Object Me: A Bad Boy Lawyer Romance by Roxy Sinclaire

presence.
    “Dylan. Of course you would come running.” my father sneered. “Did you plant a chip in the girl when you fucked her?”
    “Only the one that you wished you could have put there.” I retorted.
    “I sneeze in her direction and you show the hell up.” He shook his head. “Are you worried, son? Scared that there may be competition?”
    I stepped in front of Yvette and moved toward my father. I wanted to make sure that he saw what I was going to do and my meaning behind it.
    I ripped the envelope in half and laid it on his desk.
    “Where my employees are , is my business.” I let him know. “And make no mistake, Yvette is my employee.”
    This seemed to amuse my father. His laughter filled the room.
    “I guess you grew an inch overnight and you’re feeling tall this morning.”
    “What I do at night is none of your concern. Neither is who I do. It may have been your name that started this company, but recognize that I keep this motherfucker moving.”
    His eyes narrowed at that.
    “You’re nothing more than a drunken mistake and a six-second regret.” he spat. “Remember who created you. I’m not dead yet.”
    “We’ll see.” I snapped before exiting with Yvette in tow.
    The whole building was a shrine to that man. The people here worshiped his every word and footfall. I couldn’t forget who started the company if I wanted to. Even if he died, Pete would rise and haunt my every waking moment if I ever for a second neglected to acknowledge his contributions.
    We didn’t walk fast, but the pace wasn’t leisurely either. It felt natural for Yvette to be next to me.
    I had thought my relationship with my father had been strained before the disagreement over Yvette . However, the possibility of losing this case and taking a huge financial loss, added additional pressure to what I was already under.
    “You alright?” I asked.
    Yvette was quiet during our entire walk back to my office. I didn’t poke at her. It had to be difficult being caught between my father and I.
    “Thank you.” she finally spoke in a voice so small it was barely audible.
    “I’m here for you.”
    She scoffed.
    “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked trying to hide the fact that she offended me. I had just stood up to my father for her more or less.
    She shook her head at the question as though that were somehow an answer.
    “I appreciate what you did in there for me.” Her mouth turned up into a weak smile. Her eyes were sincere when they found mine.
    “You work for me and me only. I’ll take care of Pete.” I reassured her.
    Yvette nodded, but I doubted that the she fully understood what I was trying to tell her.
    “Thanks again.” she said offhandedly, her words floating in the air as if unimportant.
    It bothered me that she seemed so sullen. I was reluctant to enter my office without a kiss or touch from her. I stood admiring her alluring curves as she walked away from me. I couldn’t help but be envious of her office chair which would have the awesome benefit of holding her.
    My office felt cooler than normal and I no longer found satisfaction behind my expensive desk. The place where I had once felt most comfortable and at ease was becoming less so.
    James was in my doorway before I could call for him. We had worked together for a while now, so he had a way of knowing when to show up.
    “Is there anything that I can help you with?” he asked.
    “Set up a conference call concerning the labor case with Yvette as the lead. Send me the information once you’ve confirmed.”
    He nodded. “Anything else?”
    “Yes.” I sighed before pulling a folder from my desk. “You take the lead on the Armstrong case and the office next to Yvette’s as well.”
    His hands dropped to his side.
    “Wait. What?” He looked thoroughly surprised.
    It wasn’t often that I got to be the good guy. James had worked hard and truly deserved a promotion. Plus , I needed him to support Yvette. I didn’t fraternize with my