Drained: The Lucid Read Online Free Page B

stood proud and tall in his tailored suit. “This isn’t our fault. We can’t control curious pests from snooping around the company. But we are handling it the best we can.”
    “Handle it faster.” The custos’s arms tensed as his fists balled at his sides.
    “And what do you suggest, Tanner? We fuck these faceless journalists until they can’t type anymore?” Niall leaned forward. His calm had begun to visibly waver. As head of the branch, Niall Price was at the top of the food chain. And if there was one thing that came with power, it was the responsibility to act the part as a member of the Trusics network. Live with ethics, respect the rules, and never stray.
    “If you’ll excuse me, I have a business to run.” Niall straightened himself and readjusted the ends of his jacket. “My team has been handling this problem and will continue to do so. Now, unless you’d like to send your venators after your own race, I suggest you be on your way.”
    Tanner’s jaw tightened, and his jugular vein threatened to return. “Do what you need to do, but let’s try to avoid bloodshed.”
    A furrow etched into Niall’s brow before he turned his attention to address the entire room of onlookers. “You heard the man. I suggest everyone here works like their lives depend on it.” A hint of a smile crossed his lips. “Because it kind of does depend on it.”
    The subtle threat wasn’t lost on anyone. It wasn’t that Trusics was known for hurting its employees, in fact they were known for their miles of perks, but no one wanted to burn that bridge to find out firsthand. With Niall and Tanner off of the floor, the tension lifted.
     
     
    Hyrum was one of the last people to empty from the meeting suite. In his hands was a thick binder stuffed with paper. He rifled through a stack of official-looking documents before his eyes looked up to meet with Riley’s. His head cocked to the side, and the formerly grave look melted away when he recognized his favorite employee. “Riley,” he greeted. “What are you doing here?”
    “We had a meeting,” Riley said, tilting her head to match his. “Remember?”
    Recognition filled his face. “Yes! We’ll keep it short,” Hyrum chimed as he walked to his office. “So, how’s my gold star doing?” he called over his shoulder.
    Riley followed behind his long strides and entered the office. She quietly closed the door behind her before speaking. “I’m fine, thanks.”
    “Do make yourself comfortable,” Hyrum instructed, gesturing to one of the vacant chairs opposite his desk. He walked from around the formidable office furniture to cross the room to a modest, but efficient wet bar. “Do you want anything?” he offered. “Let’s get you something,” he answered for her. He opened the door to a mini-fridge and removed a chilled bottle of sparkling water.
    “What did you need to talk to me about?” Riley asked, accepting the bottle of water. The empty paper cup that was in her hands was removed and promptly tossed in a small recycling bin.
    “Nothing you should worry about,” Hyrum assured his star employee. “You should be excited because glory comes your way. I spoke to Niall a week ago; he’s thinking of giving you a raise.”
    “I don’t know what to say.”
    “Don’t say anything. Just keep doing what you’re doing. For whatever reason, you were blessed with a gift to fulfill the desires of others. You have the stuff I wish I could bottle up and sell.” He shook his head and chuckled.
    Riley cleared her throat. She knew she was good at what she did, but compliments had never sat well with her. “Thanks?”
    Hyrum turned his back and looked out the vast windows he was afforded in his corner office. The expanse of Los Angeles bustled away on the streetscape below. “Riley, I know you’re relatively new to this life compared to some of us. I want you to always remember not to take for granted the stability and rewards that come along with this job.