But then Warren bristles so obviously that she smirks. “It wasn’t a date,” he snaps, the words cutting sharp and fast. “It was something you insisted on. Neither of us had a choice.”
The room tilts. I feel the words hit. They’re loud, pointed, and toopublic.He could’ve just corrected him. He didn’t have toreject the idea as if it was disgusting.My cheeks burn hot, humiliation crawling up my throat. I stare down at my desk, so no one sees my face, but Nancy’s satisfaction radiates like her over-priced perfume.
His father watches me, not with pity, not with concern, but with interest. Like I’ve just revealed something valuable, and I inwardly curse my mother again for giving me that gene where every emotion plays out on my face for all to witness.
Warren doesn’t notice. Of course he doesn’t. His words have always been cold and cutting. Why did I think that would change? No, this is just another reminder that I do not belong in his world. And I certainly don’t need him to offer me his time like I’m a charity case.
I’ve never felt smaller.
My chair scrapes softly across the floor as I stand. Three pairs of eyes land on me at once. My skin prickles hot.
“I just… I need the bathroom,” I manage, my voice small and tight.
Nancy’s smile curves, sharp and sugary. “Of course you do,” she purrs. “Let those emotions go,Liv. A cry will do you the world of good. Do you need a hug?”
I keep my gaze fixed straight ahead, shaking my head, but the humiliation still burns, glowing across my face like an amberbeacon. Sheknowswhat she’s doing. She wants me to break right here. A typical mean girl.
My throat burns with a mix of embarrassment and rage.
Warren’s expression changes slightly. His brows pulling together, eyes narrowing, something that resembles concern flickering before he hides it. And for a second, I feel like he’s going to come after me, but Nancy places a hand on his arm.
“Warren, can I speak to you in your office?” she asks, sweetly, with a flutter of her long lashes.
He hesitates. Just long enough for me to notice. Then he nods stiffly and lets her lead him away.
It hurts more than I want to admit.
I turn and head for the corridor and walk straight into someone’s chest. Large. Solid. Unmovable. Strong hands close around my upper arms, steadying me before I fall backwards.
Erik.
Warren’s brother. The dangerous one. The one with the sharp, hungry grin and the reputation to match.
We’ve barely spoken. A nod here, a look there. But right now, his presence feels… anchoring.
“You alright?” he asks, his voice low but laced with concern. The unexpected kindness is unbearable. My eyes sting, and before I can stop it, one tear slips loose.
He sees it, and his jaw flexes. “Hard day?” he almost whispers.
I laugh, a broken, wet sound. “Something like that.”
He releases one shoulder only to slide his hand down to the small of my back, steering me away from the main hallway. “Come on. Don’t walk through the main office, they’ll thrive on the gossip.”
“I just need the bathroom,” I whisper, wiping my cheek with the back of my sleeve.
“You need tonotlet the entire office watch you fall apart,” he says simply. “Come to my office. No one will look for you there.”
I hesitate.
Erik tilts his head, studying me. “Leoni, I’m not going to hurt you. I’m just giving you a place to breathe.”
Maybe it’s the embarrassment. Maybe it’s the week I’ve had. Maybe it’s the fact I can’t stand the idea of Nancy smirking while I cry in a cubicle.
But I nod.
His hand stays on my back as he leads me down a quieter corridor, steps slow enough that I don’t feel rushed, even though my heart is racing.
We slip into a small office. It’s dimly lit, quiet, and shielded from the open-plan space. The door closes behind us with a soft click.
