Page 16 of Devilish Bully (Steamy Latte Reads Collection #3)

THE ACCOUNTANT

KENDALL

The return to New York is marked by a blur of endless work, blurred with stolen moments of Lucian devouring me on his desk.

And I finally force myself to admit just how much his world demands of him.

The phone never stops buzzing, emails pour in by the hundreds, contracts appear in stacks that regenerate like hydra heads.

Every minute of his schedule is spoken for, and he moves through it with a precision that’s almost frightening.

I’ve never envied a billionaire less. And I’ve never understood him more.

No one could keep up with this and still be kind. Not really. His brusqueness, his short temper, the way he slices conversations into orders—it all makes a kind of sense when you see the mountain of responsibility he carries alone.

Almost.

I remind myself that no workload justifies being a bully.

Whether he has an amazing mouth or not…

By Thursday, we’re touring the newly remodeled lounge; its pictures will be featured in the spreads for the big IPO party.

The furniture gleams under industrial lights, sleek nap pods line one wall, and a ridiculous juice bar has been installed like this is some kind of luxury resort.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Penelope beams at us like a proud parent.

“The employees will love it, productivity will soar, and the press will have a field day. But this is only the beginning, Mr. Pearson. We’ll need to look into childcare, an on-site gym, maybe even wellness retreats.

It’s all about shaping a brand-new culture. ”

Lucian’s jaw tightens, but he doesn’t argue.

I glance at him, watching the way his shoulders stiffen with her every word, and the realization starts to click.

Not all of this is his fault. Some of it is being forced on him. The shareholders, Penelope, the board—they’re all pulling strings, and he’s the one tangled in the web.

For a moment, I feel a flicker of sympathy, like I’m seeing a crack in the armor he wears so tightly.

Then he catches me looking, and the smirk that curves his mouth makes the sympathy vanish as quickly as it came.

Okay. No. It can’t be.

He’s still the devil deep down.