I Owe the Tyrant Four Little Heirs novel Chapter 196

“Mr. Bragg, I appreciate that you like me. I really do,” Niamh said politely. “For any woman, even if it’s a lie, it’s a very touching and flattering one.”

Jareth wasn’t stupid. He knew she was mocking him, that she didn’t believe a word he said. A surge of frustration washed over him.

In one swift movement, he flipped her onto her back, pinning her beneath him. He lowered his head and captured her lips in a forceful kiss.

Instinctively, Niamh raised her hand and slapped him across the face. “I am your assistant, Mr. Bragg,” she yelled, “not your plaything! If you ever try to force yourself on me again, I’ll quit!”

With that, she scrambled up and stormed out of the room.

The sound of the front door slamming shut made Jareth realize he had been far too hasty. He had just started to build a rapport with her, and now he had ruined it with his impulsive move. Why was he in such a rush?

Niamh was furious. The only way to escape his harassment, she decided, was to resign. This job was hard-won, but she couldn’t continue like this with him. What did he take her for? Did he really think she was some cheap woman who would give herself to him for empty promises of a hundred million dollars?

That would never happen. She would rather struggle on her own two feet than kneel for anyone.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

It had to be Jareth.

She considered not answering, but after a moment’s thought, she opened the door.

Seeing that he was genuinely about to make a vow, Niamh cut him off. “Just write the guarantee.”

A look of relief washed over his face. “Okay. Come back inside, and I’ll write it for you right now.”

Niamh followed him back into his apartment. She had to admit, for a man as proud as Jareth, actively apologizing and offering to write a formal promise was a huge concession. She decided to give him one more chance.

The note was written in a flamboyant, flourishing script: I, Jareth Bragg, promise that from this day forward, I will not only refrain from harassing my assistant, Niamh Lynn, but I will also treat her with the utmost respect. If I break this promise, may lightning strike me down! Signed, Jareth Bragg.

Niamh read it over, then glanced up at him. Putting on an air of authority, she said, “Alright, Mr. Bragg. I’ll give you one last chance.”