“Ah, well, looks like we both lost that bet, eh?”
Even as Brennan asks, “What bet?”I push Carlos out of the elevator and attack theclose doorbutton.
Carlos’s thick brows raised in amusement linger in my mind long after the panels slide closed.
“Audrey, what bet?”Brennan repeats.
“I don’t know what they’re talking about, sir,” I lie.
The last thing I need is to stroke my domineering jerk of a boss’s ego and tell him how he succeeded in doing something no one else has managed to do since I got my shit together and stopped cowering every second of the day.Carlos has tried and failed to help me with my bags for eight years, yet on his third day of working in this office, Brennan proudly carries them all—even my purse—while I stand empty-handed.
He’d never stop preening if I told him.
He narrows his attention to my eyes.I bat my lashes and say a silent prayer of thanks when the elevator opens.
I step over the threshold and shift aside so he can lead the way to his car.After settling me in the passenger seat and offering me my purse, he places my bag and briefcase in the back seat.When he turns as though to lean back in through my door, I buckle my seatbelt faster than I ever have before and place both hands on my purse in my lap.
He chuckles and shuts my door before walking around the trunk and wedging his massive frame behind the wheel.
My mouth dries at the reminder of how much bigger he is than I am.I’d never be able to reach the pedals if my seat were that far back.As a teen, he was wiry muscular as though he could never get enough to eat, but now he’s gigantic.
He could crush me with one hand.Despite everything I’ve learned in self-defense class throughout the years, I stand no chance against his strength if he decides to hurt me.
My very marrow insists he never will, but the last man I trusted decimated my entire life in one night.
The vehicle floats through the parking lot, over the speed bumps, and through the gate like a dream.
Brennan breaks the silence a few minutes into the drive.
“What do you know about this meeting?”he asks.
I sigh and shake my head.
“Mr.Williams set it up himself two weeks ago.He insisted I attend with him but wouldn’t give further details.I’m going into this as blind as you are,” I say.
He grunts, nods, and navigates the crazy roads with ease.
I tell myself not to drool over his thick, corded forearms and striking profile, but my eyes refuse to look away.He’s much more mesmerizing than traffic.
Hunger darkens his eyes as he catches my ogling.I clear my throat and turn my gaze out the window.
We pull up to a ritzy hotel.I sigh and rub the tension forming between my eyes.
I’m not dressed for fancy, and after the busy morning and impromptu nap, my suit no longer feels crisp and my makeup is probably in need of a refresher.Acutely aware of dress codes and societal expectations from my demanding and male-dominated workplace, I silently berate myself for the oversight.
I should have realized Mr.Williams wouldn’t book a meeting in a normal restaurant.He was always fine dining with pompous assholes.
With a sigh, I wait for Brennan to toss the keys to the valet and open my door.When he offers me his hand, I give him a warning look before accepting.
I am neither arm candy nor a trophy wife and do not need his high-handed excuses to touch me.
After offering me a heart-meltingly gentle smile, his entire demeanor changes.He becomes the cutthroat businessman everyone warns against crossing.
The deepest parts of me relax despite my senses winding higher.With him around, no one would dare hurt me.
Except he already left me behind once.I’ve learned how to fend for myself.I don’t need him.
But I want him no matter how much I tell myself I don’t.Less than three days ago, I would’ve rather cut my own hand off than accept his help, yet here I am, walking side by side with him into the lion’s den.
