Just long enough to remember why I swore I’d never let him close again.
“Unfortunately for Rina,” he says, “it looks like she’ll be out of a job.”
My tongue darts out to moisten my lips as I rise to my feet. “No.”
“No?”
“Rina stays.”
“Does she now? Because I have the ironclad contract she signed, and a small fleet of lawyers I pay to enforce it.”
“I’d be willing to compromise on some of the rules I set in order for Rina’s position to remain safe.”
We move like chess pieces on a board—his advance and my retreat—until the backs of my thighs hit the edge of his desk and I find myself half-seated on the polished mahogany surface.
“You have my attention,” he says. “Go on.”
He presses closer until it becomes necessary for me to hold myself up with my hands. “What is it that you want, Hugh? Haven’t you already taken enough from me?”
His eyes darken with something that isn’t quite remorse. “You think I don’t remember what we had? Or regret how it ended?”
It’s strange how convincing the lie sounds as it slides off his lips.
“What do you want?” I repeat, redirecting the conversation to safer terrain.
His mouth curves. “You.”
We both know exactly what he’s asking for and what I swore I’d never give again.
“It’s your decision. What’s it going to be?”
I lift my chin. “Do I really have a choice?”
“Absolutely.” His voice is velvet and steel, low enough to feel rather than hear. “You can say no.”
Maybe I can.
But I can’t afford to lose Rina. The board would crucify me if they ever found out about any of this. But firing the younger woman would cost more. It’s something I can’t put on paper or justify in a meeting.
“Or… you can say yes, Evie.” His eyes stay locked on mine. “And we’ll play it your way.”
I should order him to sit down and act like the professional he pretends to be.
Instead, I nod.
“Not good enough.” His hand rises, thumb tracing my lower lip. “I want to hear your answer.”
“Fine.” A heavy beat kicks beneath my skin, giving me away.
His mouth curves faintly. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Then she stays. And I’ll collect at the time of my choosing.”
He steps back, the space between us cooling in an instant. My knees threaten to give way, though I’m not sure if it’s from relief or regret.
He broke me once without ever laying a hand on me.
