Page 40 of Wrecked By You

“I didn’t say I was terrible at them. I said you’d picked the wrong companion if compliments are important to you.”

“Same difference.”

“I disagree.”

“Of course you do.”

A chuckle rumbled in the base of my throat. She was magnificent, not that I had any plans to share such thoughts. Didn’t want her getting any ideas that I was a pushover, or worse, that I was interested in her in any way other than as an employee.

“Oh my God!”

I almost slammed on the brakes, my head whipping toward her. “What? What’s the matter?”

“You… you laughed.” She put her hand to my forehead. “Are you sick?”

I returned my attention to the road. “Jesus Christ, Ella. I thought something was seriously wrong.”

“It is. You’re becoming human. It’s a huge worry. I think we need medical intervention.”

My chest tightened.Where have you been all my life?

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Cyborg it is.”

Dear God, help me.Another wave of laughter crawled up from my chest. I pushed it into the pit of my stomach. Ella needed no further encouragement, and while I’d tolerated her overstepping up to now, the last thing I needed was her getting too familiar at this meeting with Ryker. Ash had called me right as I was leaving my place to wish me luck and warn me that Ryker Stone was as astute as they come and to stay on my toes.

Letting Ella distract me with her smart mouth and sunny personality would lead to disaster.

I pulled up outside the restaurant, handing the keys to the valet as I waited for Ella to join me on the sidewalk. I gestured for her to walk ahead. As we entered the building, my hand moved to the small of her back, a long-forgotten instinct driving my actions. She glanced up at me and gave me a dazzling smile.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

I arched a brow. “Wait… is that… is thatgratitude?”

“Is that… is that… another joke?”

This time, I couldn’t contain the laughter I’d worked so hard to suppress. In response, Ella looked as if I’d given her what her heart desired. Her eyes shone, and her smile grew even wider.

“You should laugh more often, Johannes. It suits you.”

The moment of mirth died. I cleared my throat. “This is a business meeting. No room for jokes. Please remember that you’re representing Kingcaid, and we take our business interests extremely seriously.”

Jesus.She’d been right about the cyborg.Who speaks like that?

She smoothed a hand over her dress. “Of course, Mr. Kingcaid, sir.” Her words were submissive, but the twinkle in her eye was anything but.

“Sit up straight, be polite, and follow my lead.”

She winked.Winked.

“You got it, boss.”

Ah, fuck.I was doomed.

Chapter15

Ella

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