Page 107 of Emergence and Ascendance

"He knows who you are. I can tell from the way he looked at you, but he wasn't expecting you to be here," she said quietly while we found our seats.

"Good."

The commission members came in right after us and the chairman called the meeting to order by motioning for Harrington to present his concerns. He spent a good thirty minutes handing over arguments about environmental impacts, water concerns, and wildlife habitat disruption. If I hadn't known it was strategic bullshit to delay Scotlyn's project, I might have been impressed.

When he was done I curled my fingers into my palm to curb the urge to punch him in his fucking face before the chairman turned to Scotlyn. "Ms. Whitney, your response?"

"I appreciate Mr. Harrington's environmental consciousness, especially given his track record on similardevelopments. Although I'm confused as to why he's so concerned about a project he tried, unsuccessfully, to obtain a year ago. Seems to me he should have presented these arguments then but I suppose that would have been shooting himself in the foot." Scotlyn smirked at Justin and I chuckled. She spent the next half hour dismantling his arguments and embarrassed him by referencing his own projects that had worse environmental impacts. She kept it professional while exposing that his sudden environmental concerns were personal.

By the time she was done, Justin looked like he wanted to run the fuck up out of here. When questions opened, it was clear the commission favored Scotlyn.

"Mr. Harrington, given how comprehensive Ms. Whitney's environmental plan is, what additional measures would you recommend?"

Justin stumbled through vague bullshit ass comments about more studies and assessments. His intentions to delay the project were transparent as hell, which the commission recognized. After a brief break on their part, they came back with their answer.

"I believe we have sufficient information to make our decision. Unless there are any more concerns you can present…" They all looked at Justin who locked his jaw and shook his head.

They voted and it was unanimous. All of Scotlyn's permits were approved with no additional studies required. She looked at me, smiling big as hell before addressing the commission.

"Thank you for your time."

She collected her things. His team walked out but Justin stayed back. He was about to be on some bullshit. Right before we made it to the door, he jumped in her way.

"This is interesting teamwork, Scotlyn. I'm guessing that presentation was more of Devereaux than you. I'm not surprised you latched onto such a convenient partnership."

His emphasis on convenient pissed me the fuck off…

"This is professional, Justin. Something you wouldn't understand."

His eyes bounced between us but lingered on Scotlyn in a way I wasn't feeling. "Even after all these years, you still know how to pick strategic allies." He smirked and his eyes were on me before he added, "She'll get what she wants then move on. That's her thing."

Scotlyn stiffened beside me. I stepped closer and made him back up. "Take the gotdamn L and move the fuck on because if you come at her project again I'm going to take it personal. Test me if you want."

Justin's jaw tightened and I really hoped he was smart enough not to test me.

"Fucking her doesn't?—"

I dropped his ass before he could finish the sentence. He was out cold and I glanced at the security guard who had approached seconds before because our voices were louder than necessary. When I had his attention, he shrugged. "Justified as far as I'm concerned. I witnessed the whole thing."

I nodded, grabbed Scotlyn's hand, and we left the building.

"Was that necessary?" she asked but her tone was light and she was smiling.

"Very. Men like him will never show respect without being forced. If you show anything less, then he'll keep coming."

"Well I appreciate you shutting him down for me."

We entered the parking garage and I was grateful we'd parked in a corner away from the cameras because ever since this morning I had been wanting my hands and mouth on Scotlyn. That only got progressively worse watching her do her thing in that commission hearing. When we made it to the car-my Aston Martin she'd demanded to drive-I backed her against the side and cuffed her face seconds before my lips were onhers and my tongue was in her mouth. When I pulled back, she smiled.

"I take it you were impressed."

"Very fucking impressed. Celebratory lunch?"

"I can think of something better."

"Like?"

She smiled sexily, pressed her hands into my chest, and moved me back before she slowly worked her skirt up enough to slide her panties down and off. She stepped out of them then tapped the door. I reached into my pocket and hit the button to unlock the door, which she opened then waited.

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