Page 64 of Fractured Future

“Everyone is waiting upstairs.” I watch her fiddle with her damp braid. “This is a standard, initial interview. Nothing to panic about.”

“Nothing, huh?” She lowers her gaze to study the concrete.

“We’re gonna go at your pace. If it takes a few days or even longer, that’s okay.”

“I can handle it.”

“I’m saying you don’t have to. We’ll take things slow.”

“Let’s just head up,” she insists. “I want to get this over and done with as fast as possible.”

Waving off the arm that Tom offers her, Ember sets her jaw in a terse line. That fucking sass. It isn’t my job to notice these details—I’m here to protect her—but hell, if her fiery spirit doesn’t make my pulse thrum.

After scanning my security pass and checking in with the two hard-faced guards posted at the staff entrance, we head inside. Sabre’s reception is a sprawling, brightly lit display of pure authority and influence.

“I forgot how insane this place is,” Ember mutters.

With impossibly tall ceilings, endless metres of polished glass and huge, crystal droplets casting light on every clean white surface, insane is an adequate description for the high-security paradise.

“Nothing much has changed since you were last here. Just a few new faces.”

“And a few old ones.” She flashes me a tight smile.

“Is that your subtle way of calling me old?” I cock an eyebrow at her. “Because for the record, I’m a whole twelve months younger than Warner.”

“Damn. Don’t forget those precious twelve months, old man.”

“Don’t you forget either.”

Escorting them to the elevator, I return the respectful nods shot my way by other staff members. We’ve risen through the ranks and gained a high level of authority in the company throughout all the changes it’s undergone.

Our team works closely with senior leadership, leaving the investigative teams to trickle down in descending order of authority. Now our offices sit alongside the Knight brothers and other executives.

Stepping inside the elevator, Ember’s tense shoulder brushes my torso. The slight touch causes my muscles to spasm, locking up tight. She casts me a long, searching glance.

“How come you drew the short straw?”

“Huh?” I blink at her.

“You’ve clearly been assigned to me for security. Why you?”

I punch the button for the top floor. “I’m the team enforcer, Ember. It’s my job to protect our clients. I leave the talking to Warner and the torturing to Axel.”

“Right,” she deadpans. “You’re just the muscle.”

“Again with the compliments? I’m blushing.”

Ember breaks out in laughter. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Before we get up there… We’re training the Falcon Team at the moment, so their team leader wants to sit in on the interview. Are you comfortable with that?”

Ember shrugs. “Whatever.”

“I can tell Archer to clear off. He won’t mind.”

“I’ve got nothing to hide,” she says in an unconvincing tone. “Unless you’re planning to throw me in some fucked up holding cell in the basement.”

“What?” Tom gasps, reminding me that he’s behind us. “Why would you even think that?”