Page 80 of Under the Mistletoe

“I want to ensure York Enterprises thrives.”

“Fuck the business. You are the only thing that matters. You do not get to put yourself in a position where you could come to harm and especially not for the business.”

“I did it for you!” she yells back, and we both pause. “I did it to help you. To help York Enterprises be the big success you want it to be and that I know it can be.”

I think my heart almost breaks in two. I step toward her.

“There’s nothing and no one more important to me than you. The entire business can burn to the ground and that would mean less to me than you being hurt, harmed, or even worse.” I swallow hard because that’s a thought I just don’t want to entertain.

“When I was at the business summit, I saw Marcus in private discussions with Teflon Teo.”

My body freezes.

“They were in a private space. I was well hidden, and I saw them smile, shake hands, and Teflon Teo put something in Marcus’ jacket pocket.”

“What?” I frown.

“This.” She holds up a USB stick. I look at it and look back at her.

My eyes narrow. “How did you get it?”

She bites her lip, looking guilty as all hell. “Marcus tried to intimidate me. Stepped right up to me, right into my face, started threatening me.”

“What did he say?” I feel murderous right now.

“That’s not important. What is important is, when he was… threatening me, I pickpocketed him.”

I blink. “You what?”

“I took the USB drive from his pocket and slipped it in my bag.”

I run my hand down my face. This story, this woman… Fuck, I love her and am angry at her in equal measures right now.

“What’s on it?” I’m not sure if I dare ask.

“Evidence of wire transfers. Bank statements. Confirmation of money being transferred matching shipping logs… enough to put them both away for a very long time.”

I suddenly realize she’s shaking. I look her over, my mind racing a million miles an hour. I can’t believe she found all this out on her own.

“Are you alright?” My body vibrates with anger, fear, and protectiveness all rolled into one.

“I am. For now.”

“What do you mean, for now?” My shoulders tighten.

She searches my eyes before admitting, “Marcus was rather… colorful in his threats.”

“What the fuck did he say?”

“That’s not important…”

“That’s why you're here, isn’t it? That’s why you didn’t come back to the office or go to your apartment.” I’m trying to pull all the threads together. I love having her here. If it was up to me, she would be here permanently anyway. But the threats to her safety are an issue.

“I felt that I would be safest here.” She nods, confirming my thoughts.

“I swear, if anyone touches a hair on your head…” My anger rises as I cup her face, keeping her focused on me.

“You’re not leaving this apartment until we work things out.”