Page 75 of Imogen

“We have to work together,” I point out. “People are going to notice and wonder what is going on between us if we continue with this tension between us.”

She scoffs, narrowing her eyes. “Of course that’s what you would be worried about,” she snaps. “And if you haven’t noticed, there is nothing going on between us.”

I grab her arm gently when she goes to leave. “I’m sorry. So fucking sorry. I never wanted this to happen.”

“What do you want from me, Ben? Forgiveness? Understanding? What? Because I have nothing left to give you.”

I flinch at her words. “I didn’t mean… Jesus. This isn’t how I wanted it to go.”

“Then you should have thought about that before fucking me like a casual Friday night hook up.”

I gently kick the door closed and move in on her. “You weren’t a casual anything,” I growl. “Nothing about you or how I feel about you is casual, Imogen. You think I don’t think about that night? Because I do. I can’t stop thinking about how you felt, how you moaned, or how you look when you come. It’s engraved in here.” I jab two fingers into the side of my head. “I cannot get you out of my goddamn mind.”

“You said it didn’t mean anything.”

I grit my teeth. “I fucking lied. But this can’t happen, Imogen. It can’t. You might not understand it, but let’s make one thing fucking clear. This is not easy for me. Having you here is not fucking easy. Not when all I want to do is rip your jeans down and fuck you over the table.”

Her lips part as a soft breath slips free, and her pupils dilate. “But—”

A gust of air flowing from the door behind me stops her from continuing. When I see Evan, I quickly move to the counter, pressing the machine to pour myself a coffee.

“Everything okay?” he greets.

“Yeah. Ben was just showing me where the pods are,” she replies. “You’ve moved them since the last time I was here.”

“Didn’t even realise,” he comments before clearing his throat. I pass them with my mug, keeping my head down. But not before I hear him continue. “Jackson is here to speak with you. I have to go and make a call in my office.”

I quickly move to my desk, jerking my chin up at Jackson, who’s standing in front of the reception desk. Heels click on the laminate floor as Imogen passes by. Her scent surrounds me, and I have to close my eyes for a moment to ward off the need I have for her.

Fuck! I think I’ll always want her.

“Hey, Jackson,” she greets softly.

“Sorry it’s taken me this long to come and finish our conversation.”

“I don’t think you had a chance to start it with my dad there,” she teases.

He chuckles, resting his forearms on the counter. And that look… He fucking wants her. It’s written all over him, his posture, and the way he eyes her like she’s fresh fucking meat.

I clear my throat. “Shouldn’t you be in uniform to give out information about the case?” I comment.

Imogen glares at me. “Maybe this is his only free time.”

I grunt under my breath, as he answers, “I’m not due in for another thirty minutes, but I didn’t want to leave it another day.”

“So, what’s the update?”

“The Armstrongs have contacted Castle and Games to plead their son’s case.”

That has my attention. Imogen’s lips part as she takes in the news. “What are Castle and Games going to do?”

“Still not sure, but Zach has very good lawyers at his disposal.”

“Ah, wealth has its own laws,” she spits out. “If it had been me, I would have already had my sentencing.”

“We’ve gathered all the evidence, so it will be down to the courts to decide. Personally, I think he’ll get off with a record and maybe community service. I don’t know. Or he’ll take this further and make the courts see reasonable doubt in his crime and put it on you.”

“Of course he will.”

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