Page 43 of In Love and Revenge

I swallow, hating that he knows me well enough to tell that it crossed my mind after catching him with Tanya. But the way he says ‘definitely not married’ instantly conjures up an image of the two of them having sex. I saw the way she looked at him in the restaurant when I was at dinner with Charlie. There’s no mistaking the fact she was going to be climbing Rafael like a tree the moment they left.

I bet he whispers filth in your ear when he fucks you. Fucks you with that work-of-art dick he’s got in his trousers.I swallow, the back of my neck growing hot.

‘Your love life doesn’t concern me. But what does is what you did to Mike.’

‘Mike?’ He frowns, and I want to reach across his desk and shake him for having the audacity to look confused.

I fight to keep my voice from betraying just how angry I am. ‘I don’t know how you did it. But I know it was you.’

‘He’s my tenant. I can do what I want.’

‘Excuse me?’ I splutter.

He has the balls to check his watch and then sigh like he doesn’t have the desire or the time to listen to me. But the bastard needs someone to tell him what an arse wipe he is. New boss, or not.

‘Your tenant? You mean, you own my building?’

‘Technically it’s my building, not yours. But yes, as of today, I do.’

‘What?’ I stare at him, my head growing light and making me glad I’m sitting. ‘Why? Why would you ... ? Did you buy it just so you could kick Mike out because you don’t like him?’

‘How could you tell I don’t like him?’ He snorts like I’m an idiot, and I stuff my hands underneath my thighs as my gaze moves to his stapler.

‘But no,’ he adds. ‘Contrary to how highly you place my interest in inconveniencing your neighbours based purely on my personal opinions of them, I didn’t purchase your building for any other reason than it’s a good investment. The land will be worth millions if I get planning permission to knock those grotty flats down and replace them with luxury ones.’

‘Wow. I knew you were a ...’ The word ‘prick’ freezes on my tongue as he arches a brow at me. I need to remember the reason I’m here. To find out what I can from Dominic Ainsworth. I can’t let my father down. I inhale slowly, forcing my tone to soften. ‘I never expected you to ...do this. He loves that place. It’s his home.’

‘If you’re missing him that much then you can visit him at The Savoy. He’ll be there until the soundproofing installation is completed.’ Rafael’s eyes pinch a fraction at the corners as he studies my reaction. I refuse to break his gaze, wanting him to look away first. It’s childish, but I want to win something with him.

‘What?’ I whisper.

‘Do you have it installed in your ears? I said—’

‘Why are you having that put in his place?’

He presses his lips together, his eyes burning into mine. ‘You’re my employee. I can’t have you showing up for work, running on air because your neighbour kept you awake with his unique choice of hobby.’

‘Oh.’

His attention drops to my mouth, and any glimmer of victory I could have at him looking away first is overshadowed by the sudden heat in the room.

He tilts his head in thought. ‘Or perhaps I won’t knock them down. I haven’t decided yet. I like to keep my options open.’

There’s a knock at the door, preventing me from throwing something at him.

‘Aurora? Good morning.’

I turn away fast to greet Gabriel.

‘Good morning,’ I reply, trying my best to get my flushed cheeks under control.

I hate that it’s day one and Rafael Fairfax is already getting to me.

‘Are you ready to be introduced to everyone?’ Gabriel asks.

‘I sure am.’ I give him a bright smile, climbing out of the seat, grateful to escape.

I make it to the door before Rafael’s deep, husky voice hits my back.