This story re-imagines Aaron Pierre's character 'Terry Richmond' from Rebel Ridge.
When Terry Richmond, the formidable CEO of Richmond Inc., one of the world's most elite private security firms, sets his sights on recruiting Lorence as a director...
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You look away from the light eyed adonis not wanting to get glamoured by his green eyes. Your coworkers swoon and you wonder how it's possible for them to forget his chronic dissatisfaction and scathing temper. Running a tight ship is the understatement of the century. The former military man sure acts like he's still on assignment. If it was up to you the last place you'd be is under his smug gaze as he details what's gone both wrong and right about the last assignment. He has no business being as mean as he is. His size alone is grounds for him to be more cautious and gentle with his employees. with. Anyone who's as tall as he is with a body built for combat should always be careful to be considerate.
"Y/N" his baritone voice calls drawing you from your thoughts.. Looking up your eyes meet his for the briefest of moments. You consider quitting in an instant bracing for him to rip you apart for some infraction.
"Sir?" You respond.
"Great work, the logistics were perfect" he says and it's high praise coming from someone who rarely acknowledges great work with praise". Eyes dart away from him to you and you force a casual smile.
"Just doing my job" you nod hoping he moves on. The debrief continues and you recognize the clamouring to impress him and for his attention. It's not in you to placate anyone least of all a man that's so stern all the time. Looking at the clock your body settles knowing relief is soon. For all the boss' faults punctuality and timeliness isn't one of them. His phone alarm sounds signalling the end of the meeting and you stand first. Your male colleagues stand too but a couple of your female colleagues take their time.
"Y/N I'd like to see you in my office in five" he says.
"Ok" you respond heading to the bathroom first. When you've relieved yourself of your nerves you look in the mirror and practice a detached but engaged expression. When you fail to convince yourself of the contrived demeanour you sigh silencing your phone and making a mental note to find a new job. Grabbing your tablet for work you enter his state of the art office with seconds to spare. His eyes shift rom the clock to you and he holds out his arm signalling for you to take a seat. You oblige.
"How are you?" He asks.
"Fine and you?" You ask not missing a beat.
He nods, smiling slightly. "Good" Impatience flares in your expression and his smile deepens as he looks down at the paper on his desk. It's an odd sight to see him smile for anyone other than clients.
"Your reviews are stellar. Both your team and directors have glowing reviews for you. Your end of year compensation will reflect that" he says and your excitement flares.
"I do my best" you respond in acknowledgement.
"There will be a vacancy in the director slot and everyone tells me you're good with people. Are you interested in being on the ground?" He asks.
"No" you don't even have to think about it. It's most of your colleagues' dreams. To rub elbows with the who's who of the world in need of private security. A few of your former female director colleagues are now kept women to filthy rich businessmen.
"No?" He seems surprised.
"No thank you." You correct, not wanting to draw his ire. His thick brows furrow as he looks at you confused. You only manage it seconds before looking away. He sits back in his chair and you look anywhere but his eyes.
"Would you prefer another position?" He asks but all directors work closely with him. Even from your office you've heard him ripping into them on several occasions for mistakes. Director means his personal pawn. It means two am pick up times and calls at all hours of the day and night. Family strain and inconsistency for everyone who isn't the job. It means he has full control over you, your decisions, company, medical history, romantic partners and every other significantly private thing.
"I'm quite content where I am now" you respond honestly.
"Is it the compensation? If it's unsatisfactory there is room for negotiations" He explains but you don't think there could ever be a number to justify what that position would do to your nerves.
"I can do my job well enough now. My confidence in my abilities isn't the same for a director position. I can't commit to more hours or the sporadic demands. Nor am I interested in the travel aspect. My hours now with occasional overtime is what I can manage. I don't ever want to underdeliver and I know I would as a director" you lie and his skepticism is proof he's not buying it, at least not fully.
"I can think of few things more compelling for a young woman than international travel with every luxury" he says.
"You're the furthest thing from a young woman" you mutter, speaking out of turn. Thankfully his eyes light and he seems more amused than annoyed. He reaches for his glasses taking a file from the folder organizer on his desk. He swipes his clearance fob over it and light flashes into his eye before the file opens. The way his muscles contract for the simplest gestures is sinful. He studies the papers flipping through them and then looks back up at you.
"Is it the dog?" He asks, revealing he's looking into your file.
"Pardon me?"
"Your dog, is that why you don't want to travel or take on the promotion?" He asks. You're the reason. You think to yourself, but it's hardly an appropriate response. "Or has something changed in your personal life?" He pries acting like it's within his authority.
"I have nothing I want to flag or discuss" you respond succinctly. Mr. Richmond nods and removes his glasses before putting the paper back into its folder, locking it and setting it back into the organizer. His notifications sound and he checks his luxury watch. He's so fucking fine. You swallow knowing he's probably the worst with women.
"You're free to go" he says dismissively, back to his asshole ways.
"Good day" you respond but it seems to make him flinch slightly.
"Good day" he responds and you leave.
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Author's note: i'm trying to be better about hoarding drafts. So here's a little Aaron fic for the girls 🖤 how do we feel about mean terry? don't forget to ✰ favorite,& ❝ Comment
Are you taking the promotion? (lmk in the comments)
a. absolutely not! 👎 | b. i couldn't... | c. of course, I need to be closer to him | d. for the right price 🤷♀️
