Page 129 of Auctioned

Ophelia’s accusations continue. My feelings for her burn a hole in my chest.

I go back to my room to change into a clean suit and leave for the office, anyway.

25

JAMES

“Mr. Hawthorne, there’s someone here for you,” Andrea, my assistant, says over the line.

A frown tugs at my lips. My body goes on high alert. I don’t remember having a four o’clock meeting.

Besides, Andrea never sayssomeoneis here. She always takes names.

Could it be Ophelia? Could she have broken free somehow and stormed into my office? Did she stride past the other offices, reaching my corner one, demanding to be let inside?

I imagine her out there. Next to Andrea’s desk, wearing whatever clothes she chose from her closet. Furious. Gorgeous.

She could’ve missed me.

Motherfucker.

I’ve missed her too.

And I’m scared out of my mind.

Topher could see her. He and Camden have been tagging along with our associates when their academic schedule allows it. Both of them are here today, spending the afternoon in one of the cubicles. Learning and watching.

He’d kill her in a heartbeat.

Ophelia. Ophelia. Ophelia.

The need to protect her is a vise around my throat. It’s fire singeing my blood.

I’ve protected other women before.

Never felt this way about it. This invested. This out of my mind with concern for their well-being.

If my son doesn’t kill Ophelia, Oliver will. He’s been strolling outside my office the entire day, even though we’ve had back-to-back meetings since this morning. He hasn’t been subtle about stalking me.

I’m out of my chair, crossing the sitting area next to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

My heart is in my throat.

I swing the door open.

I step back, preparing myself to yell at Ophelia. To haul her inside. Put my goddamn body between her and the world.

I’ll die if that means saving her. I absolutely will.

“James, so nice to see you.”

It takes a long moment for my eyes to focus. To register who’s standing in the doorway of my office.

Short blond hair. Demonic blue eyes.

Young and reckless in a dark, expensive suit.

Parker Langley.

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