His To Own

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Authors: Elena Black
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to Michael to decide," Laney said, more bravely than she felt.
    Vivian's nostrils flared in annoyance and she flounced away without another word. The reaction was equal parts satisfying and disturbing. Vivian didn't seem the type of woman to shy away from a confrontation which had Laney running scared the rest of the day, wondering what awaited her at tonight’s after hours meeting. Even Michael seemed to be keeping his distance, not even acknowledging Laney when she brought him his afternoon coffee and cookie.
    All too soon it was six o'clock. Laney walked on shaky knees to Price's office door and knocked timidly, entering when a muffled 'come in' came from the other side.
    Waters was sitting on the small sofa in the corner. Price was coming out of his bathroom. He and Waters both had private executive suites, since they'd started the firm. It had always bothered Laney a little that Michael didn't have one as well, especially considering he put in longer hours than his two partners combined, but if she'd said anything to him she was sure Michael would say he was content to work hard and earn his way to the top, just as he'd been doing all his life.
    Laney felt a pang of agony at the realization that while she didn't know a lot of stupid details about Michael, she did feel as though she knew him . At least, the person she'd thought he was. That man wouldn't have cheated on his girlfriend. Had casual sex with his subordinate, yes; but they were two consenting adults. Laney was saddened to realize that all the things she'd thought she knew about Michael - that she'd been so sure of - were likely just her guilty conscience, attempting to make her feel better for entering into a strictly sexual relationship, something she'd never imagined herself doing.
    "Ms. Hopkinson," Price said, taking a seat behind his desk. "Glad you could make it. Michael was hoping to be here himself, but you know how demanding those romantic reunions can be."
    "Of course," Laney said, though she really had no idea. Like before, though, she could imagine. She wouldn't have been able to tear herself away from Michael's side today.
    "So, this likely comes as no surprise to you, given your history here, but I'm afraid we're going to have to let you go," Price continued.
    "It's just not a good fit," Waters added. "Michael's already notified the agency, of course. You aren't being given a bad mark or anything."
    "No, no," Price interjected, "as we've said, it's just not a good fit here."
    "I thought it was working out, actually," Laney said, her heart breaking at the thought of not seeing Michael at all. She knew her time here would be temporary, but she thought she'd have longer to say goodbye, to get used to not being near him.
    "Oh. Oh," Price repeated, looking incredibly sorry for her. "You poor thing. I thought Michael would have said something to you…"
    "He's not good at seeing a pretty girl cry," Waters said, laughing at his own bad joke. "Probably left it up to us to be the big bad guys, as usual."
    Price sighed. "Well, if we're to be the bad guys - I'm very sorry about this, Ms. Hopkinson. Please gather the things from your desk. Your services are no longer required."
    "Michael wants this," Laney said forcefully. "Michael told you to fire me?" She shook her head. "He wouldn't. He'd at least tell me himself. He'd--"
    "He didn't even bother to show up," Price said, not unkindly. " I’m sure you saw the appointment on his calendar."
    Laney nodded, feeling numb. She had. It overlapped a bit with something he'd obviously added himself - V. - which she'd assumed was his meeting with Vivian. Indeed, it appeared he'd chosen a romantic reunion over firing his sex partner cum assistant.
    "We can be assured you won't make a scene?" Waters asked quietly.
    "Of course," Laney agreed, shaking her head. Trying to shake off the numbness, the hurt . "I'll just get my things. I won't - you won't--"
    Mortifying, heartbroken tears were gathering in her eyes. Laney

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