or utter one more inappropriate word. He’ll be taken care of swiftly, I assure you.”

She found herself speechless at the fervor in Ian’s voice and the ferocity of his features. She had no idea what to say in response save for a hastily stammered, “Um, thank you, sir.”

An awkward silence hung between them for several seconds, until Ian’s gaze flickered over her miniscule gym shorts and clingy workout top, and she cursed beneath her breath as she felt her nipples begin to peak. Whereas Jason’s amorous regard had made her skin crawl, her body evidently had no such problem with Ian Gregson looking at her in much the same way. Tessa just hoped he wouldn’t notice her rather obvious reaction to his proximity.

He gave her what looked to her like a knowing little smile before holding the door open. “You ought to go shower and change now, Tessa. You don’t want to catch a chill, after all.”

Her face flaming, she hurried past him out the door, ready to sprint for the shower room two doors down. But the almost imperceptible touch of his hand on her bare arm stopped her, and she gazed up at him quizzically. The utter kindness on his beautiful face caused something deep inside of her to ache unbearably.

“I’ll never let anyone in this office hurt you, Tessa,” he told her with complete seriousness. “I want you to come directly to me in future if anyone dares say anything to upset you. Do you understand?”

All she could summon up in bewildered surprise was a nod, but it was enough for him to release her before striding briskly in the opposite direction.

Her legs felt like they were going to give out from under her, a condition that had nothing whatsoever to do with the grueling workout she’d just completed.

And, as she stood under a hot shower a few minutes later, it belatedly occurred to her what day this was – a Wednesday, of course.

***

Ian rarely engaged in outward displays of temper, but he could almost feel the steam escaping from his ears as he exited the elevator and headed for his office. He couldn’t recall a single time in his life when he’d felt so much rage, such an uncontrollable urge to slam his fist through the wall, or curse vividly and loudly. That prick Jason had gone too far this time, had dared – dared – to touch his golden girl, his beloved, precious Tessa, and the randy bastard was going to pay dearly for that very unwise act.