Page 82 of Prickly Romance

No, it is more fragile than that.

A line in the sand.

A boundary.

“No apology necessary, Miss Williams. I assure you, there is nothing to misunderstand.” My voice is hard. “Niko enjoys your company and I have no problem with her continuing to spend time with you.”

Dejonae glances away.

I turn stiffly and march back to my office, slamming the door a little too hard behind me.

* * *

Dejonae riseswhen I stalk out of my office an hour later. Without a sideways glance at her, I keep moving toward the elevator.

She is smart enough to follow me.

The receptionist pounces to her feet when I turn the bend.

“Is everyone downstairs?” I growl.

“One person is late, Mr. Sazuki.”

Not slowing my stride, I shake my head. “We will start without them.”

I stab the button on the elevator.

I would like to believe that I am a man of principle. The world turns, not because of the dreamers, but because of those who are not afraid to dive into something until they understand every inch of how it works. Only when we understand something, can we deviate and face the consequences of trying something new.

I know myself well.

My values. My principles. My worldview.

I have never lost my equilibrium because of a woman.

Not even with Niko’s mother.

And I would like to pretend that Miss Williams’ subtle rebuff this morning did not bruise more than just my ego.

I cannot.

She steps into the elevator with me, keeping her distance as always. She is standing at the opposite end as if she fears that I will devour her if she comes even halfway close to me.

And with how unravelled I feel, I just might.

Her perfume fills the space, trapping me in her scent.

The tightness of her dress is annoying. It shows too much of her shape. The flare of her hips. The cinch of her waist. The length of her slim legs.

The very sight of her gives me heart palpitations.

It’s upsetting.

Distracting when I cannot afford to lose focus.

The Sazuki Foundation is the work of my legacy. I wish to help not just the deaf children in this city but, those across the world. With the MTB in its infancy and the music school yet to prove itself, I need balance more than ever.

I vow to myself that I will no longer entertain thoughts around Miss Williams, not unless they are strictly business related.

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