Page 61 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
I blink, suddenly seeing the space through new eyes. Everything feels more vivid, like I'm seeing below the surface.
"The whole place is a fortress," Kade continues, his fingertips pressing slightly firmer against my back. "But we make damn sure it doesn't look like one. Designed to look professional while providing maximum protection. We can't have our clients feeling on edge when they visit."
I absorb this information, examining the area critically. What I'd assumed was just stylish decor now takes on a whole new meaning. I mentally file away details about security measures and layout—the kind of information that would make an incredible exposé.
"Impressed yet?" Kade murmurs, and I realize he's watching me examine the room, reading my expressions with those penetrating blue eyes.
"Hardly," I lie. "I've seen corporate lobbies before."
We step into an elevator, and Kade uses a keycard to access the upper floors. As the doors close, he shifts to stand behind me, his broad chest nearly touching my back. The confined space feels suddenly smaller, charged with something dangerous.
"The top five floors are our official offices," his deep voice rumbles close to my ear.
The doors open, and Kade gives me a tour of what looks like any high-end consulting firm. Open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms with glass walls, even a fancy break room with an espresso machine that probably costs more than my car.
People in suits hurry past, talking on phones or carrying stacks of papers. It could be any high-powered consulting firm.
"This is where we handle our legitimate security contracts," Kade explains, speaking quietly as we walk through. His hand never leaves my back, guiding me through the space with possessive confidence. "Most of the employees here have no idea about the other side."
I take mental notes, my instincts kicking in despite the circumstances. "How do you keep it all separate?"
"Very carefully," Kade says dryly.
My eyes narrow at Kade's response. "You're making it really fucking difficult to not hit you right now," I tell him, my fists clenching at my sides.
Kade's lips curve up and he steps closer, backing me against the wall of the empty hallway we've turned into. His muscled arm braces against the wall beside my head, caging me in.
"Careful, little hellcat," his voice is low and amused. "I might enjoy it too much if you did."
His eyes flick down to my mouth for just a second before returning to meet my gaze. "And I don't think you're ready for how I'd retaliate."
Heat blooms in my chest, washing over my skin in a betraying flush. I lift my chin, refusing to be intimidated despite the way my heart rate kicks up.
"Try me," I challenge.
For a moment, something dangerous flashes in his eyes. Then he chuckles, pushing away from the wall and continuing our tour.
We continue through several floors of offices, conference rooms, and what looks like a high-tech surveillance center. Throughout the tour, Kade's hand returns to the small of my back, occasionally drifting lower before sliding back up. Each touch is a silent reminder of the power dynamic between us.
"Hey," I try to sound casual. "What's the deal with you always calling me 'little hellcat' anyway?"
Kade's eyes lock onto mine, a dangerous glint flashing in their depths. His lips curl into that infuriating smirk as he invades my personal space again.
"Because that's exactly what you are, sweetheart," he drawls, voice low and gravelly. "A feisty little wildcat who needs to be tamed."
He takes a step closer, looming over me. "And I'm just the man to do it."
Damn him and his cocky attitude. But I'd be lying if I said it didn't turn me on just a little. Or a lot.
Eventually, Kade leads me back to the elevator. This time, he pulls out another keycard and swipes it, revealing a hidden panel of buttons.
This is where things get interesting.
"Ready to see where the real work happens?" he asks, his voice low, his body crowding mine against the elevator wall.
I take a deep breath, inhaling his woodsy scent. "Absolutely."
My heart races as we go deeper underground. When the doors open, I step out into a world that's completely different from the polished offices above.
