Page 17 of Salvaged Hearts

“I’ll take that as a yes?”

“They’ll be here shortly. She CC’d me on everything,” Ollie answered.

Narrowing my eyes on her, I asked, “Why are you helping me?”

“I’m not.”

“Certainly had me fooled.” I stepped into her space, but she didn’t bother to shift. Didn’t so much as glance away.

“I’m helping Mattie. You just so happen to hold the strings to her future. If there are allegations between her and making the impact I know she’s destined for, I’ll squash them before I leave next month.”

Nodding, I studied her long frame, where she was still braced against my marble desk. Nerves in my throat, I asked, “What if I was guilty?”

“Are you?” She challenged below a skeptical brow.

“Of many sins.”

That remark earned a sly smirk and scoffed, “And this one?”

“No.” I ignored the subtle spiced scent that had driven me mad for the last two years and instead studied her, looking for a slip in that harsh mask. Christ, she could guard her thoughts.

“Then I can protect her future with a clean conscience,” she said simply. “Besides, it’s the job.”

“I’m touched.”

“Don’t be. It isn’t for you.”

“Regardless.”

“I need to gather our packets from Paul before the meeting, so if you’ll excuse me,” she said, motioning to the door. I nodded and tracked her movements as she left. Ollie whistled, low and long.

“Sure glad she doesn’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?” I muttered, slowly sinking into my chair to massage my temples.

“Like she wants to fuck you or kill you, I’m not sure which.”

“Perhaps she’s a praying mantis.”

“Both is good,” he chuckled.

“Not going to ask me if there’s validity to this?”

“Would you ask me?” he countered. I didn’t need to answer—he knew I’d never. “Somebody is trying to crucify you, Grey.”

“Yeah, and I’m going to find out who.” Bringing my phone up, I glanced at the clock. I had a few minutes before I needed to take my place at the head of our table. Clicking Jackson’s icon, I brought it to my ear, relieved when he answered on the second ring. “We have a problem.”

4

March To The Gallows

ALICE

“Look, Mr. Hart, I challenged their sources, but there’s not a single reporter worth their salt who would give those up. I bought you twenty-four hours while the editor reviews things.Maybeforty-eight if we’re lucky. That’s the best I can do. I’m sorry.”

“Thanks, Stacy,” Grey muttered, voice uncharacteristically soft. He wasn’t defeated, per se, but it was as close as I’d ever seen him get. It was oddly unsettling, especially with the entire board focused on him where he still sat at the head of the table.

“Of course. Call me when you know where you’re going with this. I’ve got your back.”

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