he was comfortable on the couch with his Lego set before grabbing h

oods in lower Manhattan. The bright

he stared intently at the list on her phone, checking the labels

t was sitting on the very top shelf. Chloe stepped closer, rising onto the tips of her t

shoulder from behind. The long fingers easily

edarwood cologne

apped in her lungs refused to move. The sc

y at the olive oil in her cart. "Thank

cart and jerked it sideways,

metal base of the shelving unit. A loud, screeching scrape echoed

tely blocked the overhead light, casting a dark shadow over her

nt, distinct scent drifted into his

is tall, broad-shouldered frame completely blocking her only exit. His physi

rd. She ducked her head lower. She let her dark bangs fal

ed. His voice was a low, calm, yet intensely op

ned her voice, adding a heavy nasal tone.

did not reach for her, but his gaze felt like a physical weight, a cold, calc

shattered

oaded restocking cart rolled right between them

e a step back to avoid bei

ing it. She spun around and sprinted down the adjacent aisle,

rdinary coats and backs. He yanked at his silk tie, his chest heaving. He cursed under his breath

against the metal door and gasped for air. Her hands shook violently. She reached

days

mont Group headquarters. She wore a stiff, shapeless gray

He looked up, highly impressed. "Your fluent French and your documented

y perfume, scoffed loudly. "Please. Look at her. She dresses like a li

y. Her eyes were dead and c

nfidence due to the recent supply chain failure," Chloe said, her voice flat and loud

ight red. She opened her mo

. He pointed a pen at Chloe. "You are h

nding audibly. Chloe ignored her. She took the employment cont

loor-to-ceiling windows in the hallway. The entirety of Manhattan

y down the hall holding a stack of files. He s

e CEO has a terrible temper. Do exactly as you are told,

y, perfecting the posture of a submissive, desperate empl

curt nod and

y double doors at the end of the hall. The CEO's offic

nlocked the door to h

napping two Lego pieces toget

her face in his neck, breathing in the clean, sweet smell of baby shampoo. The sheer terro

bag on the floor. The edge of the Be

er son. Your nightmare is about