Page 77 of It Must Be Fate

Sixtine

Turning away from my desk, I blow out a breath and stand. Anticipation tickles my spine with cold fingers so I roll my shoulders to try and shake it out of me. I anxiously smooth down the front of my black Valentino dress and make my way to the bay of windows. Crossing my arms, I stare down at the city below from the twentieth floor of our office building.

Over the years, Sinclair Royal has grown into the largest firm in the U.K and one of the largest in the world. In addition to handling all external legal affairs for massive Fortune 500 companies such as Blackdown and CKI, our thousand employees represent over two hundred other clients.

Our success is due in part to the range of services and types of cases we take on, but also because of how much of a shark my husband is. The word “lose” isn’t one that’s ever factored into his vocabulary.

There isn’t a part of the world where we can’t provide legal assistance — and other not-so-legal services depending on what’s needed — if reached out to.

Bellamy, Phoenix and I built it all together and I’m endlessly proud of that.

But now, it’s time for me to face my husband.

I gather my hair and drop it down the slope of my back, then roll my shoulders once more for confidence. With a final glance out of the window, I turn on my heels and walk out of my office.

Our offices are equal in size and situated on opposite corners of the floor. We used to share a wall, but Phoenix would burst in every day and have his way with me, regardless of any meetings he or I needed to attend.

We got absolutely nothing done and eventually made the executive — and very hard — decision to add some physical distance between us, if only so we could actually get some work done. I’d originally suggested that one of us move down to the nineteenth, but he wouldn’t have it. This was as much separation as he would allow.

I make my way across the floor, waving distractedly at some people along the way, but not stopping for conversation. My thoughts are elsewhere. The sooner Phoenix and I resolve what happened earlier this afternoon, the better.

When I get to his office, I blow out a final breath for good luck, knock once, and walk right in without waiting for an answer.

He already knows it’s me.

I have no doubt he’s been expecting me.

My heart hammers in my chest and echoes loudly in my ears. Its thundering beat is absolutely deafening.

Anticipation pounds in my bloodstream.

What mood am I going to find him in?

I expect him to be at his desk, but he’s not.

He’s standing behind it, facing the large bay windows and looking down at the magnificent view of London. It’s the verysame view I’d just been admiring, except where I felt awe, he stares at it like he owns the entire city.

I wonder if he too is thinking about our accomplishments. We’ve always been connected in that way, able to almost sense each other’s thoughts. Secrets are impossible between us and I’m thankful for it.

His hands are jammed into his pockets and his suit follows the lines of his body closely.

Hugo Boss.

Black. Expensive. Tailored.

An arrow of lust pierces my lower belly, leaving a throbbing ache in its place.

It’s criminal to be this attractive.

He turns his head degrees to the side when he hears the door open. His eyes slant over his shoulder and connect slowly with mine.

They’re pitch black.

Moody. Angry.

He licks his lips slowly.

Hungry.

---