Bad Girl by Goode, Ella (chrysanthemum read aloud .txt) 📕

of the dust-filled lobby. The glass is going up for the retail units, and the marble reception desks were installed two days ago. It’s shaping up.

“Yeah. Heard about it from the seller actually. It’s fucking sad.”

“What’s going on with the lead investor? Do you know who he is?”

“I don’t. I hadn’t run into him on a bid before. I did hear that he had some bigger investors who want their money back and might have the power to eke it out of him, but I haven’t kept track of that.”

“What about the people who don’t have the power to get their money back? What about them?”

“Leila, sweetheart, those people shouldn’t be playing the game with me then.”

“Maybe I don’t want to play with you either.” She turns suddenly and runs out the door, leaving me flat footed and completely baffled. What just happened?

Chapter Fifteen Leila

My head hurts. Yet, it’s nowhere near as bad as the ache in my chest. I have no fucking clue what I’m doing here. For a brief moment I questioned if I might have been on the wrong side of all of this. Then Warren kept talking. It was the patronizing way he smiled and said people shouldn’t be playing the game with him. It had been like a sucker punch.

Out of all the projects he could have taken me to, it was that one. I’m not sure if the ache in my chest is because of that or that for a brief moment I no longer wished to be on the wrong side. I’d allowed myself to believe that Warren was the good guy and my feelings for him we’re justified. Thankfully, he made sure to show me his real colors, and I know for certain I’m doing what needs to be done.

I keep walking with no clue where I’m going. My phone starts to ring, and Chris’ name lights up the screen. I answer.

“Hey.”

“You did it!” he shouts excitedly into the phone. “The Park Hill deal. We stole it right out from under him. We’re going to make a fucking killing off this deal. If Warren was pushing this hard for it, he must know its potential.” My smile is weak as I listen to the good news. He deserved this. It was only fair. Maybe he shouldn’t have been playing the game with me. That’s what my mind keeps telling me, but my heart is screaming something different altogether.

“So I’m done?” I ask. Warren was so excited when he talked about the Park Hill property. What now? I just walk away? Still, something feels unfinished. Him losing a contract might be a kick in the balls, but I want him to lose something more.

“No, we keep going. Let’s see how many of these contracts we can get out from under him.” I chew on my bottom lip. “Leila.”

“I’m here. I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. He’s close to catching me.” He almost did already. He keeps trying to break down my walls. Each time he gets a little closer to accomplishing it. My defense is shit when it comes to him. He’s not a stupid man either. It will only be a matter of time before he caught on. And I’m not slick enough to continue my little charade.

“You’re quitting? You think that was enough justice for your father?” His tone is harsh and filled with disappointment. “This is our family.”

“I don’t know.” Being close to Warren is getting hard for me too. As much as I hate him, I like him too. He gave me pleasure, something I haven't had in any shape or form in a very long time.

“You’ll do it. I’m not asking or suggesting. You wouldn’t want anyone to get wind of what you’ve already done. Would you?” My hand tightens on the phone. I’m not even sure if what I did is illegal or not. I mean, can I get in trouble for having a fake resume? I don’t think I can. The worst that could happen is that I get fired. And it wouldn’t matter at that point anyway. But I did copy information off his computer and gave it to Chris. I’m sure that could get me in some trouble.

“What are you trying to say?”

“Don’t be a child. I’ll expect more information tomorrow.” He ends the call. I wipe my cheeks, not realizing that I started to cry. I should get out. Take off. Where would I even go? Anywhere is better than jail, I suppose.

I check my bag, making sure I have my wallet at least. I can leave everything else behind. I circle back as the sun starts to set. I’m sure everyone has cleared out from the sight by now. Even Warren. I wonder if he’s out looking for me or if he went back home.

It takes me almost an hour to make it back; my legs are starting to hurt. The only light is coming from the full moon as I approach the building. I check around the building and score when I see wood over an opening that they are likely putting a door into. I slip inside, roaming around the place. I use my cell phone as a flashlight.

All of this heartache over this stupid fucking building. I keep roaming around, not sure what I’m actually looking for. That is until I see it. I stare at the fire alarm. It could be my final FU to Warren. I put my hand on it, running my fingers back and forth.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath as I pull. My eyes fly open when the alarm starts to blare, and the sprinklers all pop on. Water pours down on me as I take off to make my escape.

“Stop!” I hear someone shout. I look back, seeing a man in a security uniform. My heart drops as his eyes lock with mine.

I run. Fear shoots through as I make my way back to the spot I’d