the long route to his o

e down one floor ins

lf it was a se

he knew he was circling the cage

otsteps softened on the carpet, eyes

ancing over the keyboard as she scanned through the ledgers like a machine wired

just read

dissecti

ing nu

ting t

rni

jaw t

pposed to be

upposed t

cra

r world and retreat into the safety of som

didn't

thr

tice him staring-but not before th

n't drop. Nei

retending her heartbeat hadn't

lass room was visible to him.

wn-constant, commanding, unnerving.

he said gently, placing a boxe

for a long moment,

k you." Ev

ure you ate." "I'd rather eat with my

crackers." Ther

was leaning on the glass wall now, arm

one asked you to win?" he s

even turn

s no one asked you t

e gifts. I g

t like having

ed at him. "You do

low and smooth. "Because the people who i

a st

t, the room felt l

ou'll be seeing

aze. Unmoving

er he left, her palms slightly da

n't giv

es opt

thorns. But more than that, she hated how aware

't attr

even

you feel before l

n't ad

ace you

e stack, and forced herself to focus. But even as she scanned the in

Carri

r power-he wielded

r feel like she was on trial

into evening mode, the floor was nearl

or, above her, Zane

cause the ele

coming

ed in her seat

't care, that she wouldn'

changed the moment he ste

smirk. Gone w

ss of scotch in one hand,

ed on her-calm

till here

." He studie

he'd alread

spreadsheet glowi

ng well," he

than I ex

ooked up

warning?" He didn't smile. "

stepped closer-not enough to in

lunch?" "I didn't come her

repay a debt." Lila rose, meeting him eye

had nothing c

expression shift

sk fal

ce, but just enough for her to s

e-respect? "I'll see you

steps echoing down the quiet

longer just

s about

ntr

ngered for much l