Chapter 2 - The Dangerous Game
Mara felt her heart slam violently against her ribs as Peter stepped fully into the executive office.
She had absolutely no idea how to explain why she was standing in the billionaire owner's office on a Saturday morning.
Edward did not even flinch as he smoothly closed the black folder containing the forged banking documents.
"Peter, you are exactly the man I wanted to see," Edward said with a perfectly practiced, charming smile.
Peter looked suspiciously between Mara's pale face and Edward's incredibly relaxed posture.
"I saw Mara's car in the private parking garage and thought I should come up to check on the situation," Peter explained smoothly.
"Miss Ellis was just delivering the finalized blueprints for the upcoming charity gala," Edward lied without missing a single beat.
Mara forced herself to nod in agreement, praying her trembling hands were not visibly shaking.
"I see," Peter murmured, though his dark eyes lingered menacingly on the thick binder resting on the desk.
"In fact, Mara has agreed to take on a much larger role in the gala preparations directly under my personal supervision," Edward added casually.
Peter's jaw tightened slightly at the blatant, undeniable challenge to his departmental authority.
"She is already quite busy with her current workload, Mr. Hale," Peter countered with fake professional concern.
"I am certain she can completely handle it, Peter," Edward replied, his voice dropping into a tone that demanded absolute obedience.
Peter swallowed hard, offered a stiff nod, and quickly excused himself from the room.
As soon as the heavy door clicked shut, Mara let out a long, desperately shaky breath.
"He knows something is wrong," Mara whispered frantically.
"He suspects we are having an affair, which is exactly what I want him to firmly believe," Edward stated calmly.
Mara felt a sudden, intense heat rush into her cheeks at his absurd declaration.
"You want my boss to think I am sleeping with the owner of the museum?" she asked in sheer disbelief.
"It is the perfect cover for why we will be spending so much time together in the coming weeks," Edward explained.
He walked around the desk and stood incredibly close to her, his tall frame completely towering over her.
"I need you to stay at your job and act perfectly normal while we quietly gather enough hard evidence to destroy him," Edward said.
Mara looked up into his intense gray eyes, realizing she was standing at the edge of a very dangerous cliff.
"If we fail, I am the one going to federal prison for massive embezzlement," Mara reminded him nervously.
"I protect what belongs to me, Mara, and as of this morning, you are officially under my protection," Edward promised softly.
He reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, sending a sudden jolt of electricity straight down her spine.
"I will do it," Mara agreed, her voice barely above a nervous whisper.
Edward smiled, a genuine and breathtaking expression that completely transformed his intimidating face.
"Good, because your first undercover assignment begins tonight at the grand opening of the diamond exhibit," he instructed.
Mara nodded, turning around to gather her things and mentally prepare for the terrifying night ahead.
As she picked up her binder, a small, folded piece of paper slipped out from between the pages and drifted to the floor.
May you like
Edward picked it up, unfolded it, and his expression instantly turned to absolute ice.
It was a printed photograph of Mara sleeping in her own bed, proving someone had secretly been inside her apartment last night.
