Page 14 of These White Lies

Elizabeth is rigid in her chair, but her foot is tapping frenetically on the rug beneath her chair, giving her away.

“I’m not doing it.” Her voice is flat. “I have work. I have clients. I can’t afford that kind of disruption. It will look bad, and I can’t afford any more negative press. My clients won’t want to be associated with this.” Frustration clearly simmers under the surface of her words.

“He can assign someone discreet. Elite Security has a variety of people. No one will even know they’re there if you don’t point them out.”

“No.” The word explodes from my mouth, and they both turn to stare at me. “I’ll handle her detail.”

It makes no sense, but the idea of putting her safety in anyone else’s hands, even my own highly effective team, feels wrong.

I will protect her.

“I’m already up to speed, and it will take time to read someone else in.” I try to keep my tone level. “Half of your clients probably have security details themselves. You represent a lot of rich and famous people. Maybe it will up your street cred.” I wink because I know it will infuriate her. And if she’s angry, she’s not thinking about being scared.

Elizabeth shakes her head, attention fully on me as if Luke isn’t in the room. It’s a miracle I don’t burst into flames at the glare she aims at me.

I like it way too much.

However, I also see the fragility in her eyes, and sympathy fills my chest.

None of this is easy for her.

“I’ll behave. I promise.”

Her eyes flicker as if she’s trying to read a hidden message in my words, one that I’m absolutely sending. But I know she’s not ready to discuss our past yet.

“I reallyama professional, and I’m the best at what I do.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Luke glance between us, his eyebrows inching higher, like he’s trying to figure out how this turned into a two-person standoff.

“Until they put me in handcuffs, I’m still in control of my life.”

My gut clenches at the thought of her in a holding cell, but before I can analyze my bizarre reaction, she’s on her feet grabbing her bag.

Luke sighs. “We’ll need to speak again… preferably today.Remember—no statements. No casual conversation about what’s happened, and absolutely donotdiscuss your ex-husband with anyone. Especially the police. If any law enforcement shows up, direct them to me and keep your mouth shut. Let me handle everything.”

A muscle quivers in her jaw, and I get the feeling she’s swallowing some kind of snarky response. “Understood.”

Without another word, she stalks toward the door, heels clicking sharp and fast across the floor.

My eyes, traitorous bastards that they are, drift down the length of her.

Those long legs and luscious hips swaying beneath her pencil skirt. Fuck.

I drag my gaze back and find Luke watching me, one eyebrow arched high.

“Want to tell me what the deal is with you two?”

“Nope.”

I push away from his desk and follow her, ignoring the “Clients are off-limits” shout Luke sends after me.

The elevator doorsare just about to close when I slide in beside her.

“You might as well let me drive you,” I say casually, pressing the button for the garage. “I’m just going to follow you, anyway.”

Elizabeth doesn’t answer. Her gaze is fixed resolutely on the stainless-steel panel. But when the doors slide open on the parking garage level, she walks with me toward my car without a word.

The ride passes in silence with Elizabeth staring straight ahead like I’m not even there. I let her sulk in silence. Hell, it’s probably the best-case scenario for now. If she starts yelling again, I’ll be too distracted watching the way her mouth moves to offer logical rebuttals.