Blitz (Emerald City/Black Family Saga Book 1) by Felicia X. Scully Read Free Book Online Page A

even prepared. She clearly doesn’t know how these things work. Even so, is that what you want, sweetie? Someone who runs at the first sign of trouble? She left because she was scared. She couldn’t handle the pressure because she’s not cut out for it. You need someone who’d be good under pressure. It’s as simple as that.”
    “I think she’s great under pressure.” I work to keep the smile on my face from getting out of control as I think of last night.
    “Oh, good lord, Ray. Don’t be a man about this. Yes, she’s cute, but honey—”
    “She’s also smart and gutsy. You’ve got to admit that.”
    Aunt Sheila sighs. “Please, just think about this.”
    “I have. Like you said, we’ve been planning that pitch dinner for months. Miss Clarke is in the hospital but her assistant is fully mobile. And she’s interested. I think the least we could do is hear her out. Besides I owe her.”
    “What could you possibly owe her for?”
    I shrug and reach for my jersey. “She’s good in a crisis.” I grab a towel from my closet and tuck it into my waistband. “I’m going for a run. But tomorrow night, yeah? I’ll make sure Miss Bucco gets the invite.”
    “Fine.” Her frown brightens for just a second. “Just like we always planned.”
    Part of me wants to know what she’s getting at, but the other part no longer cares. I’ve won this battle at least.

CHAPTER SEVEN
Sydney

    I lower myself into Reese’s chair and let out an angry growl. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. My cousin is not only the best at her job she’s also disgustingly ethical. In any other circumstance that would be a good thing. But right now her clean business sense is ruining her.  
      I bury my head in my arms. Except for a history of regret and a future of uncertainty, I literally have nothing. I screwed things up with Ray, I’ve got an apartment I can’t pay for and a life that’s about to blow up if I don’t do something quick.  
    Maybe I should have taken Marx up on his offer. He was right about the drama at a Justice party and I was in on it. He could have snapped a few pictures on his phone and I could have made it extra juicy so we could cash in together. I shudder at thought of my picture plastered at the side of one of those articles.  
    No way. Even I’m not that desperate. I’d rather go back home to Texas with my tail between my legs.
    “Excuse me.”
    I jump, sitting up straight and smiling faintly at the man towering in the doorway. “I’m—I was just leaving.” I push away from the desk.
    “Figured.” He sneers. “Either that or I was going to have you thrown out. You do realize you can’t just walk in here when you feel like it, don’t you?”
    I clear my throat and shake my head. “Willie, I’m Sydney. Reese’s cousin and her assistant. We’ve met.”
    “I remember. But it doesn’t change the fact that you’re trespassing.”
    “This is Reese’s office.”
    “No dear. It’s my office. She earns her keep to use it. Which, lately, she hasn’t been doing a great job with. You are her assistant. Not mine. You work for her. Not this firm. Therefore you are trespassing and I’d like you to leave. Now.”
    “What’s your problem?” I pick up my bag and loop it over my arm. “I’ve been in here a million times. And Reese isn’t exactly slacking. She’s in a fucking coma. While you and your minions do everything you can to ruin her career. You are seriously one sick—”
    “Get out of my office. And don’t bother coming back. I’ll be packing up her things end of week. They’ll be shipped out on Friday.”
    I open my mouth to verbally assault the asshole, but he doesn’t give me the chance.  
    “And don’t think this little stunt of yours is going to change anything. Those people aren’t stupid. Ray Carlson will come to his senses eventually.”
    My stomach is flip-flopping so hard I feel like I’m going to throw up. I hate these people. I hate this business and I don’t know