Page 82 of The Heart of Winter

I let out a sharp breath.

"I’m not with him, may I remind you. Besides, he told me he’s mostly a bottom. Or at least, that’s what he thinks."

Finn raised an eyebrow. "Thinks? So he’s never actually tried it?"

This wasn’t exactly the smartest topic to discuss, so I grimaced. "I probably shouldn’t be talking about his private life."

"Well, you already started."

"I guess. Whatever. He says he’s a virgin. But keep it to yourself."

"How old is he?"

I cursed under my breath.

"Twenty-two."

Finn’s eyes went wide.

"You’re serious? You want to get involved with a twenty-two-year-old alpha who doesn’t even know what he wants in bed?"

"Finn, for the last time, I am not in a relationship with him! Honestly, I wanted to tell you a little more so you could give me some advice. You’re a rational guy, you could look at this objectively. But I see you’re on the attack."

He shrugged almost helplessly. "Well, you just told me you’re ending our arrangement. Hard to expect me to be thrilled about it."

I stayed silent.

After a moment, Finn sighed and said, "I’m sorry. I’ll drop the snide remarks. Maybe they come from my weird jealousy. If you want to ask me something, I’ll try to be objective."

I wasn’t exactly eager to share all the details anymore, but I forced myself to mutter, "This is… an awkward situation. Because of the work dynamic. He’s my subordinate."

Finn raised his eyebrows slightly and let out a low whistle.

"Yeah… that doesn’t sound great."

"That’s not all. He’s Jacob’s son."

I knew that was going to hit like a bomb. Finn turned to me with a look like I had just announced my plan to march to the South Pole in nothing but shorts.

"Uhh, okay! This is… a really dramatic situation, Winter. And it could end with you getting fired."

"I’m fully aware. To be honest, I’ve even reached out to a few old contacts from the D-Project recently. Just in case. You know, to refresh connections, so I have somewhere to go if the worst happens."

"You hate their boss."

"Well… since I’m already mentally preparing myself to take this risk, I might not have the luxury of being picky. My apartment costs a fortune and isn’t fully paid off yet. I need to keep that in mind, I need a good job."

Finn stared at me for a moment. "You’re actually serious about risking it? You really want to try something with him?"

Furrowing my brows, I lowered my head. "Maybe. This is probably the craziest thing I’ve ever considered doing. But something is pulling me toward him. Something really strong. I can’t even explain it to myself, because I barely know him. We only see each other at work, and most of our interactions are professional, so…"

"Have you even kissed?"

"Not on the lips. But this first time when he grabbed my hand… I swear, Finn, it felt like I got hit by lightning. It was so strong it froze me for a minute or so."

Finn studied me for a long moment.

"Do you think it could be—"

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