Chapter 23
Chapter twenty-three
Sage
At work the next morning, my nerves flutter through my veins, making my pulse the only thing I’m capable of concentrating on.
Part of the job for Barrett is my silence.
Letting him in here to tamper with my boss’s computer isn’t enough.
I can’t tell a soul. The secret feels like a weight on my chest.
But Liam walks into the office as jovial as ever, a large smile and white teeth beaming at everyone, including me.
His relaxed shoulders must be a lie. I know what he discovered yesterday.
The dead body. Yet nothing has been reported and he’s said nothing to anyone.
There are some here that live off gossip, feeding on it like an addictive drug.
We’d all know by now if Liam had said anything to anyone.
And Dr. Bradbury’s death would be big news for the city.
They covered it up.
I’m staring open-mouthed at Liam as he walks past my office door, the realization of how much I don’t know about him, or anyone, sinking deep in that moment.
Liam stops and backpedals to stand in my open door. “You okay, Sage?”
I blink and force a smile. “Yes. Just lost in thought.” I shake my head.
“Okay. As long as you’re sure?”
“I’m fine.” Smiling a little wider, I start to move things around on my desk, hopefully in a way that makes sense and doesn’t look as if I’m bumbling to cover something up.
Liam takes a step inside my office. “Have you returned Dorian’s messages? He’s been asking about you. He has a set of properties he thinks you’ll enjoy selling.”
He doesn’t know anything about me. But I keep that to myself.
I met him for all of two seconds at the gala where he was surfing a happy alcohol wave and I pretended to have rolled my ankle.
“I haven’t. I’m full at the moment. Especially needing to spend more time with my sister right now.
” I have no guilt using the truth, but I’m pleased to have a solid excuse for not taking on Dorian as a client.
“I’ll reply to him today and make sure he knows.
I’m sure someone else here will be able to help him.
Maybe Madeline?” I offer with enthusiasm.
She’ll trip over her own feet to land in a puddle in front of Dorian.
“I don’t think he’s in a rush. Meet with him.” It’s almost an order, although he’s careful with his tone. I have a lot of leeway here, leeway that Liam could take away.
He leaves without letting me answer. Definitely an order. To get it over with, I get up and shut my door before playing the messages Dorian has left on my phone and to open the emails he’s also sent. Pushy bastard.
I draft a response in an email and read it several times before hitting send.
It’s professional and straightforward. I don’t deny him a meeting or his request to work with me, but I make it clear my schedule won’t be clear for a long time and due to personal and family issues, I can’t foresee when I will be available, and that I understand should he choose to go with someone else.
Send.
Minutes later while I’m sorting through the property files I’ll need today, my door opens. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
I jump, snapping straight in my chair as I meet the eyes of the person I’ve been avoiding. Dorian steps into my office, his phone in his hand as if he just finished reading my email.
“Didn’t mean to startle you.” He sends me a sheepish grin, but it’s fake. A mask. There’s a sharpness in his eyes that instantly makes me feel nauseous.
“That’s quite all right. I was very focused.”
“Do you have a few minutes right now?” Dorian takes a seat in the empty chair on the other side of my desk as if I told him I have all the time in the world for him.
“A few. I’m meeting a client soon.” I’m forced to give him my attention.
“I hope these personal issues aren’t too serious.
” The concern in his brow doesn’t last long enough for me to answer him.
“I’m in no hurry to get these properties on the market.
I don’t need someone else. I need you. Call it intuition, but meeting you at the gala was enough for me to know you’re the woman for the job.
” His charm is disgustingly thick. When my nose curls, I have to smooth it out into a brilliant, flirtatious smile when I’d rather gag. But I’m a professional.
“That’s very flattering. Thank you. But these personal issues are important and I can’t put a timeline on them.”
“Well as soon as your time frees up, call me.” His tone holds the same hint of an order as Liam’s. I don’t like the feeling weaving down my spine as his eyes change while he looks at me.
“Of course. We’ll keep in touch, but I’m afraid I have a client waiting for me.” I gather all of the files I have sitting on my desk, not caring that I don’t need most of them right away, but if it makes me seem busier than I am, I’ll keep them clutched to my chest twenty-four seven.
“I won’t keep you.” He stands and backs out of my office, pausing in the door. Tilting his head, he smiles, but it hits with condescension. Dorian believes I’ll cave to his will.
I don’t allow the relief to rush out of my lungs until I’m alone and in my car.
I’ve never come across someone that sends those kinds of shivers over my skin.
An icky, clammy feeling that tells me to cover myself up and run.
I thought he’s supposed to be some big charity figure in the city?
Helpful to all and supplying those in need with food, shelter, and more?
His charm must get him far. But all it did to me was make me want to puke.
Taking time off to be with Nova has made my work days fuller. It isn’t a lie when I say I don’t have time. The time I do have is mine. I keep every minute for myself.
Or Barrett.
Should I tell him about Dorian? I know whatever job he’s working on involves either him or my boss. What Dorian wants isn’t connected to anything Barrett is involved with. Dorian is just a spoiled man.
I drive to my first meeting of the day, pushing thoughts of Dorian and Barrett away.