Mental pin: Figure that out later.
“I’ve been impressed with Holston’s work for some time,” Matteo says smoothly, his eyes never leaving my face. “But it was your performance the night of the event that convinced me. You have quite a talent for… acquisition.”
I laugh nervously. “Umm… thank you?” God, I hate how it comes out as a question.
“And collecting the right things.” His mouth curves into a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “I’ve heard you’re particularly drawn to shiny things, like your namesake.”
“I’m not sure what you mean,” I manage, reaching for the water glass on the table. My hand trembles slightly, a microscopic betrayal.
“Ravens are known for their collecting habits,” Matteo continues, addressing Holston now. “They’re drawn to bright objects. They take what fascinates them without understanding the value.”
Holston laughs. “Raven certainly collects valuable contacts. Her network is extraordinary for someone who’s only been with us a few months.”
Sweat beads on my forehead, and I feel it down my spine as well. The room feels warmer suddenly, the air thicker. And with each sound of the pen Matteo’s tapping against the table, it becomes harder to breathe.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
A metronome marking time until… what?
“Raven has an exceptional record with client retention,” Holston continues smoothly, unaware—or pretending not to notice—the tension in the room. “Her strategies for brand protection are sound. She’ll keep your public image exactly where you want it.”
“I’m counting on that,” Matteo agrees, his voice dropping lower. “I value loyalty and discretion above all else.”
The room narrows, tunneling until all I can see is his face, the scars that map one side like a testament to survival. The sounds around me become muffled, like I’m underwater.
My mental pins begin to unravel, each one painfully slow.
“I’ll need complete access,” Matteo continues. “To your schedule. Your methods. Everything.”
The words echo in my head, taking on new meaning. He wants to own me. To possess me. To punish me.
“Of course,” Holston nods enthusiastically. “Raven will be happy to handle everything personally.”
“Perfect.” Matteo’s smile widens, predatory. “People who take things that don’t belong to them often find themselves in… compromising positions. I prefer to avoid such unpleasantness.”
My skin goes clammy, cold sweat breaking out across my back. The memory of those men in the courtyard flashes through my mind—hands at my throat, panic clawing through me, then Matteo appearing like vengeance personified.
Did he send them? Is this all some elaborate game?
I stand abruptly, the chair toppling over behind me.
“Raven?” Holston looks startled.
“Bathroom,” I manage to croak. “Sorry. Women’s issues. You know how it is. My period is all whacky, and I…” I force a brittle laugh that mercifully ends my mortifying babbling.
Matteo just watches, something like satisfaction flickering across his face. “Take your time,” he says softly. “I’m a patient man.”
Patient. Like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
“I’ll be right back.”
My walk is brisk as I leave the room and head straight to my desk. Someone calls my name but I ignore them. My purse is where I left it, tucked in the bottom drawer. With it in hand, I rush over to the elevator.
“Raven?” Another voice. Concerned. “Are you okay?”
I’m not okay. Nothing about this is okay.
As soon as I’m inside the elevator, I punch the lobby button repeatedly like it’ll make the descent faster. The professional mask crumbles as soon as the doors close. My breath comes in short, sharp gasps. My legs tremble so badly I have to lean against the wall.
