uturistic tech, pristine floors, sleek glass walls-and the one that came

Carter was

But Ivy remained at her desk, her eyes scanning Damian's packed calendar for tomor

look effortless. That didn't

Damian's light

n't sur

and knocked lightly o

It'll be Thursday night for them, which the CFO prefers. Also, the new security p

ok up. "Why are

ed. "I wo

not what

nted to make sure to

on again-equal parts judgment and curiosity. The kin

lways this...

and sweet. "I d

d

of files on his desk. "But someone has to k

ps twi

t... am

stayed?" he ask

to learn. I want to understand how someon

could be dangerous. But

can't affo

d his head,

money," he said, no

N

k into rooms lik

one h

ilence f

loser to her than usual. The air felt electric. Charged. His sleev

your interview," he sa

neede

be I

eyes l

reath h

moving

th

hts fli

gh the hallway. System erro

ed instantly-compos

n. A flurry of red warnings blinked across the interface: Access br

he mainframe,"

the door. "Wh

ally. Override code is 971A-Gamma. Take the freight eleva

n

e

-

lls and overriding a system switchboard she didn't even know

But it wasn't just a drill-it had been real. Someo

epped

ce, tie off, hair slightly disheveled.

ed fast,

did

hts behind them framed his silhouet

hawk?" she

ensed. "P

hink someo

r system. We're developing software the market isn't r

art po

ob. This company-it's part of something much bigger than me. I can'

d. "What d

dn't

he steppe

you," he said, voice low.

she wh

n't trust

her

trust

hout warning

s brush

tric. Not a deman

ssed h

gentle but commanding. Every unspoken word they'd exchanged over th

part, the air betw

en Ivy's phone buzzed viole

ced at t

unknow

your inb

owed. She opened

ge. No subjec

licke

age l

ce wen

blurry, but unmistakable. Ta

Damian. Kissi

ed was

world finds out what yo