Page 58 of Empire State Enemies

The bastard just smirks conspiratorially and saunters off, leaving me hanging like the world’s most horrific high-five.

That was horrendous, I feel thoroughly unnerved. He must think I have some devious scheme going on. Great, now both notorious Quinn brothers see me as the enemy. This just keeps getting better and better. I’m gonna end up behind bars. Grace will lose her scholarship. And Mom . . . she won’t get the care she needs.

Stop spiraling, you idiot.

The elevator door slides open and my stomach drops yet again. You have got to be fucking kidding me. Again, somehow, overnight the bastard has gotten even sexier. Now his hard, angular features are strikingly accentuated by his new buzzed haircut.

“Morning, Mary,” he purrs, grinning at her in a way that could soak panties at fifty paces.

I shift in my seat, smoothing my figure-hugging black dress. After his orthopedic shoes dig, I was determined to land firmly on the “sex kitten” side today rather than “frumpy librarian.”

I stand to greet him, but he launches into a full conversation with Mary without so much as glancing my way. I hover awkwardly, debating whether to sit back down. Bastard’s ignoring me on purpose, I’m sure of it.

Finally, he deigns to acknowledge me, striding over with an infuriating smug grin. My pulse skyrockets traitorously.

“Hello, Lexi,” he drawls, vivid blue eyes even more intense against his shaved head. As if they needed any more focus.

I crane my neck to meet his gaze, even in my tallest heels. Damn him and his sky-scraping height. And damn him for that intoxicating scent wafting off him, unfairly delicious.

“You shaved your head,” I blurt, stating the obvious.

“Thank you for that brilliant insight. I was concerned it might go tragically unnoticed,” he says, deadpan. He invades my space, and I’m hyper-aware of every molecule of air between us. “Do you like it then?” One brow lifts in challenge.

“You look like a convict,” are the words that tumble out before I can stop them. “Actually, you look like that guy with the blue eyes whose mugshot went viral. He became a model after.”

His eyes blaze like he might commit a felony right now. “I’m sure you’re quite cozy around convicts these days. Considering your own extracurricular activities . . .”

My fingers clench around my laptop bag. He got under my skin in under a minute.

We head for his office, me trying to match his long strides in my stilettos.

“Guess I should get used to waiting around, huh?” I say lightly. “Since that seems to be my role here—tortured with brochures for company.”

He throws a scorching look over his shoulder that makes me stumble back a step. He seems extra volatile this morning, like I managed to piss him off in his sleep.

“I’m an extremely busy man,” he bites out. “Consider yourself lucky I’m even considering this farce your agency pitched.”

I bite back a sharp retort, reminding myself to play nice. But his arrogant dismissal shreds my composure like nothing else. I’ve never dealt with a client like this before. Connor seems to relish getting under my skin.

He holds the office door open with a mocking undertone. “After you.”

I step in, expecting him to plant himself behind that gigantic desk of his. But nope, today’s power play is the sofa. He sprawls across the black leather, legs spread wide in unapologetic dominance.

Then he crooks a finger to summon me. I perch warily on the edge, nerves humming this close to him. I felt safer across that desk.

“So what’s today’s grand redemption scheme?” he asks silkily. “Rescuing kittens? Helping old ladies cross the street?”

I stiffen, trying not to show how much he irks me. He knows damn well what’s scheduled. “You know, helping old ladies should be your default, not a scheduled event,” I shoot back. “As for today, you’re speaking at a NexiHub. It’ll take about two hours or so.”

His smile drips mockery. “It’ll take one hour. You seem to forget I run an international empire, Miss Sullivan. I don’t exist solely for photo opportunities at your whim.”

I press my nails into the leather. “Maybe you should’ve thought about that before that rousing game of hide-and-seek with the senator’s daughter.”

“Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Lexi. Keep it in check.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I snap, forcing indifference even as my nails dig in so hard I’m probably leaving a fossil record for future generations. “You’re not even my type.”

Connor’s eyes glint as his lips curve into a smirk. “Could’ve fooled me, judging by how hot and bothered you get around me.”