Arturo's preference for the "innocent ward" aesthetic. In its place was a sharp, charcoal pencil skirt and a white silk

ed like

Mia. "I'm

crackled with worry. "Cin, he block

om the kitchen counter. Inside was a panino with prosciutto, mozzarella, and truffle

ked through the lobby, her heels clicking with purpose. The receptionist started to stand up to b

. I didn't know

breezing past security to

he trading floor below was a chaotic sea of shouting and ringing p

Arturo's office, looking l

an't be here. He

sing her legs. She picked up a copy of The Eco

ened. Three men walked out. They weren't clients. They wore i

had a logo stamped

lying. The Securities and Exchange Commiss

ie was loosened, his sleeves rolled up, and there were dar

a mask of polite cooperation. As the doors

he sa

ong strides, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her in

ng here?" he hiss

g. "I brought lunch. And I wa

d his temples. "I don't have time for this, Cin

d his massive oak desk. "

ne audit," he

e set the bag down. "Here. Eat. You l

ed, then sat down heavily in his chair. "

er hardworking man?" Cinnamon moved behind his chair. She reached out and plac

linched, then groaned low in his

nse," she

ging," he

into the base of his neck. "Mia to

eyes, grabbing her wrist and pulling her aroun

e said, his voi

his desk, crossing her ankles. She was trapped between his le

her voice steady. "You unblock my app

would I

apply for an internship at the New York Times. specifically on the financial crimes desk.

e thought he was going to explode. But

placed his hands on the desk on eit

d, his face inches from hers. She c

her ribs. "You need the IPO to go smoothly. You need me to b

there. He realized, perhaps for the first time, that he couldn't

," he

blinked

ave cond

e th

week at the Manor. No exception

ts," she

ake it or

her teeth. "

te the Watts family. You s

crossed her fin

rs down her spine. "I am your emergency contact. Your only contact. If you get into troub

s possessive. It was controlli

ea

ed up the phone on his desk

he line. Tell him I'm calling in that favor regarding the Justice Department. Th

hun

oice breathless. She slid off the desk, d

ling his eyes burning a hol

, she thoug