Page 53 of Billion Dollar Dispute

Heat rushes to my cheeks as I walk by him, and I don’t look back until I’m outside. I welcome the cool air on my skin. He’s getting under my skin. The small pieces I’m learning about him, and the way he cares for my son, make him hard to resist. But I have to. He’s not ready for kids, and I’m not ready to trust a man again.

I can’t let him kiss me.

No matter how much I want to.

Chapter 14

Harvey

The next day, I’min my office, wrestling with the printer. I’ve already fed the same stack of paper through three times, and it’s still flashing that infuriating ‘paper jam’ message. My fingers are smudged with toner, and no matter how many trays I slide out or panels I open, I can’t figure out where it’s stuck. It’s pissing me off. Why can’t I figure out something so basic?

“Molly!” I call out. “Can you come in here for a sec?”

She’s at my door in seconds, one eyebrow raised, amusement tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Printer win this round?”

“Don’t start,” I mutter, stepping aside to let her work her magic. She kneels down, pops open a panel I’d checked twice already, and with a flick of her fingers, pulls out a crumpled sheet of paper. She holds it up. “This what you’re looking for?” she teases as she shakes the paper.

“Yes. Thanks,” I mutter.

Flashing a smirk, she walks away, and I just stand there, giving the printer a hard look like it’s about to be replaced.

I shake it off and turn my attention back to the invoices on my desk. Several transactions on these invoices don’t add up, and they’re dated before Jemima's time. I need to sort through the final few papers, but I’ve got one of my guys investigating, as it looks like embezzlement. I don’t want to worry Jemima; she seems so fucking fragile. Last night, I just wanted to kiss her and make her forget all her troubles.

This morning, I’m pretty sure she’s avoiding me. She hasn’t told Molly, because if Molly knew, she’d be looking at me differently, as she wears her expressions openly. Jemima, on the other hand, isn’t so easy to read. But when I almost kissed her, her facade dropped, and her eyes shimmered with pure lust and longing.

It’s nine o’clock, and Jemima is late. So I send her a text.

Harvey:Are you avoiding me?

Jemima:No. I’m not a child.

I smirk as I type back.

Harvey:So, you want to repeat what almost happened in the kitchen last night?

Jemima:I was delusional. Must have been the food.

Harvey:Yeah, you seem to like me better when you’re not hungry.

Jemima:I’m on my way in. See you soon.

I tuck my phone away as I enter the bathroom, but then I see Danny fumbling. His shirt sleeves are rolled up past his elbows, and he drops something. I spot it before he can hide it… A needle.

Drugs? Is he fucking kidding?

“What are you doing?” I demand.

“This isn’t mine; I’m cleaning up,” he says defensively.

“Funny, I saw the cleaner last night, and she didn’t look like a druggie.”

“And I do?” Danny raises his voice.

His agitation is evidence of guilt.

“Yeah, actually, you do.” I shift my gaze to his arms.

He quickly throws away the needle and adjusts his shirt sleeves.

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