Page 46 of In Love and Revenge

‘You’re thinking I’m an unreasonable arsehole.’

Her brows rise and she lets out a small, surprised laugh. ‘Okay. You’re good.’

I take the opportunity as she glances away to admire the pale blue silk shirt she’s wearing. Her blond hair is tied up and a loose strand has fallen against her neck directly over her fluttering pulse.

‘But not great,’ she adds. ‘I was thinking “demanding”.’

I lick my lips. ‘I don’t need to make demands, Aurora. I always get what I want.’

She chances a glance at me and her pupils dilate the moment our eyes meet.

‘Excuse me. Gabriel’s waiting for me,’ she says quickly, heading for the door.

I stuff my hand into my pocket and rearrange my dick, urging the bastard to chill out. It’s perfume. That’s all.

I can’t help but drink in the curve of her hips. I’ve never seen her wear this skirt before. Plenty of other skirts and tight dresses in her videos, but never a navy-blue pencil skirt and light blue silk blouse before. It’s a new combination.

One I like.Very much.

‘I need you,’ I announce as she reaches the doorway.

She snaps her eyes back to mine. ‘But we’re about to—’

Images of my brother and Aurora taking lunch together has heat creeping across the back of my neck and my fingers flex with the urge to crack my knuckles. I’m pretty sure Aurora isn’t Gabriel’s type, but that’s not the point. Plus, I need to spend more time with her to find out what I need.

‘Gabe’s a big boy. And he told me you’re making great progress. So he can cope for the afternoon,’ I tell her. ‘Iwant you.’

She frowns, biting her lower lip like she’s considering whether she can decline or not.

‘I have client meetings. I need you to take notes,’ I add, motioning to AJ’s empty desk.

‘Oh.’ Her expression clears, pricking with interest. ‘Okay. Absolutely.’

‘Good.’ I take a sip of my coffee, holding her eyes over the rim.

I wince. The stuff’s barely palatable. First thing AJ can do when he gets back is order a replacement machine. I’m not having my staff tell people I’m an arsehole who also makes them drink crap coffee.

I tip it down the sink. ‘Let’s go.’

I lead Aurora to my office and gesture towards the meeting table.

‘Take a seat there. The first call I have is with Beaufort Diamonds, one of our biggest clients. Biggest jewellery brand in the world.’

Aurora nods and obediently slides into a chair at the table where she can see the large flat-screen monitor that’s fixed on the wall. It’s currently displaying the Fairfax Guardian logo of golden wings.

‘They’re in New York, five hours behind us. We’ve got ten minutes until I need to call them.’

‘Oh, okay.’ She casts her attention around my office like she’d rather be anywhere else than in a room with me.

‘How are you finding working here?’ I ask, leaning back against my desk and crossing my legs at the ankle as I study her.

‘Really good. The work’s challenging. And your brothers are great, and so’s Dove, obviously. Actually, everyone I’ve met has been.’

She glances at me, then looks away again. Heat prickles over the back of my neck.Except you.I can sense the afterthought flying from her head towards me like a punch.

‘Don’t forget your new friend Steve?’ I retort, crossing my arms.

‘He’s a colleague, nothing more—’ She looks past me, and her eyes widen. ‘They’re good, aren’t they?’ Her face transforms into a beaming smile.