Page 4 of Draco's Defiance

“That’s right.” She watched as he scrawled his cursive on the appropriate line, concurring with the new financial arrangements of his father’s company.

She hadn’t spent too much time dwelling on the details, but from what she recalled, the new papers bestowed fifty percent of the Monroe empire to the man passing her pen back to her.

No wonder he’s so keen to sign.

“How long will it take to be effective?” he asked as, collecting the papers, he slid them back into the folder.

“They take effect immediately, sir.” She signaled to the file in his hand. “Perhaps you didn’t notice, but your father has already given his authorization.”

“Has he?” A sly grin stretched across his face. “Fabulous. Seems like the old man has finally got his act together.”

“If you say so, sir.” Moira had no idea what he was talking about, but frankly, her patience was starting to wane. He’d signed his damned papers. What more did he want? “If you’re happy, then I can show you back to the elevator?”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” He tilted his head, as though he couldn’t decide if he was intrigued or offended by her brush off. “Do you have somewhere else to be?”

“Actually, yes.” She flushed at his direct question, but was determined to stand her ground. She’d had enough of adapting to the needs of men like Jeffries and Monroe. She was entitled to a lunch break, and she was going to bloody take one. “But I’m happy to answer any of your questions before I leave.”

“Leave.” His dark brows knitted. “I certainly hope you’re not leaving, Moira. You’re by far the most pleasing aspect of this legal firm.”

“Well, thank you.” She wanted to tell him to go and screw himself, but accepted that might push her professionalism beyond the brink. Much though this hadn’t turned out to be her dream role, she did need the income until something better came along. “But no, I’m not leaving the firm, sir, only opting to take my lunch break.”

Finally. She resisted articulating the final word, but it was right there on the tip of her tongue. The fact that it would be almost four o’clock by the time she got away from the office had already helped her to make her mind up. She’d be leaving for the weekend after she’d grabbed something to eat. Having arrived early that morning, enough was enough.

“Oh, right.” He glanced down as if he was hiding the laugh simmering on his lips.

Her back straightened at his apparent amusement.

The bastard. Though she failed to see what was so comical about going without food just so he could sign his contract.

“Well, it’s gone three thirty, so please, don’t let me stop you.” He motioned to the door as he strode around the table to hand her the file. “Or perhaps, if you’d like, I could take you for a bite?”

Monroe’s expression was serious as he asked her out, but for the life of her she couldn’t understand why. A man like him was the last type of company she wanted.

“Very kind of you to offer, Mr. Monroe, but I’m afraid not.” Tugging the folder from his fingers, she offered him a polite smile. “It’s against company rules to socialize with any of our clients.”

Moira had no idea if that was technically true, but it was a good enough excuse.

“I’m not technically one of your clients.” He chuckled, hesitating as if he expected her to change her mind and beg for a lunch date with him. If that was the case, then Moira had bad news for him. She didn’t beg for anyone.

“Well, sir, you just signed the paperwork, so I’m not sure Mr. Jeffries will see it that way.” Moving to the door, she ignored his advance and paced to the elevator. She’d hit the button that called it back to their floor before he’d even joined her.

“I’m not worried about what old Jeffries thinks,” he went on, apparently not ready to give up. It made sense. Men like Monroe were not used to being told ‘no.’ It was probably a strange feeling for him.

“Well, I have to be.” She held his gaze while the elevator doors slid open beside them. “Mr. Jeffries pays my salary.”

For one fleeting moment, she thought he was going to offer an unfriendly retort, the peculiar glint in his eyes suggesting there was plenty he would like to say. Fortunately, though, Monroe, junior found some restraint, his lips curling as he nodded.

“Understood.” Tugging down his lapels, he walked into the well-lit cubicle and spun to look at her. The last thing she heard as the silver doors glided closed was his low, gravelly tone. “Enjoy your lunch, Moira. You deserve it.”

Chapter Two

Oliver

EMBARRASSED FURY SEETHED in his veins as he strode out of the lobby and into the cold afternoon air.

She said no. She actually refused me!

“How dare she!” Jaw tightening, Oliver spat out the words as he glanced back at the building over his shoulder. Didn’t she realize who he was? He was a Monroe, for Christ’s sake. People didn’t say no to Monroes. Particularly the men of the family. “Bitch.”

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