Page 87 of Lucas

For a few beats, I think he’s going to brush me off again, but then he pushes to his feet with a heavy sigh. He strides over to a locked cabinet in the corner, pulls out an envelope, and tosses it on the desk in front of me.

“This came for me today.”

I pick up the crisp ivory envelope, noting the lack ofpostage or return address. The expensive cardstock inside has two words typed in the center in a generic font.

Your turn.

An icy chill slithers down my spine. What the hell?

“Is this related to the vandalism on your car?” I slide the card back into the unmarked envelope, uneasy tingles prickling my skin. “Lucas, this is a threat. We need to take this to the police.”

“Not yet.” He drags a hand through his dark hair, mussing it. “I want to do some poking around on my own first, see if I can find out who has an axe to grind with me. I have a private investigator arriving to discuss it.”

“What about the security camera footage from the office parking lot?”

“Dead end. The perp wore a mask and nondescript clothing. No distinguishing features to go on.”

A troubling thought occurs to me. “You don’t think it was someone who works here, do you? A disgruntled Valeur employee?” I keep my voice low, mindful of all the ears in the building.

“God, I hope not. I haven’t hired anyone new in ages. Everyone here has been with me for years.” His lips thin. “Well, except for you. You’re the only fresh face that’s had unfettered access to the executive suites.”

I shoot him an incredulous glare. “Seriously? You think I’m sending you creepy threats now? Vandalizing your precious car?”

“Keying my car? Yes. But I think I’d be more likely to find a crude doodle of a cock than vague intimidation attempts if you were the culprit.” His mouth twitches, eyes glinting.

“Excuse you! I’ll have you know I’m an artist. My revenge phallus renderings are anything but crude.” I sniff, tilting my nose in the air.

Lucas barks out a startled laugh, some of the edgy tension leaching out of his broad frame.

Pleased with myself for lightening the heavy mood, I risk a step closer and place my hand on his forearm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “In all seriousness, if I had an issue with you, I’d tell you to your face. No anonymous coward notes.”

“I know.” He reaches up to cup my cheek in his warmpalm. My breath hitches as his thumb skates over my bottom lip. “Because you, Ava Valeur, are the bravest person I know.”

I blink up at him, a lump lodging in my throat at the raw sincerity in his voice. “Hardly. I’m a mess ninety percent of the time.”

His thumb drags over my lip again, and I shiver. “Where it counts, you’re the most courageous, genuine woman I’ve ever met.”

Before I can plan a response, a brisk knock startles us apart. Lucas’s hot palm falls away from my cheek as he takes a measured step back.

“That’ll be the P.I. I should...”

“Of course,” I say, smoothing my blouse and ignoring the way my skin still tingles from his touch. “I have budget revisions to implement anyway.”

The mask of the unflappable entrepreneur slides back over his features as he strides to his office door, once again all cool professionalism. But as he pulls it open to greet the newcomer, he tosses a heated glance at me over his shoulder.

“Thank you, Ava. For the talk.”

My answering smile feels too wide, too bright. “That’s what partners are for, right? To support each other.”

If I place undue emphasis on the word partners, well, that’s between me and my galloping heart.

“Right.” His blue eyes burn into me a moment longer before he turns to direct the detective into his office. “Partners.”

As the door clicks shut behind me, I press a shaky hand to my flushed cheek and sag against the wall.

Holy hell.

What are we doing here?