Page 49 of Rayne

"Some people are scum," I say in disgust. "What happened?"

"She ended up with half and he lost his job. It was beautiful retribution," he murmurs. "And that's the whole reason I wanted to be an attorney."

I smile at him. "So, not because of the money?" I laugh.

He grins. "Oh, don't get me wrong. I love the money."

"Money makes the world go round," I laugh. "It doesn't solve all the problems though. Like this rain."

Elijah looks out behind me to the windows. "Not unless you have a giant umbrella."

"Negative."

The building is quiet, with only tiny hums from computers. So when the elevator dings in the distance, we both pause, glancing outside my office.

"Is someone here?" Elijah asks, looking at his watch. "It's quite late. Maybe Jason?"

Footsteps grow louder, the two of us watching curiously for the person to come around the corner and into sight.

I jump up, drink still in hand when I spot Hawk stalking through the office, eyes immediately finding mine.

"Who is that?" Elijah questions, standing up. "Client?"

"No…" I mumble, rounding my desk to beat him to my door. "Just give me a moment."

Hawk's face is hard, his eyes dark as he weaves around mail carts and desks until he reaches me. He looks terrifying, and suddenly, all my conflicting feelings and thoughts about him go out the window. One minute he's sweet, and the next he's the stuff of my nightmares. My breath catches in my throat and I can't speak.

He stops in front of me, still staring at me intensely.

"Get your stuff, Rayne," he says darkly.

"What are you doing here?" I manage to blurt out.

Hawk lifts his gaze to shoot daggers at Elijah. "I said get your things. We're leaving."

"Is there a problem here?" Elijah steps beside me, looking at me with concern.

"No," I say merrily, holding my shit together. "No problem."

Hawk narrows his eyes at my colleague, and I'm fearful for not just myself, but Elijah too. "Rayne," he repeats more firmly. "Get your fucking things. Now."

"Wait, hold up," Elijah says, holding his hand up toward Hawk. "Don't speak to her like that."

"I wouldn't do that if you want to keep your fingers," Hawk growls, making Elijah lower his hand.

He looks at me with uncertainty. "Do I need to call someone?" he whispers.

"Call the police. I dare you," Hawk replies, unfazed. "We'll be long gone before they get here with this weather."

I step in front of Elijah, glaring at Hawk. "Back down," I snipe at him. "You're being ridiculous."

Hawk's hands shoot up, grabbing the tops of my arms. He digs his fingers in, lowering his head. "You have until the count of three to leave with me."

I'm scared—but I'm also mad. And worst of all, I'm embarrassed. To pull his bullshit in a dark house is one thing, but in front of a colleague? Someone who is basically my manager? Unacceptable.

"No," I argue back stubbornly. "You can't just waltz in here and tell me what to do."

"One."

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