Rory hears the excitement in my voice and stares at me for the longest time. He’s gone still again and the only movement is his eyes. They narrow on a spot just over my shoulder. He’s clocked the missing nameplate. He doesn’t ask what happened to it. He guesses rightly that I won’t give him a straight answer.
“Be sure to letMrs. Hamel know too,” he says at last.
I don’t react. I don’t fucking need to because it’s my PAwho gives a start at the mention of Grace’s name. Nice one, Ed.
Rory notices everything, but says nothing as he wanders back to his office.
I glare at Ed. “I thought I fired you. Why are you still here?”
My PA outstares me. “I was rearranging your meeting with the police commissioner.”
“Well, once you’re done organizing my calendar, you can leave,” I tell him. I let the silence stretch for dramatic effect, but my intimidation tactics are as useless on Ed as they are on Grace. “Take the rest of the day off, asshole. You did good today.”
Rather than thank me, he huffs. “I know I did, but I’d rather not get dragged into any more of your Machiavellian plots,” he says. His eyebrows arch. “She seems nice by the way. I can see why you like her.”
Edison has been my PA long enough to know me almost as well as my own family. In relation to Grace Hamel, he knows me better. Calder might have caught me sneaking Grace into my room, and there’s been a family debate about who she is, but only Edison and Max are aware of the lengths I’d go to get Grace back in my life.
My PA’s gaze drops to my crotch. My cock hasn’t completely softened, but I didn’t think my hard-on would be noticeable. “You might want to change before you see anyone else,” he suggests.
I glance down to where the damp patch from my precum is ever so slightly visible through my dark grey pants. Fuck. I hope Rory didn’t notice that too. Before my cheeks can turn scarlet, I scowl at Ed. “Fuck off out of here,” I tell him. “Just make sure you’re here bright and early for my nine o’clock appointment tomorrow.”
Chapter 10
Grace
The elevator rises and my stomach drops. Three floors are all that separate me from Duke and it’s no separation at all when someone who isn’t even my employer can insist on managing my schedule.
Noah gestures for me to step out of the elevator first and as we enter the corridor, I smooth my oversized sweater over my voluminous skirt.
“Duke’s blocked out two hours, but he’s a very straight talker. Some might say abrupt,” says my new boss, giving me a smile of encouragement. Noah is in his fifties with salt and pepper hair and kind, twinkling eyes. “You’ll be in and out in ten minutes.”
My experience with Duke says differently. One night lasted twenty-four hours. I tug at the roll neck of my sweater, the wool scratching at my burning skin. The layers that cover every inch of my body might be perfect for a stroll around the park on a crisp autumn day, but it’s less suited to the ambient temperatures of a hermetically-sealed building. Sweat gathers along my spine.
“He was certainly abrupt yesterday,” I say. I’ve alreadyexplained to Noah how I’d met one of the Moncriefs. I’d described my interaction with Duke as a quick hello. Partly true. It was my exit that took longer than it should.
I shouldn’t have kissed him. I shouldn’t have let him put his hand between my legs. I shouldn’t have liked it. He’s strictly off-limits whether he believes it or not. Duke’s explanation for why he’s engaged to a woman he claims not to love was, at best, incomplete. ‘It’s not what you think,’ he’d said. Why do all cheaters rely on the same goddamn cliches.
“I normally work directly with Rory,” Noah continues. “But he’s taken on extra responsibilities recently so it’s good that Duke’s offering to help. I’m just a little surprised Rory’s handed him the Brimstage project. Duke hasn’t taken the lead in any of their developments before, and this one’s important to the Moncriefs.”
The tassels on my knee-high boots tap against black suede as I drag my feet towards the executives’ offices. My throat tightens with fear while my heart races with something else. Excitement?
I’m here for my career, that’s all. From what I know of the Brimstage project, it would be the perfect opportunity to showcase my talents as long as I don’t fuck it up. As long as Duke doesn’t fuck it up. Something tells me he wouldn’t allow that to happen. He’d want to support my career, not sabotage it. That’s just who he is. That’s who I thought he was. I could be wrong.
“I hope you’re not overestimating my abilities.”
“Nonsense. You’ll do an excellent job, and I’m available twenty-four-seven should you need me. We’re a team, Grace.”
As we near the end of the corridor, a man I recognize rounds the corner. Max doesn’t look surprised to see me, while I almost stumble when I register the nasty burn on hischeek. I feel like I should apologize even though he’d been chasing me when he was struck with a hot tray, but with Noah at my side, I don’t dare acknowledge we know each other.
Max simply nods as we pass him and enter the open concept area where I spot Oliver in front of Ed’s desk. They’re having what appears to be an animated conversation, but they stop when they notice us approaching.
I lock eyes with Edison. I really should hate him, but I understand how hard it is to say no to Duke. We both need to do better and perhaps that can make us allies. As much as I hate to admit it, I like him.
Just before we arrive at Ed’s desk, Noah tips his head to Duke’s office. “I wouldn’t worry about Duke’s faith in your abilities either.”
I glance at the nameplate that’s miraculously reappeared on the door. If I’d seen the name, Duke Moncrief etched into the brass plate yesterday, I would have been better prepared. I’d like to think I’m more prepared today, but Noah’s still talking…
“He’s the reason you showed up on my radar,” he says. “Duke’s already a fan of your work. He recommended you.”
