The Billionaire Boss by J.A. Pierre Read Free Book Online Page A

Scotty’s presentation. Ariel told himself that he and Aubrey were already broken up when she’d slept with Scotty.
    It was her lying that did their relationship in.  Scotty was well known in industry, especially in Washington, DC.  And frankly, Ariel did need a third consultant, someone with know-how who wouldn’t require all the benefits of a regular staff member. But it would not be Scotty Montgomery.
    Shit. Ariel felt the one courtesy meeting was enough.
    “I’d like to bring in the proposal you require tomorrow.”
    Ariel nodded. “You’ll leave it with my secretary.”
    “Huh.” Scotty smiled. “You know, you've turned into a frontrunner in this industry, with your programming ability. Some of your apps, I mean who would have thought, from exercise apps to gaming apps and location apps, all your eggs certainly aren’t in one basket. You’ve certainly surpassed many people’s expectations.”
    Ariel gave a tight-lipped smile. Unlike Scotty, Ariel hadn’t been a hot shot in business school. "Well, sometimes talent is revealed over time.” 
    And for the first time, Scotty Montgomery didn’t have a quick comeback.

 
     
    Chapter Fifteen
     
    January sat across from Dominic as they worked together, piling documents for the marketing department. She’d been so busy the last few days that they hadn’t had much chance to sit and chat since their outing at the bar.
    They were alone in a small office on the fourth floor. Sunlight glared into the room through open blinds.
    "Last night I went to the bar and got so wasted." Dominic opened his eyes in disbelief at his own antics.
    “Really?”
    He nodded. "And that's so not like me, but I've been going through some things, and I just wanted to forget everything for one night.”
    January wasn't sure if she should ask him what kinds of things he was going through.
    “I broke up with my girlfriend and it’s eating me alive.” He sighed then, sadness apparent on his face.
    January arched an eyebrow. She hadn’t known Dominic had a girlfriend. Then again, why would I? "I'm sorry to hear that."
    “I’m sorry to hear myself say it.”
    January couldn't help but chuckle. Dominic looked at her, his lips curved upward slightly. “Go ahead and laugh at my pain.”
    January giggled and shook her head. “No, it’s not even like that. It’s just the things you say.”
    He shrugged. “You know, my parents loved her. How am I going to break the news to my mother? First, my French major, now I have to tell them my girlfriend’s gone.”
    “Uhmm, I don’t get it.”
    “Well, she and my mom got along well. Besides that, she was like a confirmation to them, because she was from France. So they kind of got why I might want to the study the language.”
    January sighed and shook her head.
    “Anyway, I think three nights in a row drinking’s enough for me. I could barely get up for work this morning. I’ve got to tell the others I’m done.”
    “Who are the others?”
    “Some of the temps.”
    “Hmm.” January hadn’t known they were still hanging out. She was surprised and she guessed that Dominic saw the expression on her face.
    “I guess you haven't really been told about it since the last time because a couple of people feel that you’re being favored.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “It’s like Ariel…” Dominic paused. “I meant to say, Mr. Cunningham, has had his eye on you since the orientation.”
    January looked down. It hadn’t registered that Ariel's interest in her had been obvious.
    "You see—you can’t even deny it.” He picked up some papers. “You don't have to say anything. It’s not my business and I have no issue with you two’s rapport .”
    January smiled slightly.
    “Just be careful.”
    "I know."
    “You have any brothers?”
    “No.”
    “Well, if I were your brother, I would give you this advice. Ariel’s a man with power, and powerful men are used to getting what they want and then moving on.”
    Grim much.
    January