His frown deepens. “Who said we’re flying anywhere? We’re sending team members, Lake.”
“You don’t have to be curt,” she retorts.
He throws his hands up. “I’m not being curt. What’s the problem?”
Thank goodness, the doors open. It seems everyone is trying to escape their intense exchange as fast as they can. Unfortunately, I can’t run away. I’m stuck with them.
“I’m merely asking questions, Mason, because I don’t think putting Lark on an airplane two days after she started is wise,” Lake replies.
We’re storming down the hallway, and it feels weird to not only be party to their conversation but the reason for it.
“If I have to fly to London and New Delhi, I will. However, I don’t think that’s necessary. We can confirm the updates on the central server.” He sounds as if he’s purposely taken the sharpness out of his tone.
“Yes, of course, the brain,” Lake says.
Mason grunts thoughtfully as he casts his eyes downward. He’s thinking. Max said VTI keeps their brain safeguarded. Only a few people have access to it. I would have to earn permission to work with it, and that means it’ll take more than two days to obtain clearance.
Mason’s staring a hole in the side of my face as I pass. Maybe I look worried or pensive. The mention of the brain has sent my pulse racing. I force myself to pretend I don’t notice how he’s watching me, but I wonder if he’s looking at me that way because he’s attracted to me or if he’s all of a sudden suspicious about my motives.
* * *
The first thingI do when I enter the office is take charge by calling my team into a meeting and explaining our next steps. I figure the best way to earn my way back into Mason’s good graces is to show him why he hired me in the first place. Taking charge comes easier than I thought it would. I’ve listened to Max and my parents coordinate projects enough to have learned something about doing it myself. For the next two hours, I think of nothing but what needs to be done as I hammer out a solid plan to finish securing all of VTI’s sites. Mason watches me with an unreadable look on his face. He doesn’t ask questions or lend input, and that worries me too.
“Lark, I’d like to see you in my office,” he says after everyone has their tasks and is off to complete them.
The executive offices are built along one solid wall with a view of the cubicles. I have an office too. But to ensure comradery among the teams, executives don’t work in the offices. We only use them for meetings and whenever privacy is needed.
Thank goodness, no one can see me shaking on the inside, but I’m nervous Mason has somehow figured out why I’m here. The ruse could be up.I’m in big trouble.
Mason plops down in a lightweight ergonomic office chair. I remain standing. I can’t sit. I’m too nervous.
“If you don’t like my directives, feel free to let me know…” I say.
“How well do you know Orion Valentine?”
My mouth is caught open as I process his question.Really? Has his strange behavior been about Orion?
I shake my head. “I don’t know him. At least not personally. I’ve heard of him, as most people have.”
Mason leans forward, dropping his forearms on the desk as he studies me. By the look on his face, I don’t think he believes me.
I shake my head. “I don’t know him, but I don’t have to be the nerd that I am to see that there’s some contention between the two of you.”
He groans as he flops back in his seat. “Sorry you had to see us spar like that.”
Fortunately, Mason has relaxed a bit. I’m also fishing for more about his issue with Orion Valentine. Finally, I can make myself comfortable in the black leather armchair that’s against the wall, next to his desk.
“It’s no big deal,” I say. “I'm sure power struggles go all the way back to prehistoric times. I mean, have you ever watched one of those animal shows on Nat Geo? Animals in the wild power struggle all day long.”
He chuckles.Good.
“I just need to make sure you're not affiliated with him,” he says. “He's not on our side.”
“As I said, I’m not. But…” I scoot to the edge of my seat. “Whose side is he on?”
“It's a long story. But the only Valentine you’re to report to is Hercules.”
Just the mention of his name sends shock waves through me.
