“And your determination to believe they’re true doesn’t make it so,” Jennifer snapped, throwing his words back at him. “I don’t know you, and I damn sure don’t know the people who gathered this defamatory conjecture.” She flicked a corner of the folder. “Let’s face it, Mr. McCall. If any of this was provable in court, you wouldn’t be sitting here across from me at a restaurant table. You would be meeting with the DA or SEC.”“That’s where you’re wrong,” Scott said, a cruel satisfaction glinting in his eyes. “It’s amazing how the court of public opinion will try and convict someone much swifter than a court of law.” Her stomach rolled, bile churning before racing for the back of her throat. She hated to admit it, but he was right. Good God, if any of this information leaked, it would destroy Bruce's reputation, his engagement, and irreparably harm the family company. It wouldn’t matter if the claims couldn’t be proved; the speculation alone would be detrimental and the damage irrevers

"Mmm." Scott replied, then his eyes narrowed. It was, he realized, one of those rare moments when she really smiled at him. She should do it more often.Definitely. But there again, maybe she shouldn’t. Not if he wanted to stay sane."It's not an order, Miss Sanchez, but if you want it to be, that's okay too." Vivian chuckled. "Come on." The elevator ride was quiet, which Vivian was completely okay with. She feared that if they spoke, they'd end up talking about that kiss, and she knew how that conversation would go. He'd say it was a mistake… That he wasn't really thinking straight that evening. Then he'd probably apologize for doing it, but that would only sound like rejection to her, and she preferred it if they both kept quiet about it. They both stepped out of the elevator and walked out of the administrative building. A man walked over to talk to Scott and Vivian moved away a bit to give them some privacy. When the man left, Scott waved for her to join him again.He watched a

There was something about the way he was staring at her. Something dangerous… and yet she wanted to run towards it instead of away from it. His voice was husky… deeper than it usually was, and his eyes appeared darker. His lips were curved slightly upward, like he'd just heard a joke, but Vivian knew that there was nothing funny about that gaze. He stared down at her, his black eyes slowly traversing her hair, her outfit and down to the boots that added four inches to her height. When his eyes met hers again, she barely caught herself before taking a step back from the heat there. It practically seared her skin.Hazardous. Dangerous. She silently chanted the warnings to herself like a mantra. He would set fire to her life and leave her covered in ashes.“I'm really sorry if I disturbed you,” she rasped again, before clearing her throat of the arousal thickening it. “I didn't know that you were here.”“You’re beautiful.” Scott said instead of paying attention to her apology. Struck s

He was her brother. And to keep that happiness shining on her brother’s face, she would have to make a deal with the devil. And Scott McCall was close enough.It wasn’t difficult to locate him in the crowded room. She found him and gave him a small nod, and he returned it. Exhaling, she turned her attention to the glass of red wine she’d barely touched throughout dinner. Now it, and about four more, seemed like a fabulous idea.She would need all the courage she could get._______"Can we get this thing started, please?” Jennifer asked Scott with a frown on her face as she set the glass on the small table and sat down on the chair. She rubbed her bare arms, and the sign of nerves pricked a conscience he’d believed to be impervious. “I’m sure you’ve already guessed that I’m going to agree to your ridiculous plan. Or let’s just call it what it is. Extortion.”“You have a choice, Miss Bennet,” he reminded her, sipping his bourbon.“Yes,” she agreed, bitterness coating the word. “Sacrific

Vivian stared wide eyed at him. "Me? Why me?" She asked. Scott almost winced. She sounded like the thought of attending a party with him was the worst thing she had ever heard. Did she really dislike him that much? Or was it because he wasn't that Michael guy? What the hell did she even see in him? He had no fucking idea. He hadn't expected her to scream and jump in excitement at the news, but the look on her face was just hurtful. Almost as if she was scared to be around him. He shrugged. "Well, you're my assistant" he said, and hoped that his statement would make enough sense. "Sometimes, you'll have to attend business events with me. Sometimes even travel trips too. This isn't just a party. A lot of potential customers and investors will be present and I will need you to be around."It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't entirely true. Yes, she'd have to attend some events with him, but this particular party wasn't one of them, but he just wanted her around. He'd even considered asking J