The Battle Within Read Free

everyone speak at once, dammit ! How the hell are we going to extract our people if we need to?”
    Another executive VP stumbled over his words, “Sir, we…I’m sure…I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
    Forcefully, Roman stood, “See that you do. If I don’t have that plan on my desk in the next few hours…whoever was responsible for putting it together can start looking for a new job! I pay too many people too much money for there not to be an exit strategy in place. We knew this region was unpredictable.” Roman yelled slamming his fist down on the table, “Damn it!”
    He unbuttoned his shirt and rolled up his sleeves, “It’s going to be a long night, so whatever plans you thought you had…cancel them. We’ll meet back here in one hour for an update.”
    Everyone left the office except for Kate. She’d been a loyal and trusted employee for many years. Kate had also been in love with Roman from the moment she entered his office doors.
    Kate got up slowly and walked over to where Roman stood. She hugged her pen and notepad to her chest, “You seemed awfully pre-occupied tonight. What’s going on?”
    “Don’t you think the possibility of losing a multi-million dollar facility is enough?”
    With a tilt of her head, Kate tossed her long box braids over her shoulder, “Roman, you and I both know you weren’t all the way checked into this meeting. Something else was on your mind and whatever it was had to be pretty important to take your focus away from this.”
    He almost considered not telling her what happened at the hospital with Sandy and Franklin, but thought better of it. She was one of his closest confidants. They shared almost everything.
    “Today should be one of the happiest days of my life.”
    There was a hitch in Kate’s voice as dread seeped into her veins, “Really why?”
    “I asked Sandy to marry me. And, she said yes.”
    Her heart rate sped up as she clenched tightly onto her notepad. Breathing was nearly impossible, and there was no way to contain the surprise evident in her widened chocolate eyes, “Wow…Roman. Wow. I…I…wow.” To say Kate was shocked was an understatement, “I knew you two were dating, but I didn’t know it was this serious.”
    “I know.” He smiled meekly, “Meeting and falling in love with Sandy was a surprise to me too. But, when you know it’s right…why wait?”
    Capturing a bit of her composure, Kate responded, “Why wait? I don’t know…I guess…if you love her and she loves you there really is no point in waiting.” Except that I love you, idiot ! She couldn’t bring herself to say congratulations.
    Roman folded his arms across his chest, “It is for me. I thought it was for her too but….”
    Her eyes darted to his, “What? But what?”
    Roman bowed his head and closed his eyes, “I overheard a conversation tonight that led me to believe that maybe she still has some unresolved feelings for someone else.”
    Thank god! Maybe there was hope this farcical relationship would end before it was too late. But, Kate couldn’t say that either. Instead she responded, “But…she said yes to you, Roman. Why would she do that if she wanted someone else?” Other than maybe she’s marrying you for your money or because you’re the most beautiful man that has ever graced this planet. No, she really couldn’t say that.
    Roman opened his eyes and slowly lifted his head, “True.”
    “I can only imagine how you must be feeling, but I think right now…your most immediate concern should be handling this issue with your overseas facility. I promise Sandra is not going anywhere. Remember, she said yes to you.
    However, telling your mother about your engagement to Sandra Catchings is going to require DEFCON 1 planning. All hell is going to break loose when she finds out you’re going to marry a green-eyed devil.”
    He laughed and pulled Kate into an embrace, “She’s always wanted a daughter-in-law that looked more like you, a sweet