Page 20 of Anything To Be With You

I walk out, finding the mystery man perched on the edge of my desk. I sit and open Luke’s schedule to update it. "Did you need something, or are you here just to look at me?" I question, not taking my eyes off the screen.

He stretches over and takes my hand in his, kissing it. "Looking at you is a bonus. I’m Gabe, Luke’s brother," he introduces himself.

I really look at him then, seeing the similarities between them. From eye colour to body size. Gabe is larger but not by much.

"Dani. Your brother’s assistant. He’s a douche nozzle," I say pulling my hand back and buzz his office.

"Lucas Archer."

"Gabe’s here," I say.

He slams the receiver down in my ear, making me jump. What in the hell is his problem? He’s been an asshole all morning. I understand it is hard when you have a new employee and you both need to get used to each other but he doesn’t need to be a fucking dick towards me.

His office door opens, and Luke steps out. "I told you to wait at CeCe’s desk," he says, arms crossed over that impressive chest of his.

I’d bet my whole pay cheque he’s built like a God under that expensive suit. All hard muscle and rough skin. I shudder at the thought of those calloused hands running over my heated skin.

Gabe smiles at me and takes my hand in his again, turning it over and kissing my palm. Right over the scar that’s there. "I was just introducing myself to your stunning assistant, Dani," he says with a wink.

Oh, this guy is smooth. I yank my hand from his grip and Gabe smiles, popping out one single dimple in his left cheek, giving him a boyish quality.

"Get inside," Luke orders, thumbing over his shoulder towards his office.

Gabe smiles at me again and swaggers his fine ass into the office.

Luke turns to me; arms still crossed. "You called him over from Carrie's desk, didn’t you?"

I flinch at his tone. A man accusing me of something I didn’t do triggers my fight or flight response. I’m not that scared teenager anymore, flight is no longer my go to.

"Why in the hell would I call him over? I didn’t even know who he was until a few seconds ago," I bark back at him. "Plus, I didn't even hear him walk over."

Luke inclines his body, placing his fists on the desk. I meet his eye. If he thinks he’s going to intimidate me, he thought wrong. I’m not going to back down.

"Why do I find that hard to believe. Gabe is not a small man." He says in a deep voice.

"I don’t care what you believe." I snap.

"So he took it upon himself to walk over," Luke snarls.

This man is getting on my fucking nerves. "Yes. He’s a grown ass man who can think for himself."

"I beg to differ on that." Luke states.

I stand and lean in, inches from his face. "I don’t give a shit."

"Daniella."

"Archer."

"Mr. Archer. Don’t make me tell you again," he growls.

I shiver at the tone of his voice and my stomach flutters anxiously. Taking a deep, calming breath, I reach out, grabbing his tie and pull it out of his jacket. Running my fingers along the silky material. "How much do you like this tie?" I ask, snagging his gaze with mine.

"Daniella," his voice takes on a guttural tone and a chill races down my spine. Why does his voice cause such a reaction within me?

I yank on the tie, putting him off balance and causing him to stumble over the desk. I lower myself back into my chair, keeping my death grip on the silky material.

"Keep treating me like shit, Archer, and I will strangle you with this beautiful tie. You feel me?" I threaten.

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