Page 43 of His Ruthless Match

Eva didn’t look up from her phone as she said, “He’s good at his job. And unlikesomepeople, he doesn’t make me want to tear my hair out.”

I let that slide, though I had a really strong urge to comment on her priorities. Cookies, really? So, I roamed the room, opening drawers and checking behind doors.

Genevieve watched me with narrowed eyes. “What are you doing?”

“Making sure everything’s secure,” I said as I peered behind a curtain.

Eva’s wide-eyed glare could’ve burned a hole through me.Get your grubby paws off her shit,it said.

“Relax,” I muttered, holding my hands up in surrender. “I’m just doing my job.”

Eva turned back to Genevieve, her voice softening. “Gabe’s going to bury the defamatory posts and tabloid articles, and we’re coordinating with your PR team to release positive content to counteract the damage. As soon as I get back to the office, I’ll review the new information he sent. If it’s as damning as it sounds, we can file a complaint to get the defaming information to stop. Then, with stronger evidence, we can pursue a lawsuit.”

Some of the tension eased from Genevieve’s shoulders as she nodded slowly. “That sounds good. Thank you, Eva.”

“For now, stay here,” Eva said. “Just because we’ve identified some potential culprits doesn’t mean it’s safe to go back to your apartment. There’s still work to do before this is behind you.”

“I appreciate everything you’re doing,” Genevieve said as she walked us to the door.

Eva offered her a small smile. “It’s what I do, and I’m happy to do it.”

As we stepped into the hallway, I began the long, tedious process of rearming myself. Knife in the boot, grappling hook at my belt, a blade up my sleeve—it was all muscle memory, but it still took time.

Eva sighed. “Do you have to do this here?”

“You want me unarmed?” I asked, sliding another knife into its holster. “Seems risky.”

“Ugh. I swear, you’re like a walking armory.”

“Damn right.” I grinned as I tucked the final weapon into place. “All set. Shall we?”

She rolled her eyes and started down the hall. “Cats always have to show off.”

Chuckling, I followed her to the elevator.

The office was buzzing,but my focus was entirely on Eva. I leaned against the wall, keeping an eye on her while she paged through documents and fielded Theo’s incessant chatter. Theo was a bundle of chaotic energy, bouncing on the balls of his feet and throwing far too many glances my way.

“So, Jareth…” Theo sidled closer. I could tell from his toothy grin that he was fishing for something. “You’re Eva’s bodyguard? Or something else entirely?”

“Security.”

My flat tone didn’t deter him. “Do you also, like, wrestle bears? Scale mountains? You know, classic bad boy stuff?”

I arched a brow. “You writing my biography, or just trying to flirt?”

Theo turned bright red, and Eva groaned from her desk. “Theo, stop harassing Jareth. And Jareth, stop encouraging him.”

“I wasn’t harassing him! I’m just... curious.”

“Curiosity killed the cat,” I muttered, which earned me an unimpressed look from Eva.

She stood, exasperation etched onto her face. “Jareth, do youreallyneed to stand there all day? I’m perfectly safe here.”

“Until you’re not.”

“Seriously?” She massaged her temples. “Theo, can you give us a minute? I need to talk to mysecurity.”

Once we were alone, she turned on me, her voice low but firm. “Look, I get that you’re just doing your job, but you don’t have to babysit me twenty-four-seven. This is my office. It’s secure. And frankly, you’re a distraction.”