Page 72 of Lethal Attraction

She sighs in defeat before flicking the mouse. “He’s in his office. I want details later!”

I turn on my heel with purpose. My brain is running a thousand miles per second and I can’t quite seem to grip the reality of this situation. No matter how much sense it makes.

Was this it?

Is this why she keeps pulling away?

She’s an assassin?

That’s…so crazy it could be true. Am I really thinking this? Am I being rational enough? What if this isn’t the truth and I’m looking for answers that could harm her?

I’m not Brooks. I’m not her past. And I’m sure as hell not going to let her go even if she is killing for hire. There’s got to be something bigger I’m missing. She’s close with her family. What if—

I run into someone and instinctively reach out to steady them with my hands on their biceps. I’m far bigger than most of the men who work here, and I know this hit had to take the wind out of them.

“Reed?”

Damn.

I glance down at Galene before releasing her, as if her touch physically burns. “Sorry, I’m looking for Burton—”

She places a hand on the center of my chest, stopping me from stepping around her as her fingers curl into my scrubs. “This is the second time we’ve run into each other like this. I’m starting to think its fate.” She purrs.

I grab her wrist, my flesh prickling unpleasantly as my neck tingles. I glance behind me at the sensation of eyes watching, but find nothing as I pry the director off me.

“I’ve already said I have no interest in you,” I say evenly but firmly. “I have a girlfriend, and she wouldn’t appreciate you touching me, Galene.” I lightly push her arm away before subtly wiping my fingers across my thigh. Anything to get the memory off them.

Her face hardens and loses that delusional playfulness fast. She tilts her head as if I’m below her, her gaze narrowing into something dangerous. “I’ve already told you that I hold your career in the palm of my hand, Reed.”

Something ticks inside me. This unconsensual back and forth has become far bigger than a problem. And all I can think of is Thalia. How angry she would be with this woman here for touching me, and the thought turns my stomach bitter.

“Then fire me,” I reply. “But don’t ever touch me again—WHAT THE FUCK?!”

She grabs my balls. Grabs them. My reaction is instant and violent. I jump back, creating space between us as anger boils over. “You’re sick, Galene.”

She smirks, unfazed by her public groping in a healthcare facility. “And I bet your little girlfriend could never fuck you the way I can.”

I lift a finger to her face, closing the distance between us as much as my nausea will allow. “Don’t you ever touch me again or say anything about her. You keep us out of your fucking mouth or I’m going to HR.”

I don’t wait for her response. I can no longer be in her presence without feeling sick. As I stalk down the hallway, it’s taking everything in me to calm down. I feel violated and guilty for some reason. I know it’s not my fault, but still…

All I can think of is Thalia.

She wouldn’t be angry with me; I know that. If anything, she would be enraged enough for both of us.

Every step I take is like an out-of-body experience. Even when I close my fingers around the door handle of Burton’s office, I’m still not fully here.

“Reed, my boy!” the owner says with sheer delight from behind his oak desk. “What can I do for you?”

I clear my throat, forcing myself to come back to the present. “Um, I wanted to talk to you about the hitmen you mentioned—”

He waves a hand as he shushes me loudly. “Shhh! Close the door!”

I comply, sealing us in his office before taking a seat across from him. He types on his keyboard with hard presses of his fingertips before addressing me. “Getting curious? What changed?”

“Umm,” I glance down at my lap before quickly looking away at the memory that plagues me. “Well, I just really wanted…to hear more.”

That’s a lie, but he doesn’t need to know what I’m piecing together.