Page 9 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Maid

"Rafe Nightfang." His grin widened as he circled me, close enough that I caught the scent of expensive cologne tinged with something bitter. "Dean's baby brother. Though he probably hasn't mentioned me."

My heart pounded against my ribs, but I kept my voice steady. "No, he hasn't."

"That's my brother for you. Always so secretive." Rafe leaned against Dean's desk, invading my space with casual menace. "Tell me, Nina, has my dear brother been treating you well?"

The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Dean's voice cut through the air like a knife. "What are you doing here, Rafe?"

Dean stood in the doorway. His black T-shirt was slightly rumpled as usual, but his expression was thunderous. Something shifted in the atmosphere, and the animosity between the two brothers made my skin prickle with goosebumps.

"Can't a brother drop by for a friendly visit?" Rafe's smile didn't reach his eyes, which glittered with dangerous intent.

"Nothing about you is friendly." Dean moved closer, positioning himself between me and Rafe. The protective gesture made my breath catch.

"Now, now. Is that any way to treat family?" Rafe's gaze raked over me like a physical touch, making my skin crawl beneath my clothes. His smile widened, showing too many teeth. His nostrils flared as if he was scenting the air.

"Especially, in front of such charming company. Tell me, Nina, has my brother mentioned anything about our family traits?" he purred, taking a deliberate step closer.

A low sound rumbled through the room, not quite a growl, but something wild and dangerous. It took me a moment to realize it had come from Dean.

"You always did have an interesting taste in employees, brother." Rafe's words dripped with double meaning. "This one smells like sunshine." He inhaled deeply, making me step back. "And determination. No wonder you're keeping her close."

"That's enough." Dean's voice had dropped an octave, resonating in the room like distant thunder.

My heart pounded against my ribs. There was something happening here, something beyond normal sibling rivalry. The way they moved, the strange intensity in their eyes, the almost animal grace of their confrontation. It all added up to something I couldn't quite grasp.

Dean's entire body went rigid beside me, the muscles in his jaw working as he clenched his teeth. The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees, and the hair on my arms stood up in response to the crackling tension. His fingers twitched at his sides, and for a moment, I could have sworn his eyes flickered with an otherworldly gleam.

"Nina." His voice was velvet over steel, softer than I'd expected but vibrating with barely contained fury. "Please give us a moment."

The plea in those four words didn't match his commanding tone, and something in my chest tightened at the contrast. I'd never heard him say please before. Whatever was happening between these brothers, it was serious enough to crack Dean's usually impenetrable control.

"Of course." I turned to leave, but Rafe caught my wrist, his grip firm enough to make me wince.

"Don't rush off on my account, sweetheart."

Dean's growl filled the room. "Let. Her. Go."

The sound sent shivers down my spine, not entirely from fear. Rafe released me, holding up his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes promised trouble.

I stumbled into the kitchen, my steps faltering unevenly as I sought refuge among the gleaming appliances and familiar scents of lemon cleaner and coffee. My hands trembled so badly I had to grip the edge of the countertop, its cool surface anchoring me to reality.

Through the walls came the rise and fall of their voices. Dean's was low and dangerous, Rafe's taunting and sharp. I leaned against the cool stainless steel of the refrigerator, straining to make out the words.

"Mother expects—" Rafe's voice rose briefly.

"I don't care what she expects!" Dean's response was a booming shout that made me jump.

"The family business isn't something you can just walk away from, brother." Rafe's tone dripped with menace. "You know what happens to people who try."

My stomach churned at the implications. What kind of family business involved threats like that?

"Ms. Sorenson?" Jenkins' voice was unusually gentle. "Perhaps you should take an early lunch?"

I shook my head, fighting to steady my nerves. "I'm fine."

"Your elevated heart rate suggests otherwise." The AI's concern was oddly touching.

Before I could respond, Rafe appeared in the kitchen doorway, his presence filling the space with subtle menace. "We haven't even discussed Mother's offer. Be careful with this one, sweetheart." Rafe's eyes glittered with dark knowledge. "He's not what he seems."

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