Page 12 of What Comes Around

Knox took my tablet from my hands and scrolled himself. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. When he finally looked up, his decision was already made.

“I’m sorry, gentlemen,” he said smoothly. “But Sinclair Enterprises won’t be moving forward with this acquisition.”

Their disappointment was immediate.

Then suddenly, Titan shifted behind me. I hadn’t even realized he was there.

He rolled lazily onto his side with a heavy thump, directly against my legs.

I lost my balance and pitched forward.

A strong arm caught me instantly around my waist, steadying me before I could fall.

Knox.

He held me just long enough to ensure I was stable, then released me without a word.

I looked back.

Titan lay there panting, tongue out, perfectly relaxed, as if he hadn’t just tried to take me down.

When I turned back, Knox was watching me. His gaze was impossible to read.

Then he turned away.

“Titan. Heel.”

The dog rose instantly and followed him toward the car.

The SUV waited where we had left it. Titan jumped into the back compartment easily, settling behind the rear seats with a low huff.

Nathan opened the rear door for me.

I slid into the seat, brushing dirt from my skirt and wincing at the state of my shoes.

Knox took the seat beside me without comment.

Nathan pushed the door closed and moved around to the driver’s seat. The engine started, smooth and low, and we pulled away from the site.

For a few moments, no one spoke. The land disappeared behind us. Chicago slowly returned.

Then Knox broke the silence. “Good job.”

I turned my head toward him.

“You found those reports faster than most analysts would in a controlled office, let alone standing in a field under pressure.”

“It felt like a test,” I said.

His eyes flicked to mine.

“It was.”

“And?” I asked.

“You passed.”

I couldn’t stop the small smile that touched my lips.