IN THE HANDS OF TIME

foreseeable future. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of

n, Ms. Sawyer?" Greta aske

l replied automatically, setting

als. They're in the welcome packet." Greta gestured to a leather portfolio on

right wall, a door that would serve as

it does," s

?" Gret

quickly. "Thank you f

onomic chair and pulled out her phone. She nee

rown eyes serious beneath a mop of black hair. Save for the eyes and hair colour which Darian acquired from her, Ko

appen when K

ful, keep her personal and professional lives separate. Tha

ounded on the

d her phone and stra

ailored suit. The sight of him in this context, powerful, ass

casually against the doorframe as i

eeping her tone neutral. "The

h a half-smile. "Yes, but I thought we might grab

ersation. Conversation meant quest

th me," she lied. "But

going to be working closely together for mont

al," she countered. "

"Because when I saw you walk into that confer

ed. "I'm here to do a

lve me," he pointed out. "What wo

osition," she a

rt, perhaps, or anger. It was gon

he said, his tone suddenly colder. "The meeting's

aused. "Oh, and Rachel? Yo

te

ng toward her hand, which had indeed moved unconsciousl

ediately. "That does

you'll need to eat something before a t

l to wonder how, after all these year

d herself in the company café, scanning the menu while poi

vocado wrap i

smiling at her, his blue eyes friendly a

imself. "Analytics department. You

utstretched hand.

every day we merge with another firm. Mind if I join you? I

ter the tension with Kohen. "T

e and amusing. He outlined the company politics, the best places to grab coffee, and whi

ctly with the big boss?" Callen

water. "We just sta

"Sorry, I don't mean to pry. It's just that Anderson never personally handle

efing?" Rachel r

Callen explained. "Your arrival was today's hot topic

res. "We grew up in the same town,"

not to press further. "Well, if you need anything, my office is on

el said, genuinely thankf

ecked her watch. "I should head u

to the elevator

e back of her neck. She turned to find Kohen standing near the entrance, h

tantly more formal. "I was just helping Ms.

en replied, his smile not reaching

apologetic look. "Nice meeting you, Rachel. Rem

Kohen's jaw tightened.

Rachel challenged,

or. "Though you might want to be careful about the co

ani

replied as they entered the elevator. "And cozying up to the mer

s just being friendly. Not every

ople," he said, his voice softer now. "It'