Page 75 of The Colour of Revenge

“We understand and accept,” she replies smoothly.

That was almost too easy.

Sanctuary is one of the largest support groups for domestic violence. Haven focuses on trafficking survivors—though we support women from all kinds of abuse backgrounds—but I’ve been wanting to expand to provide more tailored support. This merger allows me to do that.

“Perfect. That’s settled then.”

I go to dismiss her, but before I can stand, she leans forward, placing her hand on mine. Her manicured nails trail over my skin as she shifts, giving me an unrestricted view of her cleavage.

I don’t like how Siena is looking at me. Like I’m a prize she’s already won.

Carina is supposed to be stopping by soon. I want to show her the work we’re doing here. I don’t need this to screw things up.

“This meeting is over,” I declare, standing and brushing her hand off. “I have everything I need from you. I’ll be in touch with more details soon.”

I move toward the door, intent on ending this quickly, but before I reach it, a manicured hand presses against my chest, halting me.

Siena steps closer, forcing me to back up until my legs hit the desk.

“What are you doing?” My voice is sharper now, laced with warning.

“I saw the way you looked at me when I walked in.”

What?

I blink. “Looking at you?”

“You were practically undressing me with your eyes, Nathaniel.” Her voice drips with false confidence, her lips curling in a knowing smirk.

The way she says my name makes my skin crawl.

She presses against me, her hand snaking around my neck, tilting her chin up as if she’s about to pull me into a kiss—

The door swings open.

Carina stands in the doorway.

For one frozen second, silence stretches between us. Siena’s hand is still on me. I don’t even breathe.

Then I see it—Carina’s face shifts from shock to something darker. The air crackles with the sharp snap of rage.

My stomach clenches. My heart pounds. But not from fear.

She’s fucking hot when she’s murderous.

“Princess,” I start, raising my hands in surrender. “Baby, this isn’t what it looks like.” My eyes plead with her to believe me.

She doesn’t blink. But her lips curl into something deadly.

“Oh, I know you’re not cheating on me, Nate.” Her voice is syrup-sweet, but there’s venom underneath. “You’re not that stupid.”

That sinister edge makes my pulse quicken.

Siena, finally sensing the shift, starts to step back, but Carina takes a deliberate step forward.

“I think you need to take your hands off my boyfriend,” she warns, her voice dangerously soft, “before you leave here in a body bag.”

Siena yanks her hand away from me like she’s been electrocuted.