Page 41 of Seducing Hope (The Hope Legacy)

Barney and Nathan leave, and Zac joins me to look out over the city.

“She’s captivating.”

I glance at him. “Natia?”

“Yes. I can see why you like her. She isn’t put off by your dominating nature. She challenges and intrigues you, but you need to keep focused. Even if she isn’t involved, she’s a distraction, a dangerous one. As much as you think you’re breaking her, she may break you in return.”

“It’s been so long since someone aroused me like she does. I find myself wanting her to choose to let me into her fascinating mind.”

Zac stares at the city. “We don’t have time for a fairy tale romance.”

I laugh coldly, a sound that seems so at odds with the warmth Natia provides me with her presence. “I’m not looking for love, Zac. I’m not capable of it. I’m looking for an equal, a participant in sex, not someone who panders to me.”

Chapter Fifteen

Natia

When a Taurus is angry, anything that gets in their way will be destroyed.

The next morning, we enter Reinheart and Hunter with no issues. Duncan stays in our SUV a few blocks away. Following the plan to keep me as far away from Archan as possible, I arrive ten minutes late. Aaden sits at the opposite end of the table from Archan. As expected, there’s an empty seat next to Archan. Zee stands behind it, as if waiting for me. When I enter, Aaden jumps up and moves to the empty seat, I sit in Aaden’s seat, and Zee moves behind me. Archan’s eyes track this game of musical chairs with mild interest.

Laugh it up, buddy, but your hands, legs, and anything else you want to touch me with are staying at least three feet away from me at all times. I slap myself mentally, but at least I didn’t say it out loud.

“Nice of you to join us, Miss Waterford,” Archan drawls.

His eyes rove over my face then seem to stop, his gaze lingering on the fading bruise above my right eye. A muscle in his tense jaw jumps, and a hint of fury flashes through his eyes. I try not to mistake his expression for one of concern—I’m sure he’s still just furious about last night, nothing more.

“Apologies, gentlemen. I needed the ladies’ room.” And just like that, my lateness is old news. Zac stands behind Archan with his arms crossed and glares at me throughout the meeting. I’ve already decided to stop being intimidated by Archan and his men, so I glare back and give him my best deranged smile. Starting with “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” I alternate a variety of eighties songs and drift in and out of the meeting, contemplating the case, Archan, and my mental health, until Edward nudges my elbow. I narrow my eyes at him.

He leans away from me. “Erm… we were asking your opinion on a name for the new company.”

I furrow my brow. “It’s been agreed the company will remain Waterford Industries.”

“We think it would be more appropriate to have a name that represents both companies,” the balding, stout man across from me explains.

This is where I draw the line. My presence may be fabricated, but I’m passionate about making sure my grandfather’s business is protected.

“So you’re saying Waterford Industries, with a net worth of two hundred billion dollars, should change its prestigious name—which is known worldwide for its excellence—for a different name because of a merger with a company one hundredth of its size?”

The man’s face turns red. “I see your point, but—”

Leaning over the table, I twist my head and read the name on the folder in front of him. “James, is it? Waterford Industries will not be changing its name. If this is a deal breaker, take your fancy briefcase and go back to your failing company. Good luck with job hunting.”

James’s face reddens further. Even his semi-bald head is turning pink. “You are overstepping, Miss Waterford. You have no authority here.”

“Actually, Mr. Ledmen, Miss Waterford has the power to stop this merger if she feels her grandfather’s company’s identity is being compromised. I would say this is a clear case. Do you wish to proceed with the original plan of the company remaining as Waterford Industries, or shall we conclude business?” a deep, smooth voice drawls from the head of the table.

My eyes snap to Archan for the first time, breaking my own rule. His gold eyes are focused on me. I struggle to catch my breath then jump when a warm hand touches my shoulder.

Zee bends next to my ear. “It’s only me.” I lean my head back to look into Zee’s eyes, acknowledging the spell is broken. James glowers at me. Guess he doesn’t like being argued with. Archan’s interference hasn’t helped—as if the little woman needed a rescuer. I risk a glance at Archan, checking his aura. The red is the most prominent at the moment; healthy ego is my assessment. Could the man get any more dominating?

Heat wraps around my calf. It slides up my leg in slow circles, and sensual phantom fingers caress my upper thigh. I bite my lip to stop a moan escaping and level a glare at him. His lips twitch. Asshole.

Zee kneels to whisper in my ear. “Duncan called. They’ve found Mary Conway’s body. He’s been called to the scene. What do you want to do?” Without hesitation, I slide my notes into my bag.

“Excuse me, gentlemen. Something needs my urgent attention.” I catch Aaden’s eyes; he’s wondering if he should stay or come. I can’t torture him with a meeting I’m not in, so I give a subtle nod of my head.

“Is there anything I can help you with, Miss Waterford?” Archan enquires, his casual tone at odds with his expression.

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