His Demure Mate

Chapter 3: Manager Position

The air in the private dining room was stifling, heavy with Brandon’s presence. My shirt clung to my skin, not from heat, but from the suffocating tension that seemed to close in around me. I stood frozen, my back pressed against the wall, my small chest rising and falling as I tried to regulate my breathing.

Brandon lounged in the leather chair like he owned the world, a glass of whiskey balanced in his hand. His icy blue eyes tracked my every move, as sharp and predatory as ever.

“You look nervous, Mishy,” he drawled, his voice soft but menacing. “No need for that. We’re just… talking.”

Talking. That was what he called this? My pulse quickened as his smile twisted into something more sinister. I knew better than to let my guard down, especially now.

The door creaked open, and for one fleeting second, I thought it might be someone who could help me. But no. It was my father, stepping inside with that same stoic expression he always wore when Brandon was involved.

“Is everything alright in here?” he asked, his tone flat, detached.

Brandon leaned back in his chair, taking a slow sip of his drink. “Perfect,” he said, his gaze never leaving mine.

My father’s eyes flickered between us for a moment before he nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Good. Just remember, Mishele,” he said coldly, “don’t mess this up.” And then, just like that, he left, shutting the door behind him and taking any semblance of hope with him.

Brandon set his glass down on the table and rose to his feet, his movements slow and deliberate. “Now, where were we?” he murmured, stepping closer.

My stomach churned as he closed the distance between us. I felt his hand brush against my cheek, and I flinched, but he caught my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You belong to me,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You’ve known that for a long time.”

My breath hitched, but I didn’t look away. “I don’t belong to you,” I whispered, hating how weak the words sounded.

His grip tightened, and his smile widened, a cruel mockery of affection. “That’s where you’re wrong.”

A sudden knock on the door startled both of us. Brandon’s eyes narrowed, irritation flashing across his face. “What now?” he muttered, releasing me and striding toward the door.

The moment his back was turned, I took a step away, my heart hammering in my chest. Whoever was on the other side of that door, I silently begged them to take me with them.

When the door opened, it wasn’t salvation waiting—it was Kody.

His tall frame filled the doorway, his hazel-green eyes sharp and calculating as they took in the scene. He didn’t say a word, but the tension in his jaw spoke volumes.

“Can I help you?” Brandon asked, his tone laced with irritation.

Kody’s gaze shifted to me, and something flickered in his expression—concern, maybe, or anger. “The manager wants to see Mishele,” he said simply, his voice calm but firm. “Now.”

Brandon’s lips curled into a sneer. “She’s busy.”

Kody didn’t flinch. He stepped forward, his presence commanding, and for the first time, I saw a crack in Brandon’s confidence. “I wasn’t asking.”

The two of them stared each other down, the air between them charged with unspoken tension. Finally, Brandon let out a low growl and stepped aside. “Fine. But don’t think this is over.”

I didn’t need to be told twice. I slipped past Brandon, my shoulders brushing against Kody’s as I moved into the hallway. His hand rested lightly on my back, guiding me away, and I couldn’t help but feel a small sense of relief at the warmth of his touch.

As we walked down the hall, I risked a glance up at him. “Why did you do that?” I asked quietly.

He didn’t look at me, his focus straight ahead. “Because someone needed to.”

The manager’s office was a stark contrast to the rest of the hotel—bright and spacious, with polished wooden furniture and large windows that overlooked the bustling street below. I stood awkwardly near the door as the manager gestured for me to sit.

“Mishele,” he began, folding his hands on the desk in front of him. “You’ve been working here for a while now, haven’t you?”

I nodded, unsure of where this was going. “Yes, sir.”

He leaned back in his chair, studying me. “I’ve been impressed by your work ethic. Despite… challenging circumstances, you’ve always handled yourself with grace and professionalism.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, unsure how to respond. Was he referring to Brandon? Did he know what was happening?

He slid a folder across the desk toward me. “I’d like to offer you an opportunity—a fresh start. This hotel is part of a larger chain, and we’re in need of a manager for one of our properties in Greece.”

For a moment, I could only stare at him, my mind struggling to process what he’d just said. Greece? A fresh start? It sounded too good to be true.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” I stammered, my hands trembling as I reached for the folder.

“Take some time to think about it,” he said with a kind smile. “I know it’s a big decision, but I believe you’re more than capable.”

The door behind me creaked open, and I turned to see Kody leaning against the frame, his expression unreadable. “It’s legit,” he said, his voice quiet but firm. “He’s one of the best in the business.”

I looked between the two of them, my heart pounding. Could this really be my chance to escape? To finally break free from Brandon and the life that had held me captive for so long?

But before I could answer, a familiar voice cut through the air, sharp and mocking.

“A manager? Really?” Brandon’s sneer was unmistakable as he stepped into the room. “What’s next? Crown her queen of the world?”

The warmth of hope drained from me as he strolled in, his cold blue eyes flicking between me and the others. But before he could say more, the woman standing beside Kody stepped forward, her golden eyes blazing with fury.

“Watch your tongue,” she snapped, her voice commanding and unyielding.

Brandon froze, his expression flickering with something I’d never seen before—hesitation. He opened his mouth to respond, but Kody cut him off.

“We’re done here,” he said firmly, his gaze locking onto Brandon. “Leave.”

For a moment, no one moved. Then, with a scowl, Brandon turned on his heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

The room fell silent, and I felt the weight of everyone’s eyes on me. Slowly, I exhaled, the tension in my chest easing just slightly.

“Take your time with the decision,” the manager said gently, his voice breaking the silence. “But know that the offer stands.”

I nodded, clutching the folder tightly as I followed Kody and the woman out of the office. My mind was racing, my emotions a tangled mess of fear, hope, and disbelief.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I could see a way out. And this time, I wasn’t going to let anyone take it from me.

A/N: For more of my books please search in F A C E B O O K for Author Meg Elly Gerena to support my books and if you want to give your input even help me decide better what’s coming next search in the group sections for Meg’s Sunflower Pack. Please know you need to answer the questions to be approved and follow my You-Tube for more creative videos on my books 📚