“Would you like me to make you a cup of coffee, sir?” Marie’s voice shook. “We just brewed a fresh pot.”
“No.” His voice was terse. “I’d like you to tell me where Chloe Sterling is.”
Silence.
The only sounds that followed were the raindrops tapping against the windows, the soft swish of tires rolling by outside the office.
“No one knows where Miss Sterling is?” he asked. “She works out of this location, correct?”
I bit my tongue, grateful that they weren’t throwing me under the bus.
“If I threatened to have your licenses revoked, would that make you answer my question?” he asked.
“Chloe Sterling is over there!” a pitchy voice shrieked. “That’s her desk!”
Ugh. Fuck you, Hannah.
Mr. Hudson’s footsteps crossed the floor, nearing my desk.
He cleared his throat. “Miss Sterling?”
I said nothing.
If I pretended like I wasn’t here, he might just walk away.
Or maybe the universe will gift me an invisibility cloak…
“Miss Sterling,” he said. “I can see your black stilettos peeking under this desk.”
Game over, Chloe.
I let out a breath and slowly stood to my feet. My heart instantly raced at the sight of him, at this much better view that featured another dark custom suit.
“Sorry about that.” I feigned a smile. “I was looking for my favorite pen.”
“There’s nothing in your hands, Miss Sterling…”
“Here it is!” I pulled one from my pocket. “See?”
He stared at me, and I tried to look away from him, but it was useless. His blue eyes were already locked on mine, pinning me to my spot without a word, and suddenly I was painfully aware of how close he was standing.
His aura was far too intense for this small office. Seeing him this soon after my crime was overwhelming.
“You and I have some unfinished business from last week, Miss Sterling,” he said. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“No, I’ve never seen you a day in my life, sir,” I said. “You must have me confused with someone else.”
“I doubt it.” He snapped his fingers, and someone handed him a folder. “You need to come with me.”
“I can’t.” I shook my head. “I have somewhere to be in an hour.”
“Impossible,” he said. “I saw your calendar, and there’s nothing on it today. Unless I missed another luxury shower you intend to steal.”
My co-agents shot confused looks in my direction, and my cheeks heated.
I was tempted to make a second run for it, but he had four security guards by the door.
As if the one on the left could read my mind, he moved directly in front of the exit bar and crossed his arms.
