Page 29 of Shadows of Obsession

“If I'd known an orange tree was all it took to make you comfortable around me, I'd have lined the walls with them.”

That makes me turn to face him.

He's in a charcoal gray suit, wearing this subtle, appreciative smile that somehow puts me at ease.

I barely glanced in the mirror this morning - just my usual mess of curls and these glasses everyone calls childish. But the way Roman looks at me makes my skin feel electric.

"I apologize, sir, but after our last interaction, I don't think I could be relaxed," I tell him truthfully, because this has always been my flaw.

I've always chosen honesty over lies.And look where that honest mouth's gotten you.

His eyes study me while I stand here frozen, debating my next move.Take a seat? Stay by the door for a quick escape?

He bursts out laughing, and my eyebrows knit together because, seriously, what's so funny?

“I can practically see you mapping out your escape route - and the backup plan for when that fails.” He reads my thoughts, and my eyes go wide.

How does he do that? Am I talking out loud without realizing it?Great, time to check myself into the psych ward.

“Those eyes of yours, Luna - they broadcast every storm in your head.”

He rises, moves toward me. It should be illegal to have eyes like his. That gray - it matches exactly what he said.Storm.

“I'm not going to hurt you. Actually, I wanted to apologize again for stealing that kiss. And ask for your help.” His voice comes out soft, almost vulnerable, and I feel my walls starting to crack as I look at him.

This should feel weird, this whole interaction, but it doesn't. It's like there are invisible threads pulling us together the longer we hold each other's gaze.

I know attraction exists - even believe in it. Love at first sight? That's fairy tale stuff. So this has to be chemistry, pure and simple. Because let's face it, this man is every woman's fantasy come to life.

“Okay, what do you need, sir?” I break the moment before it swallows me whole. I don't want to understand whatever this is. Got enough on my plate already. That kiss at the party fried my circuits - I don't need more moments of short-circuiting my brain.

For a split second, disappointment flashes across his face at my interruption. Then his CEO mask slides back into place, the same way I pull on mine.

“I want us to analyze the code Tim tried to sell. Run scenarios on what someone could do with it. And drop the 'sir' - use 'you.’''

“Is Tim okay?” The words tumble out before I can stop them, and I regret them instantly.

I squeeze my eyes shut, not wanting to see his face when he lies to me.

“Open your eyes, Luna.”

His finger tilts my chin up, and I know when I look, I'll be drowning in that gray gaze. I take a deep breath and force my eyes open.

The air catches in my throat. He's so close I can feel his warmth, count every eyelash, see every perfect detail of his face. Just like before that kiss, my mind goes blank at his nearness.

“You already know the answer,” he murmurs.

I nod because I do. Don't know how, but I do. Maybe that year with Aidan taught me to spot other people's masks.

“Okay,'”I breathe, my mind racing for an escape plan.

I don't know what game this man is playing, but he's definitely not just some bored executive. And somehow, I've landed in his crosshairs.

“Trust me, Tim was no innocent. You're safe, so stop overthinking. I need you to look at this code with me, help identify who approached Tim. Since you built the foundation, you'll know best what someone could do with it.”

He sounds logical, reasonable. But how many times have I heard those same promises? How many times has 'you're safe' ended with me on the ground? Two years ago, I'd have been in tears, dialing 911. But I've learned my lesson.

Sometimes there's no Prince Charming coming to save you. Sometimes you have to forge your own sword.

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