“No.”
“But he?—”
“Tyler.” I place a hand on the table and lean forward. He flinches. Good. “Your app. Send me the latest projections. I’ll talk them over with Rik.”
“Rik. He’s the, um?—”
“The one writing your check.”
He nods so fast his glasses slide down his nose. “Y-yes. Of course. I’ll send them tonight.”
As I straighten, Tyler’s eyes dart toward the exit, like he wants to run. I don't care. He’ll be loyal after what he just saw.
I start toward the exit, but can’t help myself to look for her again.
She’s walking toward the back hall that leads to the kitchen swing doors. Her posture is too stiff, too tight.
I shouldn’t follow.
She’s a young woman who deserves a normal life with a normal man.
A man who isn’t a monster dressed up in a fancy suit.
But I go anyway.
Because something in me has already decided.
I won’t let anyone touch her again unless she wants it.
Won’t let anyone touch her that isn’t me.
I curse and shake my head, this is a distraction I shouldn’t indulge. But there’s really no choice anymore. She’s mine now, she just doesn’t know it, yet.
I catch her in the small staff bathroom with the door not fully closed. She’s bracing herself against the edge of the sink. Her eyes closed, as if gathering strength.
Open the door wider, I stay where I am to not trap her.
“You okay?” I ask.
She startles violently, spinning around. Her hand goes to her chest. “Oh! I didn’t—I didn’t hear you.”
“Most people don’t.”
Her cheeks flush as her gorgeous green eyes focus on me.
Hot possessiveness rise in my chest and I shove my hands into my pants pockets to keep from reaching for her.
Her voice is soft but steady. “I’m fine. Really. You didn’t have to step in.”
“I did.”
She bites her lip. “You could’ve gotten in trouble.”
I smile slightly. “I don’t get in trouble.”
“I…I didn’t mean it like that. I just…” She trails off, frustrated with herself. “I’m used to dealing with guys like him. But tonight he got to me for some reason.”
“No one should have to get used to that.”
