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“Rude,” I snarl at him.

The elevator chimes, and my hands sweat when the doors open. The bright lights of the firm’s lobby nearly blind me.

“Sir,” the young secretary says when she sees us charging toward Henry’s office, “you can’t?—”

He points the gun at her. “Sit your ass down. If you call for help, I’ll push you out the fucking window.”

She drops back into her chair, and I whisper, “Sorry, but listen to him,” as I’m pulled toward Henry’s office.

Julian kicks the door open even though there’s literally a door handle, and I doubt it was locked. Startled, Henry jumps to his feet. His face pales as his gaze bounces from Julian to me.

“Julian …” His words trail off as his eyes find mine. “Genesis?” His voice trembles with fear.

“Sit down, Henry,” Julian demands.

Just like the secretary, Henry collapses in his chair.

Julian releases my hand, and I don’t move.

Stupid Henry suddenly reaches for his phone. Julian advances toward him and sweeps his arm along the desk. Henry’s computer, phone, and papers fall to the Berber carpet.

Julian aims the gun at a quivering Henry.

Henry’s back straightens, and he holds up his arms.

“Now, Henry,” Julian taunts, standing directly in front of him, “you told Genesis you’d help her, correct?”

Shit.

He must’ve listened to our phone conversation.

“Yes,” Henry stutters, his entire body shaking.

Julian walks behind Henry’s desk, stopping behind him. “And what was your offer ofhelping?”

Henry violently shakes his head, not answering.

Julian grabs what little hair Henry has and forces his head back until he’s looking him in the eye. “What was your offer, you fucking maggot?”

“I … I only said we’d vacation together, become friends—that’s all.”

Julian’s hand leaves Henry’s hair to wheel out his chair. “Get on your knees.”

Henry stands and tries to make a run for it. He’s too slow, and Julian catches him from around the neck and shoves him to his knees. Henry stares at me in horror as Julian tucks the gun back into his waistband, grips his head with both hands, and plunges his thumbs into Henry’s eyes. He wails in pain, thrashing his body to the side to break loose.

I gasp, covering my mouth.

While I’ve always known Julian was a violent man, I never witnessed the full extent until tonight.

“Now, apologize to her,” Julian says, removing his thumbs and forcing Henry to look at me.

“What?” Henry cries out, his eyes starting to swell.

“Apologize to her for being a scumbag,” Julian demands.

“I’m … so sorry, Genesis,” Henry screeches, his eyes pleading with me to control Julian.

Even if I tried, Julian wouldn’t listen.