Lost and Found

The Lesser of Two Evils

*I originally posted this chapter as a teaser for Update Day, but now it's the full chapter :) Enjoy.*

No choice, my butt.

Rolling my eyes, I slid into the passenger seat. The door clicked closed before Mr. Blackbourne strolled to his side of the car to get inside.

The car was running, and the heater was circling through the space on full blast. I was grateful for it, though, I would never actually tell him that. Without a word, he took off down the street. Soft music played from the speakers, but I wasn't sure who it was. I was usually good at deciphering who played what since I listen to all sorts of music, but I had never heard this song.

"What song is this?" I asked when I couldn't handle not knowing any longer. "I don't recognize it."

He smirked as we pulled up to a red light, and turned his face in my direction. "It's called 'Silver Lining'. "

"I've never heard it before," I commented, ignoring his keen gaze to stare out the window. Even there, I could see him watch me with interest.

"No," he said after a breath, "you wouldn't have. I wrote it." He pulled into the parking lot of work, ignoring my incredulous expression.

Like he'd done before, he opened my door for me.

We entered the building together, and I could have sworn I heard several audible gasps as we started for the elevator. Mr. Blackbourne checked his watch as we stepped inside the soonest one.

"I have a meeting in twenty minutes. I don't expect this to take longer than that, but in the off chance it does, we'll start where we left off."

I didn't respond. I was nervous about being back after the embarrassing incident yesterday, and I hoped with all my heart and soul that I wouldn't run into anyone I knew.

Apparently, luck was not on my side today.

Inside the conference room from the day prior, the rest of the men, minus Blake and Mr. Toma's group, were there. There was a large assortment of treats and goodies, most likely Sean's doing, as well as several drinks of different varieties.

"Please have a seat, Ms. Sorenson." Mr. Blackbourne gestured to the table where everyone was seated.

The nearest seat would situate me beside the man from the meeting who had green eyes and glasses. He seemed normal enough, so I took the spot beside him.

"When do I get to dress her?" Gabriel questioned, his voice all too cheerful. It was worrisome.

"You can after the meeting," Mr. Blackbourne said before focusing on me. "Now, Ms. Sorenson, we are well aware that you were terminated from the company yesterday."

"Yes, I am aware of that, too," I replied dryly.

He cast me an unamused look as he pulled a thick document from off the table and passed it over to me.

"These are the terms and conditions of the job. Read through it very carefully before signing it." His silver gaze locked on mine. "Once that document is signed, you will be part of this group, this team. You will be one of us. Fail to comply to it, and things might get a little. . . Ugly."