Page 23 of What Comes Around

“Knox,” she breathed, every ounce of her arrogance slipping as she forced a smile. “I just came by to say hi.”

“You heard what I asked.”

Her smile faltered.

“Why are you upset with me?” she asked, turning it into a performance. “I only wanted to see you. She would not let me!”

I straightened and smoothed my clothes.

“She tried to force her way into your office,” I said. “When I stopped her, she shoved me. If I… overstepped, I apologize.”

Knox’s gaze shifted back to the actress. His eyes hardened, the look sharp enough to cut.

“You do not come into my building and speak to my employees like that.”

“I did not,” she protested.

“You called her a whore,” he replied flatly. “And you touched her.”

Her eyes widened.

“I was frustrated,” she said quickly. “She was rude.”

Knox stepped closer.

“You do not touch my employees,” he said. “And why are you telling people you are my girlfriend?”

Her mouth opened. Closed.

“We have been seeing each other,” she said weakly.

“What are you talking about?” he asked. “We had dinner once. One night. No repeats. You agreed to that.”

Her gaze snapped to me.

“Is this because of her?” she snapped.

Titan shifted instantly, muscles coiling beneath his coat as he edged slightly closer.

Knox did not raise his voice.

“Stop.”

Then he leaned in just enough for her to hear him clearly.

“A few phone calls would be enough, Ava. Your drug habit. The affair with your father’s business partner. And the very specific kink you work so hard to keep private.”

Her face went pale.

“No,” she whispered. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would,” he replied. “Unless you apologize to Miss Richards and leave my building.”

Her lips trembled, but the elevator doors opened before she could speak.

Two security guards stepped out.

“Miss,” the lead guard said politely, “we are going to need you to leave the premises.”