Page 119 of Time Stops With You

The scowl she lays on me when I get nearer is toxic enough to kill a small rat. If I hadn’t already made up my mind about her, that expression would have sent me running and ducking for cover.

Instead, I slide right up to her, my hand on the small of her back, needing to touch her.

“How are you feeling?” I ask.

She shifts so my hand falls away. “Please continue, Asad. What were you saying about the summer camp for young programmers?”

“Uh,” Asad snaps his eyes between me and Nardi, “yeah, my parents went through a program called Coding Camps for Kids.”

“Nardi,” I insist, “I need to talk to you.”

“Do they have scholarship opportunities?” Nardi asks.

Asad shifts from one leg to the next and pushes up his glasses in discomfort. “I think so. Many of the previous attendees give back to the camps. The initiative helps tons of underprivileged kids get access to training.”

“I’m interested in hearing more?—”

“Nardi—”

“Can’t you see I’m having a conversation?” Her tone is sharp and cutting.

My eyes narrow and I restrain the urge to throw her against the wall and devour her rude, perfect, luscious lips. We’re in public, in front of my team, no less. And also her little brother is a few feet away.

I don’t allow myself to touch her, but my glare is thick and focused.

Asad goes quiet, sensing the tension.

“Asad, please continue,” Nardi says in that stiff tone.

“I think I should give you two a minute.”

“It’s fine.”

“Asad, you have work to do.” I jut my chin at the door.

“Aye, aye, captain.” Asad gives me a quick salute and darts off with an uncomfortable smile.

Nardi tries to walk away from me.

I grab her hand.

She shakes me off. Our eyes collide. The intensity shifting through her gaze isn’t all from anger. I can sense something more. Especially when her gaze drops to my lips and her eyes flash with something close toneed.

“Mr. Cullen, there you are.” An innocent technician wanders into the middle of our silent battle of wills.

“Looks like you’re busy,” Nardi says with a prim, tight-lipped smile. “I’ll get out of your way.”

I press her closer. “Stay.”

“Mr. Cullen?”

“Just a second, Renland.”

“Should I… come back when you’re done?”

Nardi looks past me to Renland. “He’s all yours.”

I slide my fingers over her waist as she walks away. “Wait for me in my office. First door straight down the hall,” I say for her ears only.

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