His secretary

vantag

I had strayed from the professional sphere and into unexplored ground. Though I couldn

ing to concentrate on the present. It was all I could think about-the way his eyes had

ght of our fresh connection. Julian had felt demoralized and helpless after merging with

me brought me from my thoughts. "Emil

oward his office. He was standing near the windo

" Closing the door b

nce austere. "I have to talk to yo

for anything he

about the risks we're taking," he murmured. "And

y heart dropped

sed on everything that's happening, I cannot afford any

ed, "I understand." "But I f

s first, hence our relationship has to be subordinated. Not

et them fall. "So, what are you suggest

ut to cup my face. "We should be cautious and keep our re

sure whether I could accomplish that, Julian. I want

know." "But the only way you stay safe is this.

correct-that we had to exercise caution. But nearly more than I could handle was the idea o

e almost above a whisper. "I will t

arms. "thanks, Emily. I sw

e risks and the sacrifices were well worth the love we shared. But in that instant, it seemed as thou

ained a strictly business-like connection, sneaking just the most fleeting of touch

et in secret in poorly lit downtown corners and share our souls with one another. Julian would

he merger, the threats, the shadows hovering over us. The love we had

xandra was always there, her eyes always watching and her smile always laced with a bit of conte

returning to his place when we hear

ell. Look what

, her arms crossed over her chest. "I knew

body blocking me from her view.

old. "I want what Julian owns. And I'l

g from me," Julian said, hi

ing her smile. "Unless, of course, you w

ulian's eyes ablaze with terror. Trapped, stuck betwee

ry voice, "What do

ant you to hand over control of the company." " All o

d see the wheels moving in his head, as well a

oice little above a whi

me sink. We had lost, and power had

business. I tried to get in touch to offer my help, but he turned m

iled. But I also knew that Alexandra had outwitted hi

s viable while seated at my desk. We had risked everything for our

large. I would never stop advocating for Julian as I knew that regardless of what happene

. I would be at his side even during the worst of circumstances. Since ultimately that wa

hapter. The risks are higher since Alexandra wants leadership of the business and Julian is forced to follow her. Emily promises to be at Julian's