Page 143 of Silver Elite

“But Ford said the objective was the job.”

“No, the objective was to ask for it. To make contact. You weren’t going to get that job tonight, Wren.”

My heart does a little flip as my name leaves his mouth.

“Shen is not an idiot. She’s not going to invite a random woman off the street into her inner circle.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?” He looks like he’s trying not to grin. “You’re not going to argue?”

“No. You’re right.”

“Say that again.You’re right.I want to hear it again.”

“Never,” I vow.

He disarms, unholstering his gun before setting it on the desk. Then he stalks toward me. Stops when we’re a foot apart. The awareness between us is thick and palpable, like a storm on the horizon.

“You’re a dangerous woman,” he murmurs.

More than he knows.

I laugh softly. “I think you’re the dangerous one.”

“I am,” he agrees. “Especially right now.”

“What’s so special about right now?”

“Your dress. Those eyes.” He scrapes his gaze over my body before returning it to my face. “That body rubbing up on me all night. Teasing.”

“Seemed like you were the one doing the rubbing. And the teasing.”

“You liked it.”

“No. I was playing a part. I was picturing Jordan from Copper the entire time.”

He growls out a noise. Ire-tinged exasperation. But it’s quickly replaced by an arrogant smirk. “Too bad you won’t be able to see him anymore.”

I narrow my eyes.

“You didn’t hear? Jordan was dispatched on a last-minute assignment. Headed for Red Post. Who knows when he’ll return. The post could last months. Years, even.”

My jaw drops. “You sent him away?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because he touched you this morning.”

I’m not supposed to be attracted to men like this. Possessive. Cocky. Ruthless. Yet the notion that I’d succeeded in triggering his jealousy sends a thrill shooting through me.

“You were jealous,” I say.

“Yes. It’s not an emotion I enjoy.”

“I’m sorry.”