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His fingers curl around my kneecap, and his eyes lock onto mine, those molten depths flickering with a heated promise that sets my cheeks ablaze.

It’s a good thing he’s here after all.

As the meal continues and, thanks to God, winds down, the three lawyers say their goodbyes and walk out on unsteady legs. Drunk.

“I don’t want you going to dinner with those men again,” my dad says. “We’ll be ending our working relationship with them as soon as possible.”

“Why? I thought you wanted me to maintain it.” I know why, but he doesn’t.

“Listen, kiddo.” My dad’s voice is heavy with regret. “When I say it’s your responsibility, I don’t mean you endure that kind of behavior. I would have had no problem with you ending our business relations. You have every right to.” He pauses for a moment, searching my face. “From now on, don’t let people push you around.” His phone rings, and he glances at the screen. “I need to take this. We’ll talk Sunday.” With a quick pat on my shoulder, he hurries away, phone to his ear.

I stand there, frozen, watching his retreating figure. I guess even my pragmatic father has his limits.

Connor holds up my purse. I take it and grab my coat, stepping toward the door in silence.

Outside, Connor turns to me. “Are you alright?”

I pull away, wiping my face. “I’m fine.”

Connor’s eyes search mine, disbelieving. Of course, he doesn’t buy it. Who would?

“You don’t have to pretend with me,” he says softly.

But I do. I have to pretend with everyone. It’s how I survive in this world of sharks and vultures. Show one crack, and they’ll tear you apart. And then my father will know I’m not cut out for this, that I’m just a fragile little princess who needs rescuing.

“Thank you. But next time, don’t do anything,” I say.

“What?”

“I can handle a few sexist pigs.”

“Oh yeah? Should I have let Stanton continue his exploration? Is that what you want?”

My stomach churns. I’m disgusting. Letting those pigs touch me, flirt with me. All for what? A business deal? “I’m not some damsel needing rescue.”

“Clearly. You seemed to have everything under control back there.”

I step closer, pointing my finger at him. “Listen here, you arrogant prick. I didn’t ask for your goddamn help.”

Connor doesn’t back down, meeting my glare. “You’re right, you didn’t. But I’m not going to stand by while some assholes treat you like a piece of meat.”

“It’s called being a woman in the workplace. We deal with shit like that all the time.”

He shakes his head in disgust. “That doesn’t make it okay.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he cuts me off.

“I get that you can handle yourself. But you don’t have to put up with that kind of bullshit behavior from anyone.”

He doesn’t know half of it. “Well, thanks for the concern, Boy Scout, but I’m a big girl.”

Connor steps into my space, eyes burning into mine. “If I hadn’t been there, who knows how far they would have taken things today or the next?”

“It’s just dinner.”

“Look, Blue.” There it is, that infuriating nickname he insists on using. “I’m trying to look out for you.”

“By hiding my energy drinks? By stalking me? By meddling in my life? You’re not my boyfriend. You’re just a consultant my father hired. Know your fucking place.”

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