Page 18 of The Greek Billionaire's Rejected Secretary

Lissa has a reputation for being a shark...and proud of it.

And normally, even though I've already made up my mind on the kind of settlement I'd like my client to accept, I'd still be paying attention to what Lissa's saying, in case she slips up.

Normally speaking, that is.

But nothing's normal right now. Nothing's been normal since the night I found out my secretary has been lying to me all along.

Everything's changed since then, and it's why my secretary has all of my attention at the moment.

Look at me, dammit.

She's been avoiding my gaze since that night. And she's still doing it, with her gaze fixed determinedly on her tablet as she jots down notes.

Shayla has always been good at that. It's why Lissa wants her here. She never misses a thing.

Well, except forthis.

She's been doing her best to act like she doesn't feel it.

This mix of tension and heat that's just burning hotter between us moment by moment.

Does she really think she can keep this up forever?

"Adriano? Your thoughts?"

Lissa looks at me in askance, and even though I haven't heard a single thing she's said, I only have one answer to give her.

"You can't afford to hear them right now, considering what you're offering to my client."

Lissa isn't insulted. "You need to be realistic. The evidence is circumstantial at best."

We're used to playing this game, no hard feelings.

But what I'm not used to?

At all?

Shayla shifts in her seat at that moment, and her leg accidentally brushes against mine under the table.

Shit.

She immediately pulls away, but the damage is done. I've lost my train of thought.

"Talk to your client," Lissa urges.

"I'll do you one better, and speak to Ms. Tolentino about this."

Lissa looks at me in interest. "Since wearedealing with gender-sensitive issues here, I'll indeed consider that a positive." She then looks at Shayla, saying, "Do stop dilly-dallying, Ms. Tolentino. You were born to be one of us. I look forward to going up against you next time."

Silence stretches between us when Lissa leaves, and Shayla still refuses to meet my gaze.

"She's right, you know."

Shayla glances up. "About what?"

"You should be one of us."

She shrugs. "Not everyone wants to be a lawyer, Mr. Kontides."

---