Page 61 of Scarlet Angel

She’s hovering in the doorway. The blackout is enough to unsettle anyone, but she’s got more on her mind. Ash and I met yesterday evening and increased the perimeter security and refreshed the bunker.

The way she’s looking at me, so still and observant, unsettles me more than the news.

“What?” I ask.

“All flights are grounded.”

Ah, of course, they are.

“My phone doesn’t have a signal. How does yours?” She pointedly looks at the array of mobile devices spread across the credenza.

“Satellite phone.”

“Ah. You’ve got one of the fancy ones that will work anywhere?”

“That’s what I’ve been told.” I cross my arms and sit on the edge of my desk.

“Are you done working for the day?”

Is that why you’re in my doorway in a dove-white gown?

I answer with, “There’s not much I can do at the moment. Everything’s down.”

“And you aren’t part of the team working to get everything back up?”

“No.”

“What did you say you do?”

Why does she keep asking? “I’m an entrepreneur.”

“The tech companies?”

“As I told you.”

“How do you own so many companies at your age?”

“The old-fashioned way. I inherited my wealth. And grew it.”

“Shouldn’t you be in the offices?”

“No. I hire well.”

“And those hires man the offices?”

“Yes.”

She steps into the room, toward the bar cart that sits near the window.

“Care for a drink?”

“I could use one.” That’s an understatement.

With her back to me, she pours us drinks. I can’t see what she’s pouring. Has she observed me closely enough to know my preference?

Her dress marks a distinct departure from the casual styles she’s worn since arriving. It clings to her body, sharing her silhouette, and my gaze falls to the curves of her waist and hips. If this is a dress Lina picked, I must compliment my sister the next time I see her. Red tresses glimmer down Scarlet’s back, and I have the urge to step up behind her, weave my fingers through her loose strands, and breathe her in.

But I’ll suppress the urge. Last night proved she’s beginning to trust me. No need to cock that up.

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