Chapter 57

Twenty minutes later Charles was wrapping up his statement to a silent, transfixed audience. What he was saying was major news, and they couldn't wait to be the ones who broke it.

"And on behalf of Rafe media and all of Nicolas Middleman's colleagues, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Middleman family and to his friends. He will be missed, and I want to assure you we will do everything we can to look into his death and ensure that justice, if it is necessary, is served."

With that, Charles thanked everyone for coming. He leaned toward me, covered the microphone and whispered, "You can head to my office now if you'd like. Unless you want to watch me take questions and annoy everyone by giving no answers."

I gave a quick nod and stepped away from the warm lights of the cameras, heading toward the office door. But I didn't go in.

I paused and looked back, watching Charles stand in front of the audience and answer questions from a nervous, somber room.

His demeanor was one of sorrow and determination, but he still gave the impression of power and strength, his dark suit making his fierce blue eyes stand out like light flame in his face.

Amy sidled up next to me and we watched quietly together.

"He's good at what he does, isn't he?" she said, smiling and whispering to me but not turning her face away from the front of the room.

"I've never seen this side of him," I said. "I mean, I saw him take questions when he was running for student government back in high school, but people were mostly too frightened or awestruck by his good looks to dare say anything."

Amy stifled a giggle. "I can imagine. And you did good too, Elena."

"Thanks," I said. "But I really just stood there."

"No, you nodded at the appropriate places and looked determinedly somber."

I smiled at her, and she winked at me. I looked at my watch, hearing my stomach rumble despite all this. "Should I order some food?"

Amy looked surprised. "Oh my gosh, yes! I should have thought of that."

"No problem. What do you want?"

"Me?"

"You're working just as hard as the rest of us, if not harder."

"Enchiladas..." Amy breathed and smiled wistfully.

"On it," I said, whipping out my phone and going into Charles' office for privacy. I knew what he would want, a chimichanga with extra rice and beans on the side.

By a complete accident, I timed it perfectly. Charles was just loosening his tie and flopping down onto the couch in his office when the food arrived.

I invited Amy in and we all sat eating and discussing the morning. It was hard to believe all of that had happened before a late lunch was possible.

"I feel bad being hungry," I said. "Shouldn't I be upset about Mr. Middleman?"

Charles nodded. "I understand the sentiment, but I think death often makes us more aware of our bodies and the things that are fragile around us."

Amy nodded. "I eat more after funerals than any other times in my life."

"Are you going to be okay?" Charles asked Amy. "Do you feel comfortable and safe?"

Amy nodded. "Absolutely. There's no reason anyone would go after me."

"Those donuts?" Charles offered.

Amy shrugged. "I don't think those were intended for the assistants."

"If you're sure. Elena, I'm going to have a guard go with you this evening."

I frowned but knew it was for the best. "Okay. I was thinking of asking Cathy over, too, just to be safe."

Charles nodded. "I like that idea."

"What about you?" I asked.

Charles and Amy both paused. "What do you mean, 'what about you'?" Charles asked me.

"I mean, what about you? Those donuts might have been meant for you. You are the face of a media company who has now publicly announced they are determined to find and bring to justice if needed, the cause of an employee's death."

I shook my head. "That's pretty big."

Charles smiled. "This might be the first time anyone has ever doubted that I would be okay."

"I'm not doubting your abilities," I said.

I could see Amy out of the corner of my eye, gleefully watching the exchange between us. "I'm just worried about you is all."

"That's sweet," Amy said, smiling.

Charles nodded and smiled too. "Yeah, I guess it is. I thought the only person who worried about me was my mother."

I blushed slightly. "Sorry if I said out of bounds."

"Not at all," Charles said smiling. "I like it."

We looked at each other for a moment, his blue eyes searching for something in mine.

"Well okay then," Amy suddenly stood, gathering her things. I looked at her in surprise. "Going already?"

"Yeah. I've got some phone calls to return."

She winked at me as she went, making me blush further.

"Did I insult you?" I asked. "I know you're a capable Alpha, but even capable Alphas can have a bomb planted in their car."

"Geez!" Charles laughed. "That's where your mind is going? I'm going to have to look out for you!"

He leaned toward me. "But seriously, thank you for worrying about me. It's nice to know someone cares."

"I do care," I said.

I looked up into his blue eyes again, feeling heat and longing move all the way through me. "I've cared for the majority of my life."

The frown returned to his face and I'm afraid I've offended him or made him feel guilty.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"No, Elena, I was just thinking what an idiot I am, and how, with all my attempts and thinking things out, with you I sometimes mess up everything."

"I don't feel that way," I said. "I know you better now. I know you have a good heart."

This appeared to move him, as he sat back, staring at me. He looked at me for so long that I started to fidget under his gaze.

"I'd better get back to work," I said, eventually.

He nodded, my words barely seeming to break the intensity of the thoughts he was having.

"I'll be working through dinner," he finally said, shaking his head slightly. "And the guard will take you home at the normal hour, okay?"

I nodded my head.

"But Elena, can I text you later? I think we need to talk."

"Okay."

"And Elena," he added as I stood up. "Would you still think I have a good heart if I ask you for a kiss before you go?"

I glanced over at the office door. It was closed. I looked back at him and smiled.

"Would you think I had a good heart if I said I've been hoping you'd ask since this morning?"

I walked around the table and looked at him. He put a large, warm hand on the small of my back and pulled me so I stepped closer. His forehead rested on my shoulder and he inhaled deeply.

Both hands were now gripping my hips and he looked at me with desire in his eyes. "You are beautiful, you know that?"

I frowned. "Not really."

"Stop. You're are beautiful, Elena. You're..."

I stopped him, quickly lowering my lips and pressing them to his mouth.

I smiled as his slick teeth slid against my lips. He stopped talking and kissed me back, his mouth warm and yearning. His fingers dug into my butt now, cupping around the cheek part and squeezing hard.

"Hey," I said, pulling back. "I take it back."

"Sorry," he said, and looked genuinely distressed. "That was disrespectful."

I looked at him and smile.

"Not if you let me do it back sometime."

His eyebrows raised playfully. "How about tonight?"