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Tony is there to protect you.
You can be mad, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
This is a massive invasion of privacy. What will Orion say?
Orion already knows. He’s fine with it.
Huffing, I text Rose.
He sent a bodyguard.
Oh, good.
You too? Is no one on my side?
The Astors have their fair share of enemies... and some business partners you don’t want to get on the wrong side of.
I’m so annoyed.
That’s valid.
I set my phone on the desk and glare at Tony. “Don’t talk to customers.”
“Wasn’t planning on it,” he says, eyeing the windows. “You won’t even know I’m here.”
Famous last words.
My headphones were indeed broken, so this time, when the bells over the door tinkle, my eyes fly up from the monitor.
A woman wearing black slacks and anice purple blouse that brings out the green in her hazel eyes stands nervously in the doorway. Her brunette hair is pulled back in a no-nonsense bun.
Tony eyes her like she’s about to kill us both. He must be bored.
Ignoring him, I focus on the potential client and stand. “Hello. Are you here to make an appointment with Orion?”
She walks toward me. “Actually, I’m here to see you.”
My eyebrows hit my hairline. “Me?”
“Yes. Mei sent me? She said I should talk to you.”
I guess Mei is happy with the work we’ve done to help find evidence against her cheating husband.
The woman casts a worried glance over her shoulder at the bodyguard. “Alone.”
“Right, of course. There’s a private room.” I gesture her toward it, then point at Tony when he tries to follow. “No. You’re going to sit there, and you’re going to like it.”
“I see why he likes you.”
I scowl. “Shut up.”
Laughing, Tony shakes his head and pulls out his phone. “Don’t keep the lady waiting. The stick up her ass might get lost.”
I bite back a grin. He can’t make me laugh; it makes it difficult to be annoyed by his presence. Taking a breath, I head into the private conference room, where the lady is standing beside the table, clutching the strap of her purse, and close us in with a soft exhale and a big smile.
“I’m so sorry, I don’t think we introduced ourselves. I’m Cassia.” I extend my hand, which she takes in a firm grasp and shakes.
“I’m Paige,” she says with a smile. “Let’s talk about Mace.”