Page 9 of Brutal Heir

My cell beeps, interrupting the best damn daydream. “Green eyes, from what I hear,” I recount, reaching for the phone.

“Amber,” she corrects absentmindedly.

“Oh.” I straighten, forgetting about my soup and my phone. “Do you know him?” I ask, hoping beyond hope.

Her lips part, and she hitches a shoulder. “I’m a local,” she declares, as if that would answer any questions. Of course. it won’t. Everyone wants more on Addler de Marco. “I wouldn’t exactly say I know him.” She bites her sandwich, taking her sweet time to chew.

“What exactly would you say, then?” I insist.

The two-way radio beeps again, much to my annoyance. “Front gate to Sage,” Ramos says urgently.

I blow a breath out and reach for the radio, my thumb slipping over the hard plastic. “Sage,” I reply into the unit. My phone beeps again, reminding me there was a message I was going to look at.Addler de Marco at the gate.I pull the phone closer, rereading the message to make sure I’m not seeing things. “Holy shit.”

“See my message?” Ramos asks. “Thought I had a speeder coming in.”

I push out of my seat, not sure of what to do. Mike always dealt with the owner. I’ve never even emailed with him. “He’s here.”

Elena looks on in confusion. She tilts her chin up and brings her hand to cover her mouth. “Who?” she asks, her mouth full.

“But it’s the ranch owner,” Ramos continues. “He’s heading up the front steps.”

“The ranch owner,” I announce, both excited and more than a little scared.

Elena’s so shocked, she nearly chokes. “What?”

“Got it,” I reply into the radio, heading around the table. “Thanks,” I add as an afterthought.

I rush down the hall and turn the corner, slowing down once I reach the door. Take a breath and calm down. In. Out. In. Out. I step forward, pausing before reaching for the door.

I run my hands along my temples, smoothing my hair back in case any strands have escaped my ponytail. I give my blouse a quick pass, also. One last deep breath, and I step into the reception area just as the front door opens.

A tall, dark-haired man with green eyes stands in front of me. He’s more than a head taller than I am. I greet him with a smile. “Hello.”

He closes the door behind him. “Hello, I’m—”

“Addler de Marco,” I finish for him, hoping I don’t sound as breathless as I think I do.

“That’s right,” he says, looking down at me with an inscrutable expression.

“I’m…” I clear my throat. “I’m Sage Donohue.” I hold my hand out and have it swallowed in his. My toes curl within the steel-toe boots. “How can I help you, Mr. de Marco?”

“I’d like to speak to Bill.”

“Of course, sir.” Concern crawls through me. “May I ask if this is a security issue? I’m helping cover that department for Bill and might be able to help.”

“It’s not.” That’s all he shares.

I consider pushing for more information. My lips barely part before the muscles along his jaw harden. I make a quick decision to change my tactic. “Please follow me.”

The electronic lock on the inner door clicks open. Our footsteps sound loud on the hollow floor. Is it because of the weight? If I could suck in my gut any more, I would. As it is, I might just pass out before we reach the end of the hall.

We turn the corner heading to Bill’s office. Those last few yards take forever. I’ve never been more self-conscious in my life.

We arrive at the last door, but, instead of Bill, Elena stands in front of his desk. His empty desk. “Oh, is he out?” I ask.

“Yes.” She turns, ending a call, and slips her cell into her back pocket. I can’t help but grin. She barely spares me a glance, instead focusing on the hunk standing behind me. Looks like she’s less unaffected than she lets on. So she’s just like the rest of the female population.

“Elena.” Addler de Marco knows her by name. This doesn’t sound like theI’m a localBS she was dishing out just a few minutes ago. There has to be a story behind this somewhere.

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