Staking Your Claim

Riley

I walk into Damien's office, feeling that heady mix of excitement and anticipation. I'd been looking forward to seeing him all morning to discuss certain arrangements at my father's company.

But the second I step through the doors, I see her—Anne. She's standing by Damien's desk, leaning over just a little too much, that practiced smile on her face, the kind that's sweet but laced with an edge I've come to recognize. 

She's barely paying attention to the files she's handing him, her focus entirely on him, her voice pitched low and soft as if she's trying to make it just a bit more… intimate.

The irritation rises in me, and I clench my fists, taking a breath to steady myself. I'm done with this. I've watched her play this game one too many times, thinking she can get away with it because she's his PA. She clearly doesn't realize who she's dealing with.