She wore Elijah’s favorite skirt, the one with the cascading ruffles and the matching camisole that did nothing to hide the strawberries and fingerprints on the swell of her breasts, so she added a light sweater that at least gave her a little modesty. Now she was glad she had.

The moment she’d opened her eyes and looked at Elijah’s carefully expressionless face, she’d known something was wrong. He hadn’t shown it. She couldn’t tell even when he’d spoken to her, but she’d known. She just knew. And she knew it was bad. Something was riding him hard, and the moment he told her Alonzo had penetrated their security she feared she knew what was happening.

If she didn’t talk to Alonzo and get him to stand down, Elijah would act and something very bad would happen. She was afraid to think what he would do, but she was fairly certain Alonzo would never come around again. Elijah didn’t want to do whatever he was going to do if she didn’t talk to Alonzo. She got that. But he would. She made up her mind to find the courage to face Alonzo, and instead of acting like a child, hiding from her fear, she planned to confront it, to find out why she was so afraid of him. Whether or not she could put that nightmare to rest didn’t really matter. What mattered was keeping Elijah from doing something he didn’t want to do.

She walked into his office with her chin up, eyes sweeping the room, Elijah at her side, his hand on her back. His hand felt like a flame, burning through her clothes like a brand. Alonzo was leaning against the opposite wall to the entrance—the four men close, but not looking like threats. She knew they were. She knew Alonzo was in trouble.

His eyes came to her immediately, moved over her face, her body. Inspecting. He inhaled, and she knew he caught the scent of sex and Elijah imprinted over and in her. His expression didn’t change. Not in the least. His eyes were as cold and dead as ever, his hands rock steady, but he knew.

“Alonzo,” she greeted, and moved away from Elijah straight toward him.

Elijah caught her arm. “Baby, I want you to keep a safe distance from him.”

“Is there a safe distance?” Alonzo asked.

She lifted her chin. “I’m sorry I worried you, Alonzo. I did try to call you but then the phone broke and I forgot. I honestly didn’t think the call had gone through.”