Wreck Me (Savage Bosses)

Chapter Eleven

Tahani

Den of Snakes

Boss Be Damned is booming. In just a week, we’ve hit over a thousand new members, and the Boss-Hole Forum is on fire. Today, the community is rallying around @Raven88, who’s having a rough time at her furniture store job. She’s being accused of stealing a customer from a coworker, and her boss is siding with the other employee without giving her a chance to defend herself.

@Raven88: #MBIDAF. He’s called me back to his office for another meeting. I know he’s going to write me up for not following sales policy, but I didn’t steal “the crusty witch’s” customer (yes, that’s what we’re calling her no w ? ? ). The customer called me and asked for help picking out a couch because they didn’t want to work with the crusty witch anymore. Apparently, she messed up their last order. But because she worked with the customer in the past, my boss says she should get the sale. I’ve done all the work, and it feels like I’m being double-teamed by both of them. ? ? What should I do?

@TestyTesty: Let’s just be real. There’s no “feels like” here. You are getting double-teamed. My advice? Explain the customer requested you and why. But if that doesn’t work, you could always stab them both. ??????

@Raven88: Lol, I don’t want to go to jail today. But seriously, if I hadn’t helped the customer, they would’ve gone to another store. This is totally a damned if I do, damned if I don’t situation.

@BlacqQueen333: I feel you on that. It’s the worst when you’re stuck like this, where no matter what you do, you’re in trouble. Tough spot.

@99ProblemsButaBossAintOne : If you do decide to stab them, just know I have bail money. ??

@ImBossy26: Lol, don’t listen to @TestyTesty and @99ProblemsButaBossAintOne. Just go into that meeting, stay calm, and explain the situation. Lay out what happened to the client and see where that gets you. You can only control your truth. If he doesn’t respect that, then he’s toxic, and it might be time to start looking elsewhere.

@Raven88: I’ll give that a shot, @ImBossy26. But I’m not gonna lie—@TestyTesty and @99ProblemsButaBossAintOne’s ????? ? plan is sounding mighty tempting right now.

@TestyTesty: ??? ? Please don’t listen to me. Listen to @ImBossy26. She’s still employed, and I’m not.

@99ProblemsButaBossAintOne: Yeah, @ImBossy26 probably has the best plan for today, lol. But if your boss is still acting #DAF after that meeting, we roll out at dawn! ??????

I chuckle as I log off Boss Be Damned and switch back to my work screen. The familiar sight of lines of code instantly snaps me into focus, pulling me into the current project I’m working on.

But even as I dive back into my work, I can’t help but smile, knowing that Boss Be Damned isn’t just a website anymore. It’s a lifeline—a place where people from all over the world can vent, share, and find solutions for the toxic work situations they’re dealing with. In its own way, it’s saving careers, lifting spirits, and giving people the support they need to keep going.

Soon, the hum of my computer and the rhythmic tapping of my keyboard drown out the world around me. The lines of code, vivid in various colors, put me back into my zone, where everything else fades away.

"Ah, Tahani, still working away I see," says a voice that simultaneously oozes charm and malice. I look up to see Mason Hughes leaning casually against my wall, his short-cropped blond hair glistening under the fluorescent lights. There’s an intimidating air about him. He’s tall, athletic, with arms crossed over his chest, observing me like a hawk.

"Of course, Mason." I force a smile onto my face, trying to keep my tone light and friendly. “You know how much creating the best software means to me."

"Indeed, I do." He smirks, his eyes glinting with something that makes me uneasy. "You know, Tahani, I've always admired your dedication. It's not every day you find someone who's so... committed."

"Thanks, I guess?" I respond, feeling a tight knot of anxiety form in my chest. Why is he here? What does he want from me?

"Which is why it's such a shame," Mason continues, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "That things have a way of going wrong just when they seem to be going perfectly."

I narrow my eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, nothing in particular." He shrugs, but the smirk remains plastered on his face. "I'm just saying... things can change in the blink of an eye. And it would be such a shame if something were to jeopardize your beloved position as the star engineer here at Iconic."

"Are you done?" My voice turns cold and hard. I’m done playing games with you, Mason.

"Not quite." He steps closer, leaning against my desk. "You should know there's always someone waiting in the wings, ready to swoop in and take what's rightfully theirs."

I hold his gaze, not backing down. “Well, thankfully, I have nothing that belongs to anyone else. I work hard for every achievement I get, so no one can take what’s mine.”

Mason’s smirk deepens. “Sure, but there are rumors, you know. Rumors that you’re using something else to get into the good graces of the leadership here. And that’s never a good look, is it?”

My blood boils, but I keep my face calm. “It’s also rumored that you kissed up to Jaqueline for years to get your hands on good clients, stole Ava’s design for your Zesty software, and that you might be sleeping with James from the mailroom, but no one ever called you on those things because rumors are rarely worth listening to,” I say casually, taking a sip of my coffee and hoping he gets the hint to leave.

His face twitches with irritation, but he doesn’t back down. "True, there are many baseless rumors, but this one... this one has substance. It involves you... and Archer Gates."

I force myself not to react, keeping my expression neutral despite the panic clawing at the edges of my mind. “Is that so?” I ask, aiming for indifference, but I can hear the slight tremor in my voice.

“Uh-huh.” Mason’s grin widens. “Word is you two have been getting quite cozy lately.”

I clench my teeth, knowing exactly where this is going. Ava already gave me the heads-up about the office gossip, so none of this is a surprise. “I just gave you three good reasons why gossip is worthless, Mason,” I reply, voice steady but laced with frustration.

He laughs softly, leaning in just enough to make me uncomfortable. "It’s clever to brush it off as gossip, but we both know having a powerful man like Archer in your corner can make all the difference. So, congratulations on your... partnership . It must be nice getting a percentage of Zeenith’s licensing infinitely. Jaqueline would’ve never done that, so I can’t help but wonder why Mr. Gates did."

My fingers tighten around my coffee cup as anger and fear course through me, but I refuse to let him see me sweat. "My licensing deal is mine," I say, my voice firm and controlled. "Whatever you think you know has nothing to do with my work. Archer Gates or not, I’ve been dedicated to Zeenith since long before he arrived, and you know it."

Mason studies me for a moment, the smirk fading just slightly as he realizes I’m not going to crumble under his thinly veiled threats. "Of course," he says finally, straightening up. “I’m just making sure you know how fragile these things can be. The higher you climb; the more people want to bring you down.”

“Thanks for the heads-up, Mason,” I say, my tone dripping with sarcasm. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

"Of course," Mason feigns innocence, but his eyes are calculating, cold. "I just hope your personal life doesn’t interfere with your professional one. You know, the kind of interference that could cause you to drop the ball on important details with your precious project. That would be such a pity."

The threat is clear as day. Mason will stop at nothing to bring me down.

"Keep your nose out of my business, Mason," I say, my tone sharper now. "My work will speak for itself."

"Indeed, it will," he replies smoothly, his smirk never faltering. "But remember what I said, Tahani, the higher you climb, the further you have to fall. And that’s not a threat—it’s a quote. So, I suggest you break it off with Archer or get exposed."

“Goodbye, Mason,” I say sternly.

He lingers for a moment longer, his gaze calculating, but eventually he turns and walks away, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

As soon as he’s out of sight, I exhale deeply, trying to shake off the encounter. Yet, the chill of his words lingers, and I can’t shake the sinking feeling he leaves behind, like a dark cloud casting shadows on everything around me. What a snake.

"Miss Stevens." The commanding voice snaps me out of my thoughts, and I glance up to see Grace Thompson standing in the doorway. Her tall, statuesque figure fills the room, and her sharp gray eyes pin me in place. As my manager at Iconic, Grace carries an air of authority that demands immediate respect.

"Hello, Ms. Thompson." I stand up, trying to regain my composure. "What can I help you with?"

"Take a seat," she instructs, closing the door behind her as she settles into the chair across from my desk.

I hesitate for a moment, my mind racing through the possibilities of why she’s here. Is this about Archer? Did Mason already run to her? My stomach knots as I sit back down.

Sensing my tension, Grace offers a brief, reassuring smile. "This isn’t a disciplinary meeting."

I relax just a little, though my nerves still hum beneath the surface. “Okay. How may I help you?”

"Your work has been exceptional lately," she begins, her tone measured and professional. "But I have to admit, I’ve been hearing some... rumblings. About your personal life."

I stiffen. Mason. The word is almost a hiss in my mind. He’s already spreading poison. "My personal life is exactly that—personal. It has no impact on my performance at Iconic."

"Of course," she replies, her gaze steady as she seems to assess me. "However, in this industry, appearances do matter. If your relationship with Mr. Gates were to become public knowledge, it could create quite the scandal."

I swallow hard, trying to hold my ground under her piercing stare. "I understand appearances can be important, but my relationship, if you want to call it that, has no influence on my work. I’ve been committed to Zeenith long before Mr. Gates arrived, and nothing has changed in that regard."

Grace leans back in the chair, crossing her arms as she considers my words. "I’m not questioning your dedication, Tahani. But you know how rumors spread. They take on a life of their own, regardless of the truth. You’re valuable to this company, and I’d hate for anything—anything—to get in the way of your success."

I nod, hearing the unspoken warning in her words. "I appreciate that, Ms. Thompson. I assure you, I’m focused on my work, and I won’t let distractions get in the way."

"Good." Her tone softens slightly, but there’s still a firmness behind her words. "Just be mindful of the choices you make, Tahani. Iconic has a reputation to maintain, and we expect our top performers to uphold that image. We don’t need any boss-employee scandals floating in the news."

"Scandal?" I scoff, unable to hold back my disbelief. "Archer and I are professionals. We're committed to our work and to this company. Our personal lives have nothing to do with that."

Grace’s expression doesn’t waver. “Perhaps,” she concedes, "but there’s a fine line between personal and professional, Tahani, and one misstep could result in serious consequences for both of you."

"You’re speaking in riddles. What’s the real reason for this discussion, Ms. Thompson?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady even as my heart pounds in my chest.

Grace rises from her seat, smoothing her skirt. "Merely a word of caution. I trust you’ll take it to heart."

I don’t respond, just stare at the door as she leaves my office. My head spins, trying to process the conversation, but the weight of it only adds to the pressure already building inside me. Mason's manipulations, Grace’s warnings... what next?

I exhale deeply, trying to clear my head. I’ve worked too hard to let rumors—no, to let Mason —tear down what I’ve built. Archer’s in meetings for the next hour, so I can’t even talk to him about Mason’s insinuations or Grace’s intrusions. The day is quickly spiraling out of control. It feels like the ground beneath me is shifting, and I need to tread carefully before something, or someone, pulls it out from under me.

I try to refocus on something that brings me peace— Zeenith . I pull up the Masterfile and boot it up, hoping the project will center me, but something feels... off.

“Strange,” I mutter, noticing a lag in the bootup. A quick scan through the code reveals subtle changes. There are tiny alterations that weren’t there before but are just enough to create glitches in the software’s functionality. My heart skips a beat.

This wasn’t like this the other day.

"I just got out of my meeting and stopped by to check on you. Everything alright, Tahani?" Archer’s warm voice pulls me from my thoughts. His brown eyes, filled with concern, meet mine from the doorway.

"Archer," I stammer, trying to offer a reassuring smile. "Just some unexpected issues with Zeenith."

"Zeenith is done," he says, his tone serious but his gaze softening as it locks onto mine. "What have you found?"

"Minor glitches. Nothing I can’t handle," I reply, though my voice is tinged with frustration. I don’t want him involved—not yet. I need to figure out what’s happening first. Who could’ve made these changes? Why?

He studies me for a moment, then his lips quirk into a playful smirk. "You sure about that? I’d hate for my star engineer to burn out before I can take you out to celebrate."

I raise an eyebrow, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. "Oh, is that your concern? My well-being or your celebration plans?"

"Can’t it be both?" He steps a little closer, the flirtation in his voice unmistakable now. "Besides, I’m pretty sure I’m owed some of your time once you’ve saved the world with Zeenith."

I can’t help the small laugh that escapes me, and for a moment, the weight on my shoulders feels just a little lighter. "You don’t give up, do you?"

His smile widens as he leans casually against the doorframe. "Not when it comes to you."

The tension in my chest eases, and I shake my head with a soft smile. "Alright, Mr. Gates. I’ll keep that in mind."

"Good," he says, his voice lower now, more serious but still warm. "But if you need anything with Zeenith, or anything else, you know where to find me."

"Of course," I reply, grateful for the brief reprieve as he turns to leave.

At seven o’clock that night, the building is almost empty when I march over to Mason’s desk, my frustration boiling over. "Hey, Mason," I say, working to keep my voice steady and professional. "Do you have a second?"

He looks up from his computer, his expression smug, like he’s been expecting me. "Of course, Tahani. What’s on your mind?"

I steel myself for what’s to come. "I’ve noticed some discrepancies in Zeenith. Subtle changes in the code that weren’t there before. I wanted to know if you’ve experienced anything similar with your programs." My voice is calm, but the accusation lingers beneath the surface.

Mason furrows his brow, pretending to be concerned. "That’s odd. No, I haven’t noticed anything like that. But I’d be happy to help you figure it out."

I cross my arms, staring him down. "Really? Because I’ve been through the code multiple times, and I just can’t understand why someone would have tampered with it after it was finalized and approved."

"Tampered?" Mason’s eyes widen in mock surprise. "You think someone’s sabotaging your work?"

"It’s the only explanation that makes sense," I snap, my patience running thin.

Mason leans back in his chair, crossing his arms casually, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Tahani, I can assure you that I would never undermine your project. We’re all part of the same team here at Iconic, and I believe in working together, not tearing each other down."

I raise an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Because someone’s clearly tampering with the project, and you seem awfully satisfied that it’s happening."

"Look," Mason says, his tone softening, though it’s laced with condescension. "I understand you’re upset, but I really think you’re jumping to conclusions here. Maybe it’s just a glitch in the system or an oversight."

"An oversight?" My hands clench into fists at my sides. How dare he ? "I’ve gone over every inch of this project. This is not an oversight."

Mason shrugs, clearly unfazed. "Then maybe it’s time to take a step back, Tahani. Everyone makes mistakes. It doesn’t mean there’s some grand conspiracy against you."

I glare at him, my blood boiling. His smug, self-satisfied demeanor only stokes the fire burning inside me. He knows something. He’s involved. But right now, I don’t have proof—just my instincts.

"Thanks for your help, Mason," I say coldly, turning on my heel before I say something I’ll regret. But as I walk away, his condescending chuckle follows me, and I know one thing for certain: this isn’t over.

"Anytime, Tahani. Anytime."

He irks my soul, but what if he’s right? What if I’m letting my emotions cloud my judgment, making me see enemies where there are none?

Mason has never done anything like this before, so maybe it is just a glitch. As soon as I make it back to my desk, I log onto Boss Be Damned. I explain Mason’s veiled threat and the mysterious change in the code. Raven88 is the first to respond.

@Raven88: He sounds like he’s up to something to me. I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.

@TestyTesty: Let’s just be real. That guy is a snake.

@Raven88: I have to agree with TestyTesty on this one.

@ImBossy26: You always agree with TestyTesty.

@BlacqQueen333: Don’t drop this. Find out who’s messing with your project. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he confronted you about sleeping with your boss, threatened you, and your software glitched on the same day.

@TheBossPet: Tell your boss and see what he says. After what you told us about him last week, I bet he blows up the spot. Your coworker won’t know what hit him.

@99ProblemsButaBossAintOne: I just want to know one thing. Are you and the boss having an affair for real?

@Raven88: See, I wasn’t even going to go there, but since it’s out there. Are you?

@TestyTesty: ??

@99ProblemsButaBossAintOne: I’m just saying.

@ImBossy26: Yes, we’re sleeping together, and I think I love him.

@99ProblemsButaBossAintOne: First of all, you go girl! Second of all, tell the boss about it and let him take the trash out for you.

Most of the ladies agreed with 99ProblemsButaBossAintOne. And the more I thought about it, it sounded like a better plan than to allow Mason and Grace to continue barraging me with their feelings about my relationship with Archer. Not to mention the threat of Mason doing something to glitch my brainchild, Zeenith.

@ImBossy26: Thanks ladies. I will talk to him tonight.

@Raven88: You better see that man tonight, and make sure you get stabbe d ???

@ImBossy26: You are too much.

@BlacqQueen333: Follow your heart and be safe. And most definitely, fight back against your coworker!

@ImBossy26: I will. Good night.

@TestyTesty: Good night.

@Raven88: GN

@BlacqQueen333: Rest well.

@99ProblemsButaBossAintOne: Put it on him and have a good night.

I glance at the clock. It’s just past 8:00 p.m. Archer should be done with his meetings soon, and I’m ready to talk to him about all of this: Mason, Grace, Zeenith... us.

A knot forms in my stomach as I think about my confession in the chat. I think I love him. The words felt natural but seeing them in writing... they’re heavy. Am I really ready for all of this? Ready to put myself out there completely?

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the mix of emotions swirling in me. There’s only one way to find out.

Grabbing my phone, I text Archer:

Me: Can we talk tonight? I need to see you.

A few moments later, my phone buzzes with his reply.

Archer: I’ll pick you up at 9. My place?

My pulse quickens. Yes. That’s all I need to say.

Finally, 9:00 p.m. rolls around, and I’m waiting outside when Archer pulls up in his sleek black car. He steps out, his presence commanding, and as soon as our eyes meet, the tension of the day begins to melt away.

"Hey," he greets me, his voice low and familiar as he opens the car door for me. "You okay?"

I give him a small smile as I slide into the seat. "Not really, but I will be after we talk."

He nods, sensing the direction of our conversation. We drive in silence for a few minutes, the city lights blurring past us as we head to his place. The comfort of his presence eases some of my anxiety, but there’s still a knot in my chest.

When we arrive at his house, Archer leads me inside. The atmosphere is warm and familiar. His scent of sandalwood and spice grounds me as we step into the living room. He gestures for me to sit, and I take a seat on the plush sofa.

"Talk to me," Archer says, sitting beside me, his full attention on me now. "What’s going on?"

I take a deep breath. "It’s Mason. He’s been... making veiled threats. He hinted that I should end things with you or... there’d be consequences. He implied I could lose my position at Iconic or mess up the Zeenith project."

Archer’s jaw tightens, his eyes narrowing as he processes my words. "Mason said this to you?"

I nod. "He didn’t stop there, though. Someone tampered with Zeenith. I found changes in the code, subtle ones, but enough to cause glitches. I don’t have proof it was him, but... who else could it be?"

Archer’s expression darkens, the concern in his eyes giving way to a more controlled fury. His jaw tightens, and I can almost feel the energy shifting as his protective instincts kick in. "I’m going to handle this," he says, his voice low but unwavering. "He’s out of there tomorrow."

I place a hand on his arm, gently but firmly. "Archer, wait. I don’t want you to feel like you have to fix this for me, not yet. I needed to tell you, but we have to be sure it was him. I want proof first, and I don’t want to act until we have it."

His eyes narrow slightly, studying me, his resolve still evident. "You want proof? Fine, we’ll get it. But if Mason’s behind this, he’s done. I won’t let him undermine you or the work you’ve built."

"I know," I say, appreciating his support. "But I’ve had enough of this. Between Grace’s warnings about us and Mason trying to sabotage Zeenith, I just want to be certain that it’s him and that he’s acting alone before we make any moves."

His tension doesn’t ease, but his gaze softens as he looks down at me. "Alright, we’ll do it your way—for now. But once we have the proof, I’m not holding back. You deserve better than this, Tahani. And I’m not letting anyone get in your way."

I nod, feeling the weight of his words and knowing he means every one of them. "Thank you," I whisper, my hand still resting on his arm.

"You don’t need to thank me," he murmurs, his voice still firm. "Protecting you isn’t a choice—it’s instinct." He covers my hand with his, his touch reassuring. "You’re not dealing with this alone. I don’t care what anyone thinks about us. And as for Mason, he’s going to regret ever thinking he could threaten you."

The intensity in his voice sends a shiver through me—not from fear, but from the overwhelming sense of protection I feel from him. This is what it feels like to have a good man in your corner.

Archer leans in, his lips brushing mine in a kiss that’s both tender and possessive. "I’ll will take care of it," he whispers against my lips.

My heart swells as I meet his gaze. "I trust you." And I do. I trust him more than I ever thought possible.

The rest of the night is a blur of closeness and whispered promises. For now, I let myself be enveloped by Archer’s presence, feeling safe and assured that I have his love and support.