Not that Nuri could judge him for that. He was currently standing here, acting like he wasn’t having a complete and total meltdown on the inside, after all. He wouldn’t blame Romeo for not wanting to show the worst of himself.
But that didn’t mean he’d help him either. If anyone expected Nuri to plead for mercy on his behalf, they were going to be sorely disappointed.
This company might have Silver’s last name on it, but Nuri had given just as much of his own blood, sweat, and tears for its creation. Knowing that Romeo had planned on attempting to take it was bad enough, but after hearing he’d also wanted to drag Nuri into his heinous plans? The guy could rot in a Sion prison for all he cared.
So long as that information wasn’t released to the public until after they’d officially won the court case. They couldn’t afford blowback from this.
“You’re worried about me, Nuri.” Silver’s use of his first name had his hackles rising.
He slid a solid step back toward the door. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to work.”
“You can’t hide forever.”
The second he heard the chair move, Nuri spun on his heels and headed for the door. Of course, he’d only just made it when the Emperor reached him.
Silver placed a hand by his head, ensuring the door remained closed, and waited a moment. When Nuri didn’t turn to face him or say anything, he sighed. “Come with me to the party.”
He frowned to himself. “As your secretary, of course I’ll be there. I have to oversee—”
“No.” His free hand slid around Nuri’s waist, and he stepped into him, sealing them back to front. “Come as my date.”
“Sir, I would appreciate if you could keep your business and private lives separate.”
“Why should I, when you’re unable to yourself?” Silver asked. “Your cold in the office and the bedroom.”
“We’ve had sex every night since our return,” Nuri reminded.
“You think I haven’t noticed you trying to ice me out, pet?” He clicked his tongue. “You think I’ll allow it to continuefor much longer? I’ve given you time because I know that you need it, but you’re going to have to come to terms with this eventually. You’re going to have to accept me.”
Nuri elbowed him, twisting and shoving him back with all of his might while he had Silver off guard.
The Emperor stumbled several steps and slammed into the desk, grimacing.
“I understand,” Silver spoke first. “I rushed things. I ran out of patience too quickly. You were always the stronger one in that regards. I was going to wait longer, but I lost my resolve, and now we’re both suffering for it.”
“Shut up.” Nuri didn’t want to listen to this. “I’m doing everything you’ve asked. I’m still living at the manor even though my ankle has been healed for weeks. I’m spending all of my time trying to uncover the mole—”
He snorted. “You aren’t doing that for me.”
“It’s my job,” he snapped. “The job you’re forcing me to keep despite knowing how badly I want out.”
“You agreed to the terms of our game, don’t play the victim card now.”
“You didn’t give me a real choice!”
“You’re right about one thing.” Silver pushed off the desk but didn’t approach. “I won this week’s round. You have to do what I say.”
“I will not be bullied into making such a massive life decision,” Nuri put his foot down. “I agreed to follow your commands so long as they stayed within reason. You can’t order me to become your…It won’t work.”
“Can’t even say it?” Silver’s brow lifted mockingly. “Royal. Consort. It’s only two words, Nuri. It shouldn’t be that difficult.”
“I don’t want it.”
“You don’t want me?”
Nuri licked his lips. “No.”
His eyes narrowed and the feel of the room darkened. “Liar.”
