Page 6 of The Darkest Chase

Just vanished into thin air, leaving me alone with a man I don’t know how to talk to without the buffer of his parents.

But that little sound I gulp out makes him jerk.

He stiffens, his cold eyes cutting toward me, watching me like a snake before he turns slowly, setting the box down on his desk with controlled poise.

“Who are you?” he bites off. His voice is full of cultured disdain behind a broken rasp.

I swallow hard.

Do not panic.

Do not panic.

I should be grateful, really. In theory, one rich guy seems easier to face down than three, but with the rumors about the Arrendell brothers… I’m not sure I want to be alone with him.

I clutch the portfolio folder so tight my fingers dig in.

“Hi, I’m T-Talia Grey. From A Touch of Grey. Y-you requested an appointment.”

“I requested an appointment with Gerald Grey,” he retorts. “Not his…” He pauses and those vicious eyes rake me slowly. “Not his apprentice.”

That stokes my temper, enough to straighten my spine.

“I’m not his apprentice,” I correct sharply. “I’m his partner, and I manage most of the day-to-day operations. Plus, many of our more difficult custom orders. If my expertise isn’t good enough, then you’re welcome to find another artisan to do your work. But my grandfather is dealing with a work injury, and he won’t be attending today.”

It's not quite the truth, but I’m trying to salvage Grandpa’s pride.

Xavier gives me a long, withering look like he’s just waiting for me to crumble.

Honestly, he might get his way if my chest gets any tighter. I force myself to breathe slowly, the way I learned a long time ago.

I’m not having an asthma attack in front of a potential client.

I have my pride to worry about, too.

After holding that look for too long, though, Xavier clicks his tongue dismissively and looks away. “Come inside and shut the door.”

I let out an explosive breath and cross the threshold into the lushly furnished office. It’s a little overdone, if you ask me. But I hesitate as I turn back to grip the doorknob, glancing at him.

“Does the door have to be closed?”

He meets my eyes again.

Something sharpens in his gaze, and for the first time, he smiles.

I’m sure a lot of people are charmed by that look. It’s confident and oddly hungry as he gives me another once-over.

But to me, I just see a hyena.

Unpredictable and wild. Possibly one second away from lunging at my face with snapping teeth.

I shudder as he asks, “Are you afraid to be alone with me, Miss Grey? My family’s reputation must precede me.”

“No, I…” I stop right there. I feel foolish. This is silly and I’m overreacting. “I just thought I’d be meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Arrendell.”

“Ah, yes. My parents are out of town. Vacationing in Sicily. Grieving, I should say.” He sobers, that bitter smile falling away with a sigh. “They left me in charge of the estate for a few months while they try to forget the loss of my brothers by burying themselves in palazzos and pasta.”

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry. That was rude of me.” I flush wildly and shut the door. “I’m sincerely sorry for your loss.”

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