Page 42 of Heat & Deceit
“Sure,” he finally says, straightening and taking two giant steps back and some of his scent with him.
Straining to breathe without inhaling air that is so distinctly him, I whisper, “Thanks,” and start reading again. He shifts behind me, distracting my mind for a second, but with the space, I’m able to move my attention back to the task at hand. I read through the description twice before sitting back and swiveling the chair to face him.
His hands are shoved in his pockets as he leans against the counter above a small row of cabinets. The height difference between us in this position is daunting. He’s so big and strong. His Adam’s apple bobs, and he pushes off the counter, taking two big steps toward me. As he towers over me like a tattoo-covered god, I tip my head back, trying my damndest to be unaffected by this show of dominance.
With hooded eyes, he traces over me, gaze scorching and knowing. That devastating corner of his mouth twitches, almost like he might smile, but something holds him back. “Why are you hiding?”
That question strikes a chord of fear, but I hold that fright in tightly clenched fists, playing dumb.
“I’m right here.” There’s no way he knows about Nova.
“You know what I mean. Where’s the beta I had dinner with? She was fun.” He looks me over again, this time with a little judgment. “This isn’t you.”
Relief unclenches my fists. He doesn’t know anything, at least anything that will put my life here at risk.
I shake my head. “I thought you wanted help with the job description.”
“I do, but I also want to know why you’re holding yourself back.”
“One dinner and argument and you think you know me?” I almost laugh. This guy is a piece of work.
“I know you’re more than this docile, boring persona you’re putting on. I saw fire when I looked at you. Now I see...nothing. It’s not right.”
That’s precisely the point.
“Are you scared? Embarrassed to admit you enjoyed my company more than Matthew’s?”
“You have some nerve,” I say with careful control.
“Some might say clarity. I see things how they are, and I’m calling you on your bullshit.”
“What do you want from me?” I snap. “I don’t know what type of game you’re playing, but in case you missed the message at dinner, I’m not interested.You’re my boss. I’m here to work and go home. That’s it.”
His eyebrows lift. “That’s it?”
I nod. “That’sit.”
What more can there be? He and Javier can never know I’m an omega or my true identity, and pursuing a connection with a beta would be pointless for their pack. Maybe he has some sort of twisted idea of toying with me while they’re unmated. I’m not interested in filling that role.
After a few tense seconds, he asks, “What did you think of the description?”
Good. A change of subject.
“It was okay.” I glance back at the monitor and try not to let my regret show. It’s better for everyone this way. “I think you might want to include some information about incentives, like paid time off, and maybe something about the expected hours. Some people may apply, assuming a regular forty-hour schedule, but Tabitha typically worked fifty hours.”
“She shouldn’t have needed to.” Lycus’s tone isn’t as playful as before and a little concerning. Maybe I should have gone easier on him, but whatever he thinks or wants isn’t going to happen. It can’t.
“Right.” I stand and push back the chair. “It sounds like you have it under control.” I take two steps away.
Lycus catches my wrist, his touch surprisingly gentle compared to his tone and demeanor. My pulse flutters, and I slide my gaze to meet his.
“You shouldn’t hide who you really are. Ever.”
My throat clogs with a torrent of emotions. Longing to be free. Sadness for knowing I can’t take his advice. Regret for pissing him off. Shame for everything I’ve done that brought me to this moment in time.
He stares at me for a few seconds before pulling his hand back and tucking it into his pocket. “Thanks for your help.”
“You’re welcome.”
