n't. The rejection stung, but

r and locked it. The click

ting from cold to amused. "Are you

me? If my father's estate collapses, it's going to be a feeding frenzy. You manage half the portfolios that are invested in Sterling In

playing the only ca

terling empire falls apart while you watch from the sidelines, peop

irst time. "A plea to my vanity," he said, sounding almost disap

espresso. "Conrad already called. He wants me to consult fo

loor drop out. "C

king a sip. "And unlike you, he

losing her composure. "He'll ru

lian said. "I enjoy

xhaustion, the fear, the humiliation-i

e espresso cup

n't react

he contents

his cheek, his chin, and soaked into

his eyes. A drop of cof

went dead

nd flying to her mout

They weren't cold anym

ed back. He took another step. She retreated until her ba

the shelves on either side

death wish,"

he coffee stained his skin like war p

she whispered, thou

o her eyes. The air between them crackled with electricity. It was vi

ing. She thought he was going to ki

ntercom on the desk behind him.

d, his voice rough

okshelf and stepped back, ig

," he said coolly. "I c

stinging her eyes. "At least

For a second, she saw

en. Caleb and two secu

ered, turning his back to her. "A