Page 102 of The Re-Proposal

“Is breakfast really what you want to discuss right now?”

His eyes caress my face.

I stiffen, my heart pounding in my ribs.

Even when he’s being an absolute menace, he’s still too charming, too good at undressing my anger like an eager virgin on her honeymoon.

Think angry thoughts, Clarissa.

“We’ll talk later,” he whispers.

I step away from him. Keeping my voice cool and low, I say, “Why are you here?”

“To protect what belongs to me.”

I bristle.

Cody gestures to his assistant. “The collaboration between my company and the Do More Project has been unofficial up until this point.” Vargas slips a document into his hand. “Now, I want to make it a little less unofficial.”

“We haven’t made any agreements with you.”

He arches an eyebrow. “Did you not accept my deliveries?”

My lips mash together and I shoot daggers at him with my eyes.I knew those gifts came with strings.

“I’ll donate that and more on one condition.” He lifts a finger. “We’ll be installing security to keep the new assets safe.”

“Absolutely not!” I blurt.

Ms. Phoebe gives Cody a worried look. “We work with vulnerable women. Some of whom aren’t comfortable around men.” Her eyes shoot to the scariest guy with a scar down his eye. “I’m afraid that’s not a good idea.”

Clay steps up. “That’s where I come in.” He introduces himself, shakes Ms. Phoebe’s hand and nods at me. “Clarissa.”

“Clay,” I mumble flatly.

“The team has been personally vetted for this task. They’re a mixture of both menandwomen.” Clay gestures and I see the women, who’d been dwarfed by the guys, standing stiffly with their heads straight forward and their hands behind their back. “I’m confident this strategy will be effective in offering protection and easing the clients’ peace of mind.”

I frown.

Clay’s intense eyes— so much like his brother’s—meet mine. “If there’s any problem, we can discuss it further.”

“This discussion should have occurredbeforeyou made all these decisions unilaterally.” I glare Cody’s way.

“Opening the market to the public means all kinds of characters will be moving in and out.” He gives me a pointed look in return. “With all the new assets that have been installed, you guys may be even more of a target.”

“Even more of a target?” Ms. Phoebe chews on her bottom lip. “What do you mean? When were we targeted?”

“I don’t know.” Cody glances my way. “When were you targeted, Clarissa?”

“Did something happen?” Ms. Phoebe’s voice rises in alarm.

Nostrils flaring, I slant Cody a scathing look. “Of course not.”

He doesn’t look pleased. A flare of anger bursts in his eyes before he quickly tamps it down.

“We’d like to prevent any unfortunate incidents. Prevention is better than cure.”

Ms. Phoebe steps forward. “What are you proposing?”

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