Chapter 17

Scarlett Alexander’s lips curved into a faint yet icy smile, his voice laced with danger and allure: “No rush, my partner. You should know by now—you already belong to me.” I felt butterflies thrashing in my stomach. Even though I knew he meant our partnership, the tone in his voice made my body tense instinctively. I fought to suppress the desire spreading within me and replied as steadily as I could, “I need to know the details.” Lucien slowly shrugged off his coat, his movements casual yet elegant. The broad lines of his shoulders were clearly visible, making it a little hard for me to breathe. He placed a manila folder in front of me, and as he leaned in, his face suddenly came dangerously close to mine—I could feel his warm breath brushing against my neck. I instinctively reached out to open the folder, my fingertips trembling slightly as they touched the paper. Photos. Surveillance stills. A wire transfer record. “This is the proof that Faye hired thugs to attack you,” Lucien sai