Page 61 of near

“None of my concern?” Esther’s voice pitches higher. “I’m going to be your wife. Everything you do is my concern.”

Elijah’s jaw clenches. “Esther.”

“Don’t ‘Esther’ me.” She steps closer until only inches separate her and Elijah. She grabs his tie, giving it a sharp tug. “I see the way you look at her. You fucked her, right?”

Elijah’s eyes darken, a muscle in his cheek twitching. For a moment, no one moves, and the receptionist ignores us.

I should leave. But my feet remain rooted in place.

“Let go of me,” Elijah says. Too calm.

“Make me.”

In one quick motion, Elijah grips Esther’s wrist and shoves her hand off his tie. She stumbles back with a gasp.

“Don’t test me,” he says. “You know the deal. I let you go this once. But there will be no next time. Understood?”

Esther’s cheeks flush as she rubs her wrist. For the first time since I’ve known her, she seems at a loss for words.

Elijah turns to me, features softening. “You okay?”

“Yes.” I’m not, but what else can I say? He’s engaged to her, even if it’s not real. I’m nothing more than a distraction from the life he’s supposed to lead.

He places a hand on my lower back. “Come on. I’ll walk you out.”

“It’s fine.” I push his hand away.

“Gem—”

“Don’t.”

“I’ll be in touch about the next steps,” he says.

Back in business mode. I nod. Back to reality.

“In the meantime, it would be good if you could send our design department some of your drafts.”

My throat tightens. “Will do, Mr. Milton.”

The formal address feels strange yet satisfying. It’s me drawing a line. I meet his gaze, that flicker of defiance burning brighter.

A vein on Elijah’s neck bulges.

Let him think what he will.

“Well, that’s settled then. Shall we?” Esther points toward the door, but Elijah ignores her, his eyes still on me.

“You’ll get the contract via e-mail.”

I nod mutely. I’m nothing more than a casual fling, right? A mere plaything to sate his lust and desire. Maybe it’s even a trick, introducing me to his father so I would fall for him. Endure this.

He leans down, bringing his lips close to my ear. My pulse skyrockets, but I force myself to remain still.

“Don’t let her get to you,” he murmurs. “It’s business.”

Business. The words sting, even though I know an engagement with Esther means nothing to him emotionally. I give another slight nod, not trusting my voice.

Elijah pulls back, his gray eyes searching my face. I school my features into neutrality, unwilling to let him see how deeply his casual disregard cuts me.

---