The Dom with the Dragon Tattoo(26)

Rebecca heard the door to the high-security Think Tank unlock before Claire Watson, a respected member of her team, rushed in. Her breathing was fast, and she looked a little flushed. “Rebecca, I’ve just seen Mr. Stone, and he told me you’re to report to his office. Like right now.”

“Right now? I’m busy at the moment.”

“That’s what he said, Rebecca. He looked pissed. Rather you than me.”

Rob joined in the conversation. “It’s the last Friday of the month. The day of the shareholders meeting.”

Claire sunk into a chair. “Well, I’m guessing it didn’t go well, because I’ve never seen Mr. Stone look so angry.”

Rebecca raised her head defiantly. “Well, it’s fortuitous that I have some good news for him. I was going to save it until Monday morning, but with what you’ve told me, Claire, perhaps now would be a better time.” Rebecca walked casually to the door, showing her team she was in no hurry. When she glanced behind, she saw their worried faces. “Cheer up, guys, this is my domain. I can handle Tyler. Everything will be just fine when I tell him we’re ready to go to type approval and validation.”

She felt angry herself. Tyler hadn’t asked her to drop by when she had a moment to spare. Instead, he’d summoned her like a naughty schoolgirl to the headmaster’s office. Now this sort of behavior was just fine away from Cerberus Technology, and in fact she actually enjoyed such a scenario, but she wasn’t pleased with him pulling rank on her in front of her team. He should have aired his views in private.

Making her way down the corridor, Rebecca finger combed her hair and then smoothed her skirt into place. Once she reached Tyler’s office, she took a moment to compose herself then rapped three times on the door.

“Come,” Tyler’s deep voice bellowed from inside the office.

Rebecca pushed open the door and smiled sweetly as she entered. “Hi, Ty, I think there’s been some misunderstanding.” When he didn’t smile back, she felt the first tingle of nervous energy running through her body. Claire had been right. Tyler seemed in a bad mood. Her brows drew together. “What’s the matter?”

Without answering, he motioned to the chair on the other side of his desk. “Sit.”

Even though his manner was unusually arrogant and totally unlike the man she knew at work, Rebecca did as he ordered and sat down opposite him. When he finally looked across the desk, her stomach somersaulted nervously. His eyes were ablaze with a frightening energy she hadn’t witnessed before.

He cleared his throat. “I’ve just had to justify your salary to the board. Two million bucks a year and a three hundred thousand-dollar Aston Martin are not easy to explain away, especially as you and your handpicked team for Operation Fire Wall have come up with exactly jack shit.”

Exasperated by his inflexible attitude, she decided to put him straight. “I have a great team, Tyler, and both they and I have worked our butts off to—”

Clearly angry, he thrust his hand toward her. “Enough. Let me remind you, I am your boss, both here and at home.”

If only he would let her speak. She tried again. “As I was about to say—”

He shook his head. “Oh, lady, I’d advise you very carefully not to push me any further.”

“But—”

“You just don’t listen, do you? Come here and bow before your Master.” His uncompromising tone chilled the blood in her veins, but she wouldn’t give in that easily. If this were to become a test of wills, she’d stand her ground. She raised her chin defiantly and looked him straight in the eye.

“I will not.” She spat the words out with considerable venom. “And furthermore, may I remind you that we are both within a work environment, and as such, I’m well within my rights to disobey you.”

“I’m in charge here. I decide what goes, and don’t you forget it.” He didn’t look like he was about to back down anytime soon. Well, neither would she.

“I’m my own woman here at work. We agreed, remember?” Huh, and to think she was just about to give him the good news that she and her team were ready to start the validation process of Operation Fire Wall. Well, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction now. She’d let him stew in his own juices.

He looked incredulous, with a little anger mixed in. “Your own woman? We’ll see about that. You’re only your own woman because I allow you to be.” He stood so abruptly, the executive leather chair toppled over behind him as he strode menacingly to the office door. After locking it with a resounding click, he turned to her, his still-beautiful amber eyes blazing with rage.