Jaggar finished in Advertising only to realize that she'd left her badge on her desk. When she went back to the office, there was no sign of Griffin or Ryan. But when she pushed open the side door that led up to the balcony on their floor, she could hear them arguing and her name featured heavily.

What she should do was head back down. They had stuff to work out and at the end of the day, she’d known this day was coming. Known that Griffin was going to have to tell Ryan eventually. They really should have already done the HR thing. But she'd been too terrified of this whole thing not working with them.

Why the hell would they be fighting about her? She knew that eventually everything about their relationship would come to light, but it’s not like she was forcing Griffin to be with her.

She strained to better hear what they were saying. “Your thing with her, let it go man. I care about her. I want to be with her.”

Ryan’s laugh was harsh. “She's ruined fucking everything. You were great with Tanya. This chick shows up and then all of a sudden you can't fucking focus. You can't concentrate. Your career hung in the balance. I saw the opportunity you didn't and I stepped ahead. I fucking had to right the ship.”

“Right the ship? You’re not living my life. I don't need you driving me. I don't understand what Tanya, or Jaggar, even have to do with you.”

“You don’t get it. You’re fucking Griffin Styles and you threw that shit away. You don't deserve it.”

Something twisted in Jaggar’s gut. Ryan sounded obsessed.

“I’ve worked hard for everything I have, Ryan. Why does my life matter so much to you?”

“Because it should have been mine. In college, all everyone ever saw was you. You skated on fucking everything. Chicks, the papers, classes, your father, hell, the gift of Club Prestige. You get everything and you don't deserve it. And then, I set it all up for you and you throw it all away. Like a fucking moron.”

She could hear the concern lacing Griffin’s voice. “Dude, I never asked to have certain advantages. But don't act like I didn't work for shit. At the end of the day, I had the kind of career I wanted with integrity. You cut corners to get ahead at any cost and it shows. Everyone knows it. I want to be great. I want to be deserving of the Styles name. I need to have integrity and you don't have any.”

Ryan’s voice was loud and clear even through the door. “So that's what you think this is? Integrity? You thinking with your dick is integrity? That woman is going to bring you down. Every time I talk to Tanya, I steer her back to you. She’s who you should be with.”

“You talk to Tanya?”

Ryan laughed. “You think you gave it to her so good that she still pines for you? We stayed friends after you broke her heart. Whenever she starts to let you go, I bring her right back around. You two together make a good brand. I’m driving this train. But oh no, you have tits and ass on the brain and won’t pull the trigger there. She’s who you should be with.”

“You’re fucked in the head. What the hell has Jaggar ever done to you anyway? What is your deal with her? So what, she didn't want to suck your dick the moment she met you. Grow up. You and I are done.”

“Is that what she told you? You gave up Tanya for her. From the moment she got here, she’s been coming between us. How’d you like to know I fucked her? At the Welcome to TVN mixer when she was hired. Right outside the bathroom. I fucked her so good.”

Jaggar’s stomach clenched and the taste of bile threatened. Oh God, oh God, oh God. Was that what he’d told everyone happened? That she’d slept with him? She’d gone to HR after he’d mauled her in that hallway, but they’d never done anything.

She wanted to scream, to run out onto the balcony and fight. But no, her feet stayed rooted to the spot. Would Griffin believe him?

When Griffin spoke, his voice was low with a hint of menace. “You’re a fucking liar.”

“You know I’m telling you the truth. Come on. She’s got you pussy whipped. You think I don't know the reason you don't want to be on the Collins story is because of her?

“You know that’s her mother.”

“Dude, I practically gift wrapped that story for you and tucked it onto your lap. Except Jaggar’s already taken up too much real estate there.”

“Shut the fuck up or I will shut you up.”

She couldn’t listen to anymore. She charged through the door unsure of what she meant to do but she was not going to let Ryan get away with it. Not this time.

"You are a fucking liar. He cornered me by that bathroom, stuck his hand up my skirt said that if I wanted my career to move forward I was gonna do him.” She glared at him. “Your balls still hurt after that one?”

“You bitch,” Ryan ground out.

Griffin turned and stared at her for one full second.

Like that HR manager, he might not believe her. The woman had told her that it wouldn’t get her anywhere to make up stories. She hadn't known the HR manager at the time was screwing Ryan. And she eventually resigned after they broke up. She’d learned quickly that to survive here she needed to play by Ryan’s rules.

Her gaze drifted to Griffin. Would he still love her?

Griffin’s gaze held a flare of fire then he was rounding on Ryan. He hit him once. The connection of his fist to Ryan’s face made a loud pop sound. Then Griffin hit him again. And again.

“Griffin, stop. I want to hurt him, but you can’t. I’m going to do what I should have done the first time and go to the police. I don't want you in trouble for killing him.”

Griffin stared at Ryan for a minute, and then let him sag to the ground. In two strides, he had his arms around her. “I’m sorry. I’ve been an asshole. I should have told you about the interview.”

“I should've told you. I'm sorry. I said something to HR back then but they didn't believe me. And I thought you wouldn’t believe me.

“Stop. I believe you. I should have seen this coming. I should have done something. This is my fault. I thought he was my friend. But he was something else.”

“Griffin, what he said about Tanya … ” Her voice trailed.

He shook his head. “She and I were good on paper. But Ryan’s fucked with her too. I’ll see what I can do to get her help. But I belong with you.”

She glanced at him. “What now?”

“First, we’re calling the cops. I promise you you’re not the only one he’s hurt. I’ll call the executives in the morning. For once I’m going to pull every string I can. He won’t be here come Monday. I don't care what kind of deal I have to make with the devil.”

“You don't have to do that for me.”

“Yes, I do. You tried to tell me, and I wasn't listening hard enough. That’s my fault. I love you. And I want to be with you. You deserve someone wholeheartedly in your corner. Let me be that.”

A tear escaped and she swiped it away with the back of her hand. “Griffin, what did I do to deserve you?”

“Called me on my shit.” He grinned.

“That I did. I love you.”

“Good. I love you, too. And I plan on doing it for a while so it helps if you're on board.”