ched as the sound of glass

rystal glass to his boss's rigid posture. Alexander sat perfectly still, his eyes burning with

shed. "That was. quite an expensive glass. Was it r

t cost more than two

n't bother to

d, his voice dangerously soft.

e intense months, Jeremy knew his b

ht thousand dollars was a rounding error. Still, Jeremy's frugal heart ached-a trait in

h. public displays could attract the wrong kind of attention.

his gaze sharp enough to

ew he had to answer. Based on what-or whom-his boss had bee

upset over a woman. That perhaps yo

icul

ack, colder and fierce

ill, Alexander's eyes

of calculated glamour. His gaze traveled over her once more, tracing the way t

Had he los

ext second, hi

listened, then tipped her head back and laughed-a sight so e

es twi

degrees instantly. Jeremy didn't need anyone to t

ding here brooding won't help. But reason warned him that voicing that thought might cost him his job. Despite the endle

er's voice cut th

plied, his voice tigh

ave you bee

hting to keep his tone even. "I'm the longest-serv

that

t his ribs. So this is it. He was really g

new assistant was capable-exceptionally so-bu

ft to lose, Jeremy squeezed his

call 24/7 without fail these past months, I'd respectfully request-beyond the standard severance-that the comp

in his voice seemed to amuse Alexander

at?" Jeremy's eyes flew

ent assistant I've had in years. You'd be even

I'm getting a raise?" Jeremy vent

?" He picked up a file from the table and tossed it toward him. "Your raise

as he turned to leave, he couldn't resist a final, well-intentioned mur

?" Alexander's voice was deceptively c

" In a blink, Jeremy

iet settle over the space. Shaking his head slightly, he a

s hand slide along Mirena's shoulders, fingers drumming a

he had felt jus

o the bathroom, unclothed and unashamed, had left him standing under an ic

y, curves tracing the right angles with skin

d taken her for grante

d the idea of making George disappea

ing his head back against the c

ition. He, the undisputed leader

til

e'd ever faced. The first person who didn't flinch at his name or h

ierce," she'd said, her voice all

he could hear. "Don't worry, little riva

nning. The rivalr

ed her below. Chandelier light caught in her hair, outl

ng the weight of his

eyes l

chest tightened. But in the next heartbeat, she turned back to Log

ime in years, h

rved his lips. He chuckled

thought, rising to his feet. Time to rem