Beyond our deal

en's

th about Cliff's role in the dubious business dealings of the corpo

reaked open before I could reply, and there he was Cliff. His icy, cal

tried to sound cool, but my

e door behind him and entered.

from him. "What you have

ng. My stomach turned when I saw that t

e you been looking at stuff that you shouldn't have? L

ping in my chest,

sion. He moved closer, lowering his voice so that only I could hear, but let's be clear here. "I'

with each breath. "W

uldn't breathe. "I've got some... fascinating photos. Some videos, too.

took a step back. "A

e repercussions are. If you don't say anything, I'll make sure you don't get into

as serious. I was at a loss for what to do.

ould feel his gaze on me, and I detested how it made my skin crawl. He acted as though he knew somet

e day while I was attemptin

e said, "Lauren." "Is everything alrig

my behaviour had altered. But I couldn't help but feel like I

eeting smile, saying, "I

have been avoiding me, and you refuse to expl

le to inform him of Cliff's threats. I

murmured, "I'm just dea

gh. "You are aware that you can speak with me, right? You

inside of me. If only he unders

nd I wasn't certain I

rised me th

t on the desk as we were reviewi

ding in his eyes, and his voice was loud and aggressiv

ords, I hurried to my feet an

een aloof and evasive. Are you withholding something from me? Do

is charges hurt more than I wanted to acknowle

case! With a shaky v

something to hurt you," as he stood up to confront me.

can't tell you." My eyes burned from unshed

s his expression softened. "Why? La

ut. The fact was, I couldn't give him th

d and left his office, leaving hi

re was a little, unmarked package on my desk without a return address

t. A manila envelope was inside. My bre

k at me. Pictures of Denni

e. Standing too close for comfort, they were giggling. The second was even w

through the images. Each one

t her? Who was she? And why di

zzed while I gazed at the photos. The

ind these photos.

phone in shock. Was Cliff playing a trick again? O

as the office door opened behind

ble eyes watched m

in a circumspect to

the web of secrets, lies, and the per