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A few people look surprised. I don't blame them.

“If you're unsure, ask Legal. Don't stonewall her because she's press.”

Layla looks at me. I don't look back.

“If she asks a question you can answer, answer it.”

Now I look at her. Hazel eyes meet mine.

Something warm moves through them. It’s trust.

Fuck me.

“Thank you,” she says quietly.

“Don't make me regret it, Firecracker.”

Her mouth curves.

“No promises.”

“Of course not.”

My hand finds the small of her back as we walk. It happens without thought now. Another habit she's worked into me.

She glances up. I leave my hand exactly where it is.

Myrna is waiting outside my office when we return. And immediately, I feel the temperature change.

“Mr. Knight.”

“Myrna.”

Her gaze flicks to Layla.

“Miss Hawthorne.”

“Myrna.”

Layla's tone is perfectly pleasant.

Myrna's isn't.

Not openly rude.

She's too experienced for that.

Cold.

Aloof.

Professional to the point of hostility.

I've noticed it before. I should've addressed it before.

That's on me.

“Myrna, Miss Hawthorne will be working from here today. Make sure she has whatever she needs within the access parameters Legal circulated.”