Page 39 of Broken Boss

“Frank can come, too.”

That sends a little jolt to my heart. I press a hand to my chest, surprised at the ache I feel there.

“Go to your desk. Get your things. I’ll meet you at the entrance to the garage.”

His dark eyes bore into mine, demanding obedience. It goes against everything in me, but I want to give in.

“We’ll discuss it on the ride home.”

He walks out of the room, leaving me alone, but feeling more stable than I was moments before. The thought of Chris being by my side as I leave takes away the edge of panic.

Now I just need to figure out how to stop wanting things I shouldn’t crave.

We’re coming to the apartment. Any way you can leave?

As soon as I send it, those three little dots pop up. Orla responds quickly.

WE? Who is we? You are not bringing him here.

Kieran showed up at the office. He was waiting for me outside.

There’s a long pause. The car is silent, filled with an air of annoyance, frustration, and smugness. Chris and I just spent the last ten minutes arguing about his proposal.

The smugness is coming from him. Unfortunately, he proved his reputation by making excellent points.

If I stay with Chris, Kieran won’t know where I am. There will be no threat to Orla. I’ll be safer until we figure something out. His private life is fully cut off from his position running the firm, so no one will know I’m there.

And Frank can come.

Why does the fact that he insists on Frank coming along make my heart squeeze? Ugh.

Okay. What’s the plan?

With relief, I realize Orla isn’t going to have an attitude about this. She hates Sharpe Law as much as I do, but we both know Kieran showing up is the bigger problem here.

I’m going to go away for a while. Not sure how long. Just until it’s taken care of.

And Chris coming to the apartment is solving this how…?

He’s helping me move my things. Temporarily.

Right. Which is why you’re asking me to leave.

I scoff down at my phone, a knot of anxiety forming low in my belly. Okay…maybe Orla knows me too well.

Sounds like you’re aiming for some alone time, she teases. Really taking the plan to heart, huh?

Shifting in the seat, I avoid Chris’s curious eyes as I type back quickly, This is serious O. I’ll let you know as soon as we’re out and I’ll keep you updated.

She doesn’t answer again. When I look up, I realize we’re maybe two minutes away from the apartment. Hopefully enough time for Orla to slip out.

Chris parks and before I can even undo my seatbelt, he’s halfway around the car. Opening the door, he holds out a hand expectantly. I lift a brow in surprise.

His answering smirk makes desire stir deep down, where I try to tamp it into obedience. Now is not the time.

Through the front doors, in the elevator, down the hall…the whole time, I can feel him just behind me. My skin prickles and shivers with anticipation. The key stutters into the lock, and then I push open the door and we step inside.

“Hey, baby,” I greet Frank, who wags his tail so hard his whole butt wiggles. He gives me a big grin and bypasses me quickly to sniff at Chris’s trousers.

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