Page 96 of Hacking His Code

“Same. For you. You look…dapper.” Her voice wavers.

Men are supposed to love confident women, but the fact that Arinessa is unsure of herself doesn’t turn me off at all. It makes me want to be the one to show her that she’s worthy of being adored.

She’s the only woman I want to be with.

I look around to make sure no one else is listening in. “I have a lot to apologize for.”

Ari crosses her arms over her chest. “I can only think of one thing that requires your apology.”

“I didn’t know the trial—”

“That’s not it.”

I furrow my brow. “You’re not mad at that? You left right after—”

“The trial isn’t why she took a turn for the worse. If anything, the trail saved her. I left because I felt guilty. She’ll be coming out of her coma soon, and she may make a full recovery.”

My face lights in elation. “That’s great!”

“But I’m still mad, just not about that.”

“Oh…so you must be mad about Neon?”

She nods, glaring me down.

“I’m sorry. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

“Forgive me for arguing, but you weren’t doing a great job of that before I arrived on scene.”

Her face contorts in angry rage. Of course, I had to say the stupidest thing one could to a woman who’s trying to be independent.

“I didn’t mean that! I was trying to be cute.”

“Just don’t ever try to deceive me like that again. I trusted her! If you ever lie to me again, I’ll leave every room you enter.”

“Understood.”

“And I’ll have you know, I’m not as helpless as you believe I am. I got a job with Gabriel Icor—all on my own.”

My stomach twists with the knowledge that that is indeed a deception I’ve perpetuated.

“I’m going to have to tell you something…and you’re probably going to want to be mad. Please, don’t be.”

“What?”

“I kind of asked Gabriel to hire you.”

Her face falls. I swear to God, I’d rather be kicked in the nuts than see her looking so dejected.

“I’m sorry! I just needed to know that you were going to be okay, and you’re so damn stubborn.”

She releases a shuddering breath. “How could I be mad at that?”

“You’re one of the smartest women I know,” I say honestly. “Don’t let this get you down.”

She gives a reticent smile.