Page 520 of Rage

My pulse quickens. This is it—the proof I need. I rummage through my cross-body bag for my recorder but fumble with the zipper as it gets snagged on itself.

“Excuse me, can I help you?”

I whirl around to find Romello Reid standing before me, his gaze piercing. Up close, the intensity of his gunmetal-gray eyes is almost unnerving. His scent carries over to me on the slight breeze of his approach. Intoxicating and expensive is the best way I can describe it, and it makes my mouth water. I realize I am staring at his lips now.

“I, uh…” My mind races for a plausible excuse. “I was just looking for the restrooms.”

He studies me for a moment, a hint of amusement curling at the corners of his mouth. “Romello Ried. Pleasure to meet you.”

He extends a hand, and I wipe my sweaty palms on my thighs—before offering it in return. Somehow, I manage to click my heels together like Dorothy while my arm moves up and down in an over-exaggerated handshake.

“The restrooms are on the other side of the building.” He hitches a thumb over his shoulder.

Heat rises to my cheeks. “Must have taken a wrong turn.”

He tilts his head slightly, a lock of dark hair falling across his forehead. “You’re new here, aren’t you?”

“First week,” I lie, forcing a smile.

“Welcome aboard,” he says smoothly. “Perhaps I can escort you to your destination.”

“That’s not necessary,” I begin, but he gestures down the hall.

“I insist.”

As we walk, the silence stretches. I can feel his gaze flickering toward me, assessing.

“So, which department did you say you’re in?” he asks casually.

“Research and Development,” I lie again, hoping it’s vague enough.

“Interesting. I thought I knew everyone in R&D.”

My palms start to sweat. “Well, it’s a big department.” I hope it’s big. I have no idea what I was thinking when I snuck in here. How am I ever going to get away with this?

He stops in front of a door, the universal symbol for restrooms displayed prominently. “Here we are.”

“Thank you,” I murmur, stepping past him.

He lingers for a moment. “Be careful not to wander too much. This building can be…worse than a prison.”

I nod, slipping inside the restroom. Once the door closes behind me, I exhale shakily. That was too close. I can’t believe I just met Romello in the flesh.

My mind wants to climb him like a tree and see if he can hit that spot like my little toy does, but lucky for me, my logical mind kept it cool and professional. I might’ve blown my one chance with him, though.

Oh wow, do I want a chance with him?

Waiting a few minutes to ensure he’s gone; I peek back into the corridor. It’s empty. Deciding not to push my luck further tonight, I make my way back to the exit. The same security guard is still staring intently at his phone. I can hear a referee whistle and a bunch of booing coming from the small device. He must be watching some kind of sports match game thing. I never really got into sports, but I know the sounds of a game.

As I step into the night air, relief washes over me. I may not have gathered concrete evidence, but at least I’ve confirmed that something is definitely amiss.

I now know one thing is certain, Romello Reid is even hotter in person. Not only that, but he might well be a part of theconspiracy to cover up the new drug. What else would he have been doing heading to that very room?

My mind races with theory after theory while I make my way home, eager to take down notes and get these forsaken heels off.

Chapter Three

Back at my apartment, the familiar surroundings offer little comfort. The soft glow of my desk lamp casts elongated shadows across scattered notes and files. I sit, staring at the blinking cursor on my laptop screen, the events of the evening replaying in my mind.

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