Mendacious Read Online Free Page B

long time ago, and we’ve both stuck to it well. There isn’t any special treatment in my office, and I treat Sean the same as any of my other employees. But I’m just curious as to why he’s been challenging me recently. He did it at the meeting yesterday and he’s doing it again now. Honestly, it’s starting to piss me off ... a lot.
    “I-I agree,” Benedict stammers.
    “Fine.” I decide I may as well leave this where it is for now, but make a mental note to speak to Sean at some point. I want to know what’s going on in his head because something seems different. “Let’s hear about this next ‘big thing’ you’ve been discussing. The Oakley bid really screwed us over the other day, so we need to come back with a bang,” I say, changing the subject. “And to say I’m expecting you to deliver the world on a plate is an understatement. I’m expecting this ‘thing’ to be the dog’s bollocks to put it lightly.”
    My warning sinks in and Benedict nods swiftly. “I think we’ve really got a winner here, Alex. You need to forget about that poxy management company you were trying to invest in. I think your next angle into the big leagues is retail.”
    “Retail?” I sneer. “That’s your big idea?” I shoot a look across the table at Sean and find him watching me carefully. “Are you both shitting me? No. Retail has never been on the cards for this company because it’s too unpredictable.”
    My head feels suddenly overwhelmed and I know I’m starting to lose my patience with them both. I honestly have no clue why I pay people so much money when they do nothing but piss me off.
    “Stop overthinking it,” Sean says, picking up some papers from the table. “I genuinely think this could be a good move for the company. It’s a moderately sized lingerie and swimwear retailer that’s based online and looking to branch out onto the high-street in a few locations. They have a solid business plan, but they just need that investment to get them there.”
    “So get a fucking loan,” I snap, looking up to see if a waitress is actually going to bother taking an order from us at some point tonight. “I’m not investing in an underwear shop. I’ve worked too bloody hard to just piss my money up a wall.”
    “At least look at the proposal—”
    I cut Benedict off before he finishes his sentence. “Are we going to get any service tonight or what?” My voice is loud and full of arrogance, but at least it catches the attention of a waitress I can see bent over a table in front of us. I cock my head to the side and flash a charming smile to attract her over.
    A quick flirt is the easiest way to great service.
    “And how are we tonight, gentlemen?” she asks, pulling a pencil from behind her ear and leaning against the empty chair at our table. “Are you ready to order?” She licks her lips as she watches me recline in my chair, my hand running lazily across my jaw. “I’m Cece by the way,” she offers, flashing a set of sparkling white teeth at me.
    “Nice to meet you,” I reply with a very brief, curt nod. “I’ll have the Rib-Eye, medium-rare. Can I also get a Jack Daniels and Coke?” I wait for the other two to give their orders before turning back to Cece. “That’ll be all,” I thank, waving her away from our table so we can continue with business.
    “Alex,” Sean tries to reason, passing me the papers. “You may think differently after reading the proposal.”
    Taking the paperwork from him, I cast my eyes over the heading and find my eyes immediately drawn to the company name.
    “Sexy Bum?” I scoff. “No. I can’t do it.” I refuse to entertain the idea any longer. The name is enough for me. There’s not a chance in hell I’m putting my company and reputation anywhere near this thing. “Find something else,” I snap, throwing the papers on the table. “This isn’t going to work. I’m not a charity. Why should I invest and help some damsel in distress? It’s a