You have a master’s degree.
You’re cute, too.
In your own way.
Sort of.
I open my mouth to respond. I want to say something professional, something that doesn’t betray how small she just made me feel.
But before I can say anything, I’m vaguely aware of movement somewhere behind me, and Gabriella’s eyes cut right past my shoulder, and something that looks like a cross between surprise and calculation crosses her face.
That’s when I hear his voice.
Behind me.
“Bree’s competence isn’t up for discussion,” Nico says. “And neither is your presence here. You’re not on the visitor log, Gabriella. Leave.”
I blink.
Did he just... defend me?
I turn.
Nico is standing maybe ten feet away, clearly having just exited the conference room. He’s in his element today. Crisp white shirt with sleeves rolled to his elbows. Dark trousers tailored specifically to his body. Hair slightly disheveled.
His expression is glacial. I’ve seen Nico cold before. I’ve been on the receiving end of his ice for weeks now.
But this?
Thisis different.
This is the kind of cold that could snap steel.
His gaze hasn’t left Gabriella.
Gabriella’s perfect composure flickers. Color rises in her cheeks. “Nico, I just want to see my brother. I—”
“Leave.”
One word. No room for negotiation.
A shadow moves in my peripheral vision. Callahan. Nico’s head of security. He appears from somewhere near the executive elevator bank and positions himself behind Gabriella.
Where did he even come from?
Gabriella’s jaw tightens. For a moment I think she’s going to push back. Challenge Nico’s authority. Make a scene.
But she’s too smart for that. Instead, she adjusts her designer bag on her shoulder, lifts her chin, and walks back toward the elevators with her dignity intact. But fury definitely radiates from her every step.
The elevator doors close behind her.
Callahan nods once at Nico and returns to wherever he materialized from.
And Nico turns toward the executive area without another word.
I stare after him, my heart pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat.
He defended me.
