Chapter 10 Grace
Grace
The elevator rises and my stomach drops. Three floors are all that separate me from Duke and it’s no separation at all when someone who isn’t even my employer can insist on managing my schedule.
Noah gestures for me to step out of the elevator first and as we enter the corridor, I smooth my oversized sweater over my voluminous skirt.
“Duke’s blocked out two hours, but he’s a very straight talker. Some might say abrupt,” says my new boss, giving me a smile of encouragement. Noah is in his fifties with salt and pepper hair and kind, twinkling eyes. “You’ll be in and out in ten minutes.”
My experience with Duke says differently.
One night lasted twenty-four hours. I tug at the roll neck of my sweater, the wool scratching at my burning skin.
The layers that cover every inch of my body might be perfect for a stroll around the park on a crisp autumn day, but it’s less suited to the ambient temperatures of a hermetically-sealed building. Sweat gathers along my spine.
“He was certainly abrupt yesterday,” I say. I’ve already explained to Noah how I’d met one of the Moncriefs. I’d described my interaction with Duke as a quick hello. Partly true. It was my exit that took longer than it should.
I shouldn’t have kissed him. I shouldn’t have let him put his hand between my legs.
I shouldn’t have liked it. He’s strictly off-limits whether he believes it or not.
Duke’s explanation for why he’s engaged to a woman he claims not to love was, at best, incomplete.
‘It’s not what you think,’ he’d said. Why do all cheaters rely on the same goddamn cliches.
“I normally work directly with Rory,” Noah continues.
“But he’s taken on extra responsibilities recently so it’s good that Duke’s offering to help.
I’m just a little surprised Rory’s handed him the Brimstage project.
Duke hasn’t taken the lead in any of their developments before, and this one’s important to the Moncriefs. ”
The tassels on my knee-high boots tap against black suede as I drag my feet towards the executives’ offices. My throat tightens with fear while my heart races with something else. Excitement?
I’m here for my career, that’s all. From what I know of the Brimstage project, it would be the perfect opportunity to showcase my talents as long as I don’t fuck it up.
As long as Duke doesn’t fuck it up. Something tells me he wouldn’t allow that to happen.
He’d want to support my career, not sabotage it.
That’s just who he is. That’s who I thought he was. I could be wrong.
“I hope you’re not overestimating my abilities.”
“Nonsense. You’ll do an excellent job, and I’m available twenty-four-seven should you need me. We’re a team, Grace.”
As we near the end of the corridor, a man I recognize rounds the corner.
Max doesn’t look surprised to see me, while I almost stumble when I register the nasty burn on his cheek.
I feel like I should apologize even though he’d been chasing me when he was struck with a hot tray, but with Noah at my side, I don’t dare acknowledge we know each other.
Max simply nods as we pass him and enter the open concept area where I spot Oliver in front of Ed’s desk. They’re having what appears to be an animated conversation, but they stop when they notice us approaching.
I lock eyes with Edison. I really should hate him, but I understand how hard it is to say no to Duke. We both need to do better and perhaps that can make us allies. As much as I hate to admit it, I like him.
Just before we arrive at Ed’s desk, Noah tips his head to Duke’s office. “I wouldn’t worry about Duke’s faith in your abilities either.”
I glance at the nameplate that’s miraculously reappeared on the door. If I’d seen the name, Duke Moncrief etched into the brass plate yesterday, I would have been better prepared. I’d like to think I’m more prepared today, but Noah’s still talking…
“He’s the reason you showed up on my radar,” he says. “Duke’s already a fan of your work. He recommended you.”
Duke did what? My gaze darts back to Edison, who heard the comment.
His tight smile gives nothing away. “Nice to see you again, Grace.”
Before I can respond, Oliver pulls me into a hug. “So you made it to day two then.”
“It was a close call,” I say for Ed’s benefit. “There was a lot to take in and my head’s still spinning.”
“Oh, we can’t have that,” Oliver says, leaving his arm around my waist as he leans in and whispers conspiratorially, “Your head should only be spinning after a night on the town, not this early in the morning.”
“I can see you’re going to be trouble, Oliver,” I say as a shiver runs down my spine. From the corner of my eye, an office door has opened. Shadow fills the frame. There he is. The man who makes my head spin and my broken heart clench.
Oblivious to the shift in atmosphere, the architect is still laughing at my comment. “You’re the one who’ll be in trouble if you keep calling me Oliver,” he says. “I’ve told you, call me Olly.”
“And this is Duke,” Noah says with just enough force to bring everyone’s attention to the man seething behind us.
“Duke, I know you and Grace have met briefly, but I thought proper introductions would help. It’ll take a while for her to get up to speed with the project, so Oliver and I are happy to join you for your first meeting. ”
Duke’s gaze slides to the man’s arm around my waist. His jaw tics, but he doesn’t speak.
“I was telling Grace that I’m confident she can deliver the project,” Noah continues, filling the silence, “but we’ll need to work closely to ensure there’s consistency across the brand, especially while she’s so new.”
Noah pauses, waiting in vain for us to be invited into the office, but Duke simply drags his gaze from Oliver’s arm to the architect’s face, then finally to Noah. I’m immune to that glacial look, but my boss can’t say the same.
“And we’re still wading through the induction process,” Noah stumbles on. “You know how much paperwork that involves.”
“Has she signed an NDA?” Duke asks as if I’m not standing right in front of him.
Noah clears his throat. “It’s top of the list, but if you need–”
“Ed, print one out,” Duke says. To Noah, he adds, “I only need Grace this morning. You can hold your team meeting afterwards.” He steps back so there’s just enough room for someone small to enter the office. Me. “Shall we get started?”
His words are as cold as his expression, and I can either tremble at the power he exudes, or I can match his negative energy with positive force. A broad smile pinches my cheeks as I look from a shocked Noah to Oliver, who appears more bemused than offended. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.”
“Good luck in there,” Oliver says in a stage whisper. “I’ll have a strong coffee waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Olly. You know how I like it,” I say sweetly before turning to Noah. “And I’ll work as late as you need to get all the paperwork in order.”
Noah’s head tilts imperceptibly. You’d have to be blind not to notice the fury emanating from Duke, and bless Noah, he’s not going to leave until he’s certain I’m comfortable enough to stay. “Are you sure you can manage on your own?”
“She’s sure,” Duke answers for me.
I make a face at Noah. “See you in ten minutes.” I say under my breath, but loud enough for Duke to hear my little in-joke with my boss.
Duke looks ready to explode as I sweep past him into the office. I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that my bravado is hanging by a thread, and I hope he doesn’t see how I tense when the door closes behind me, sealing us in. Again.
“What the fuck was that?” he growls.
My gaze sweeps across the conference table littered with rolls of architect’s drawings and files before I spin on Duke.
“I was about to ask you the same thing,” I say, keeping my voice surprisingly steady.
“There was no need to be so rude. Olly and Noah were the only ones who made my first day on the job bearable.”
“Oliver-soon-out-of-a-job Chambers had his hand on you.”
“Don’t you dare fire him!”
“I’ll do what I goddamn like.”
“Not with me, asshole!” I yell as unexpected fury erupts from the pit of my stomach. I take a step towards him so we’re almost within touching distance. “You don’t get to have an opinion on who I’m friendly with, Duke! Not when you have a fiancée who just loves pawing you. Relationship or not.”
“We should talk about that.”
“Not necessary. It has nothing to do with me.”
I’d held it together yesterday, but only until I’d stumbled into my apartment where I’d sobbed myself hoarse for the second time in as many days.
I’m so fucking done. I might be responsible for gambling my life in Philadelphia for a fantasy that never existed, but Duke needs to be held accountable too.
He lured me into this fucking office and resurrected feelings I’d spent all of Sunday night preparing to bury.
My fury turns to hellfire when Noah’s comment flashes across my mind. Duke hadn’t simply lured me from three floors down…
“Did you get me the job here?” I hiss.
Duke matches my fire with ice. “I presented you with the opportunity to come find me. You took it.”
“You call this an opportunity?” I practically scream. “To do what? Hook up behind closed doors while your poor, na?ve fiancée thinks you’re counting down the days to your wedding?”
I’m so mad I want to beat my fists against his chest, but he’ll only grab my wrists. Then we’ll be in a whole different kind of wrestling match because that bastard’s eyes still have the power to hypnotize me.
“When I started laying down the groundwork to get you here, I didn’t know Katarina was about to hijack my life and fuck up my plans for us.”