I’m reading through the report with all of seven minutes to spare, and I’m proud of what I’ve put together. I also see why Leo wanted an in-depth report on Barker. I hit print and stretch as I stand. My neck is tight with tension. I’m sure the report isn’t missing anything but I’m already preparing for the next swing Leo is looking to send my way. I wonder for the twentieth time why he’s so pissed at me. When the printer finishes I bind it together and prepare to take it into Leo.

When I turn, Leo is standing in front of my desk. His eyes are narrowed. “You are done already?”

Nodding, I hand him the report. “Was there anything else, sir?”

He shakes his head as he snatches it from me. “Be ready to go in an hour.”

I lean against the desk in relief when he’s gone.

***

Leo

––––––––

Drake is waiting at the restaurant, chatting to the smiling hostess. I see red at his hands on Alexa then his lips on her cheek when he greets her. I am unaware I make a sound. Drake’s eyes are on me, he drops his hands showing them to me as he steps away from Alexa. It is not nearly enough. I see his surprise and apology. I refuse to answer either. The hostess is showing Alexa to the table. I do not move, neither does Drake.

“Hey, I’m sorry. I had no idea. Take a breath, Leo. I would never have touched her if I’d known. I was just being friendly, she looks miserable. Please remember, I am very much in love with my wife before you give me the bloody nose you want to. Are you okay?”

The blood has cleared from my eyes as I work to control my anger. I had wanted to rearrange Drake’s face for a solid minute. No, I am not okay. I shake my head. “This is—it’s not, this will pass. I just need to give it time.”

Drake smiles. “Yeah, that’s what I thought when I met Ria.”

Hell no, “Our situations are very different. Alexa Clark is my employee. Forget it.”

Lunch is torture, Drake smiles at Alexa often, and she’s glowing. I am back to wanting to rearrange his face again. I cannot keep my eyes off her.

Once we’re back in the car Alexa opens her mouth to say something, I cut her off. “Drake Hawthorne is married to a beautiful woman, and unlike you, apparently, he respects his vows and his wife. It was repulsive watching you flirt with him.”

Fuck. She looks as if I slapped her. She flinches. The hurt in her eyes is raw. I blink, and it’s gone. In its place is that ice cold look in her eyes. She is looking through me as she nods. “Yes, sir.”