“It’s different for men. You’ll be the big man tapping his assistant, all sly grins and admiration. I’ll be the one sleeping her way to the top, and people will start to wonder if I’m actually any good at my job. And then I’ll have to dodge sleezy passes from assholes who think I’m an easy lay.”

Black anger roared through him. He tugged her up so her face was inches from his. “If anyone says, or does, anything inappropriate, you tell me.”

“You can’t fight my battles, Easton. Especially once this situation is over, Mrs. Skilton returns as your assistant, and I’m out of your life—”

He growled. He wanted to shake her. “You planning to scrape me off already?”

Her eyes widened. “What?” She shook her head. “I know you…you don’t keep women around.”

Fuck, this pissed him off. “I think you’re keeping a wall up between us, Harlow. You’re too scared to trust me. You’re determined to take care of everything yourself, and not share with anyone.”

She pulled away. “With everything going on, I’m doing my best, Easton.”

“Let me in, Harlow.” Frustration made his voice sharp.

She stared at him, swallowed. “I have. As much as I can.”

“Actually lean on me,” he said.

“Easton—”

His phone rang.

She straightened. “That’s your next video call with Horizon Tech.”

“I don’t give a fuck.”

She headed for the door. “We’ll…talk later.”

“Running away, sweetheart?”

She lifted her chin. “I’ll be right outside.”

He watched her go, then slammed his palm down on the desk.

He was fucking falling in love with Harlow Carlson, yet she felt like water in his hands. He couldn’t get a good grip.

And he was afraid that once she was safe, she’d disappear.

He reached for the phone.

Well, there was one thing he was good at, it was closing a deal. He’d get her where he wanted her.

Where he needed her.

The rest of the day was a blur of work. Harlow made an effort to avoid him. His lunch appeared on his desk while he was in the restroom. And she only brought reports in when he was busy talking on calls.

Every time he went to her desk, she had to take a call, or pop over to talk with a colleague.

Late in the afternoon, Vander called. “Got a lead on Carlson. Gregor Howard has been helping him out.”

“Bring him in, Vander.”

“Yeah. I have to dodge Armand and Pierce’s goons while I’m doing it. Those two have made it a contest to bring Carlson in first.”

Shit. “Scarlett?”