His attention is on his phone again, but I can tell he knows I’m watching him.
“What is it, Madison?” he finally growls.
“Nothing.” I force myself to look away. “Today was… lovely,” I tell him. “Thank you.”
He doesn’t reply. He’s going to pretend that this was all within the normal bounds of what a boss would do for his assistant. And that’s okay. I need him to pretend, so I can too.
The next thing I know, he’s murmuring my name and brushing the hair off my face. I blink my eyes open. In the warm darkness of the backseat, I fell asleep. On his shoulder.
“What-” I jerk back, clearing my throat and gathering myself.
“We’re here.” The limo’s at the curb right in front of Aubrey’s and my apartment.
There’s a touch of softness in Brick’s deep rumble. “Do you need me to help you?”
“No.” I swipe a hand across my face. Did I drool on him? I hope not. “I’ve got it.” Tony opens my door, and I scramble out, disoriented by my lack of work clothes. Under my coat, I’m still wearing the soft lounge set Miravelle gave me. That Brick paid for, as a token of appreciation about my work. A typical gift from boss to employee. Nothing unusual here.
“Thanks again,” I call and rush to my door. I feel him watching me the whole time.
Nope, nothing unusual here at all.
Tomorrow we’ll go back to work and pretend this never happened. That’s the only answer to this dilemma. Things are getting too close. It’s too much for me to guard my heart against.
Madi
I sip my vanilla latte as I shoot off an email congratulating the HR department on their plans for the Christmas party on behalf of my boss, who actually doesn’t give a crap.
The elevator dings, and I frown, not expecting to see Blackthroat here today. His beard is looking fuller, and his normally slicked back bangs are a little shaggy, like he’s overdue for a haircut. My pussy tingles at the sight.
“This morning is your shareholder’s meeting at Adalwulf Associates, sir,” I say when he steps off with Eagle. I expected him to go straight to the meeting with his rivals.
“I know. You’re coming with us.”
“I am?” I shoot to my feet because if that’s the case, we must be running late.
“She is?” Eagle repeats.
I grab my coat from the hook and pull it on as I scan the desk. “What do I need? Laptop? Paperwork?”
“Just that smart brain of yours. Maybe a notebook. Listen and remember. That’s all. Let’s go.”
Eagle shoots Blackthroat a look and opens his mouth but then closes it again as if he reconsidered.
I try to quiet the flutters of pleasure in my chest that Blackthroat wants me along. He’s come to rely on me. He trusts me.
I don’t know why it means so much, but it does. It’s impossible for me to untangle whether it’s personal or job-related. Especially when I’ve spent the last two weeks in every possible position on the man’s desk.
Which truly gives new meaning to job dedication.
The executive team hates it-Eagle included. I’m not sure how they know we’ve continued to, ah, be intimate, but it’s obvious they do.
The three of us step into the elevator. Blackthroat is edgy, with the restless, potent energy he seems to have every morning before we’ve had sex. He usually demands it first thing, like he can’t focus until he gets off. Days like today when his schedule doesn’t permit it, he’s crabby as hell. Someone usually ends up getting fired or severely dressed down.
Blackthroat draws a deep, audible breath in through his nose and holds it, closing his eyes for a beat.
Funny. I wouldn’t have thought of him as a yogic breather. But I’m sure attending this board meeting is a nightmare for him. The Adalwulfs stole the company from him-that has to hurt. It’s probably the reason he hates his mom. Was she a part of it?
“What do you know about Adalwulf Associates?” Blackthroat asks.
“It’s the hedge fund company owned by members of the Adalwulf family. Officially run by your Uncle, Odin Adalwulf, but his son Aiden is said to oversee the day-to-day business now due to Odin’s flagging health. Twelve people sit on the board, including your mother, Catherine Adalwulf, and all her children: you, Ruby, and Scarlett.”
Eagle’s gaze narrows with what looks like mistrust. “You know quite a bit.”
What is he implying? That I’ve been pumping the boss for personal information while I suck his dick? Does he suspect I’m some kind of corporate spy for the Adalwulfs? I keep my spine straight. “My job requires me to understand the dynamics that affect my boss.”
“Does it, though?” Skepticism leaks into Eagle’s voice.
“Don’t.” One word from Blackthroat, and Eagle’s expression goes blank. The guard dog heeds his master’s command.
My stomach flip-flops. I’m not even sure why. Because Blackthroat protected me? I can’t decide if it excites me or makes me nervous. A little of both, I think. I love that I mean something to him, but I also know it won’t end well for me. His execs don’t like it, and they will look for ways to destroy me.
It’s like I can see the jagged teeth of the cliff wall up ahead, the one I’m speeding toward without brakes. Blackthroat isn’t safe. He isn’t safe for me emotionally, and he may not be safe for my career, either.
If I were smart, I’d call that cosmetics heiress from the charity ball, Eleanor Harrington, the one who offered me a job. It wouldn’t hurt to meet with her to have a fall-back plan when things crash and burn here. Because I’m certain now, one way or another, they will crash and burn.
Which is why I put the fifty thousand dollar bonus Blackthroat gave me straight into a savings CD for Brayden’s education. Who knows if he can rely on that scholarship when things go south.
“What else do I need to know?” I ask Blackthroat.
He shakes his head. “I don’t know. Just pay attention to everything that’s said.” He’s never personable, but this morning he seems grim and distant. Knowing some of his story-or guessing at it-makes my heart ache for him.
“Yes, sir.”
The elevator door opens, and we leave the building to get in the back of a limo parked in front. December snow falls in heavy, wet flakes, coating the windows.
Ruby is already seated in the back. Like Brick, her expression is drawn and tight. She’s far more tense than when she was stressed at the charity ball. This is different. There’s an element of grief to both their countenances, which makes sense. Losing the company must be mingled in with losing their father.
“Hi, Madi,” she says softly. “I’m glad you’re here.”
I work to swallow, trying to unpack what she means by that. She’s glad I’m here to support Brick? Like he needs emotional support? Or she’s glad I have his back professionally? Or is she personally happy to see me? I can’t imagine why that would be the case.
The Adalwulf’s second building is just a five minute drive. The limo double-parks in front, and we climb out onto the sidewalk.
Catherine Adalwulf is waiting in the lobby, apparently for us because she nods to the security guard and ushers us to the elevators.
“Why would you wait for us?” Blackthroat demands the moment the elevator doors close.
“Because you’re my children,” she says simply, ignoring the confrontation in his tone.
“We’re not walking in there together like we’re united in any way.”
“We’re united by blood.” There’s a little more passion in Catherine’s voice now, but I hear angst there, too. Ruby’s shoulders hunch, and she doesn’t look at her mom or take her side. Eagle puts his hand on her lower back protectively.
“Hi Madi.” Catherine catches my eye. She’s called the office a couple times since Thanksgiving, making chit chat with me before asking to speak to Brick. Of course, he never takes her calls. It’s painful to witness her attempts and his rebuffs. It’s obvious they’re both hurting over their relationship.
Blackthroat scowls.
I send her a small, polite smile. “Good morning.”
What could it be that drove their family apart? It had to be the clients Adawulf poached from the Blackthroat firm. Brick must blame his mother for it.
I’m not the kind of person who takes on the tension of the people around me, so it’s like watching an engaging drama unfold. I’m fascinated by it all, recording every nuance and word to mull over later.
We step off the elevator and enter a large conference room with windows on two walls. Most of the seats are already taken by men who all bear a resemblance to Catherine, with sandy blond hair and prominent cheekbones.
The most beautiful one of them all, Aiden Adalwulf, is at the head of the table. He lifts his upper lip in a snarl as we come in. “What’s this?” His nostrils flare like I smell bad.
“You’ve met my assistant.” Blackthroat doesn’t introduce me by name, not that I expected him to. At least he called me assistant instead of secretary. I take no offense. Everything about him, from his unnatural good looks to his flat, raspy voice makes my skin crawl. I’d rather not be on his radar.
What does concern me is how Blackthroat’s eyes are still dead. He’s gone flat, emotionless-matching Aiden Adalwulf’s cold stare. But unlike Aiden, I can feel the emotions raging in Brick. He’s not unfeeling, he’s holding himself in check. Like barely-contained rage simmers beneath the surface, and he’s stepped back emotionally to keep it from erupting.
“She can wait outside,” Aiden says.
“No.” It’s not loud, but there’s something in the timber of Blackthroat’s voice that makes everyone at the table except for Aiden draw back.
Aiden stands. “This is a confidential meeting.”
“She’s signed an NDA,” Blackthroat says.
“Not for us, she hasn’t.”
“She stays.”
Blackthroat is in a pissing match with his cousin. Even though we’re on their turf and Adalwulf’s objections are valid, I get the feeling he’s going to win. The power behind his demand, his sheer force of will, is enough to shatter glass.
Aiden stares at him for a long beat then sits with a sour look on his narrow face. “Fine. There’s nothing to be discussed that won’t be made public, anyway.”
Ruby rolls her eyes.
There isn’t a seat for me at the table, but Blackthroat orders the Adalwulf Associates’ assistant, who is pouring water into glasses, to find me one.
She looks to Aiden first and only leaves after he nods. When she returns, she places the chair in the far corner near the door.
Okey dokey. Servants are relegated to corners. I already know this routine from Moon Co. I sit and pull out the notebook and pen, studying everyone at the table.
Nobody else has greeted Brick or Ruby or Eagle. It’s clear the animosity between the two families is thicker than any blood they share.
Aiden calls the meeting to order. As far as I can tell, it’s an ordinary board meeting. Minutes are read and approved. Finances reviewed. Ruby and Brick abstain from all votes. In fact, they do nothing but sit and glare at the other board members.
For the life of me, I can’t figure out why I’m here, but I stay sharp and take everything in.
The meeting is over in a couple hours, and we all stand to leave. I wait for Blackthroat before heading to the door.
One of the older men drops a sheaf of papers on the floor as he’s walking out the door. Aiden jerks back, ramming into me.
In a flash, Blackthroat inserts himself between me and Aiden.
“Don’t touch her.” His growl sounds ten times deeper than his normal voice.
Everyone in the room freezes, turning to take in the spectacle.
Jesus.
“It was an accident,” I say quickly, trying to de-escalate things.
What on Earth is wrong with Blackthroat? Did he really think his cousin did it on purpose? He looks two seconds away from going for Aiden’s throat. His eyes have a strange glow to them.
There’s also something strange about Adalwulf’s expression. He stares at Blackthroat with what can only be characterized as evil glee.
“I see,” he murmurs. “
Interesting.”
Slowly, deliberately, Blackthroat puts his back to Aiden and steers me past him and out the door.
When we get to the elevator, Blackthroat blocks his mother from getting on, only stepping aside for Eagle and Ruby.
As soon as the elevator doors close, Eagle mutters, “For fuck’s sake, Brick.” Ruby touches her husband’s arm, as if to warn him to stop, but he goes on. “Why did you bring her?”
Blackthroat scrubs a hand across his face. “I don’t know.”
“You just gave Aiden power, and I don’t doubt he’s out for blood with you closing Benson despite everything he did to block it.”
Ruby nods her agreement, but Blackthroat isn’t looking at her, or any of us. He’s staring into the distance with a haunted expression.
Eagle goes on, “This is-“
“Stop talking.” Brick’s words are quiet, but his authority is absolute.
Eagle immediately halts, closing his mouth with a sour expression. Ruby shakes her head, as if in exasperation, but neither of them say another word.
I stare at all three of them, trying to figure out what in the hell is going on, but it’s one of the few times in my life that I just can’t seem to follow the thread of logic or deduce a pattern from the known facts.
* * *
Brick
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