Page 166 of A Vicious Love

“She is cold.”

“Yes.”

“She is my fiancée. I am allowed to be concerned.”

“Yes.”

“Then it is rational.”

Reeves breathed once, very quietly.

“Would you like the car brought around?”

“No. The studio is eight minutes away. I’ll drive.”

“That seems less rational.”

“I am done consulting you.”

“Understood.”

I ended the call.

Then I stood there for three seconds, watching Sienna freeze on my wall of surveillance feeds, and felt something hot and ugly crawl up through my chest.

She was standing outside because of me.

No.

Because of faulty electrical compliance.

Still, I had made the call…forced the evacuation. For communication.

A normal courtship tactic, provided the courtship was taking place in a city where everyone had lost their mind and I happened to own most of the emergency exits.

I grabbed my jacket.

A normal coat would not do.

I opened the secure wardrobe attached to the office and looked through the emergency items Reeves kept there for public events. Umbrellas. Men’s overcoats. Cashmere scarves. Gloves. A ridiculous amount of black fabric because apparently all my contingencies dressed for funerals.

I called Reeves back.

“Yes, sir.”

“I need a coat.”

“You have several.”

“For Sienna.”

“I had one sent.”

“No. I need one that doesn’t look like it came from a supply closet.”

“Sir, I have access to the boutique two floors below. They carry women’s clothing.”

“Luxury?”