Page 44 of Provocation (Temptation 3)

A loud commotion came from within the outer office.

Naomi turned around in the chair as I stood, looking into the cubicle-filled space. When my eyes fell on the source of it, I sucked in a breath, pulse spiking as dread settled deep in my stomach.

“Sir,” Rina cautioned in a feeble attempt to run interference, jumping in front of my open office door. “You can’t go in there without an appointment.”

“I don’t need one.”

Before I had a chance to do any sort of damage control, Lachlan burst into my office, stalking toward me. He pulled my body to his, clinging onto me tighter than he ever has.

I stiffened, taken aback by not only the fact he was in my office, but that he was hugging me, the door wide open, allowing anyone to witness.

To gossip.

To talk.

I couldn’t have that.

I quickly pushed out of his hold, putting as much distance between us as possible.

“Mr. Hale.” I gritted out a smile, pushing my hair behind my ears. “To what do I owe this…unexpected visit?”

He stared at me for a beat, brows furrowed, obviously confused by the formality in my tone.

What choice did I have? We’d agreed to keep this relationship quiet. For now. He couldn’t expect me to just start making out with him in my office, in view of my employees.

Even if we were openly dating, I still wouldn’t engage in public displays of affection in my place of business.

“I need to talk to you,” he finally said, a gravity in his tone. “It’s important.”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Prescott.” Rina’s gaze ping-ponged between Lachlan and me. “Do you need me to call security?”

I shifted my attention to the petite blonde. “That won’t be necessary. Mr. Hale is a friend.”

“Friend,” Naomi snorted under her breath.

“Just give us a moment, please, Rina.”

“Of course.” She glanced Lachlan’s way, a subtle blush blooming on her cheeks, then disappeared from my office.

“That means you, too,” I said to Naomi before dropping my voice. “And not a word about this to anyone. I’m sure there are already rumors spreading like wildfire. I need them stopped. And quickly.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t want anyone to think you were happy.”

“That’s not—”

“Yes. It is.” She pinned me with a stare, then spun, closing the door behind her.