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There’s the faintest flicker in his gaze. “Because I prefer alliances built on integrity rather than tyranny.”

And because he made a promise to me once.

I shake the thought off immediately. The night we shared was so long ago; I doubt he even remembers it or the promise he made. This is purely business for him, so I’ll have to make sure it stays that way for me.

“Well, we appreciate the intel. I better get back.”

I turn to leave, but Grey steps forward. “I want the two of you coordinating. Full patrol schedule. Offensive contingencies. All of it.”

I blink, startled. “You want me to work with him?”

The question comes out a little louder than I intend. But I can’t help it. The idea of spending time together… alone… I can’t even let myself imagine it.

“Is that a problem?” Lexi asks, but she looks more interested than concerned.

I exhale. “No.” I force my expression to stay neutral. “Of course not.” I shoot Nash a look. “But we do have a system, and I’m not interested in disrupting it.”

“I’ve run my own teams for years now,” Nash says. “I’m sure I can keep up.”

Prepotente. Arrogant alpha.

“I’ve invited Nash to stay for a few days while we shore things up,” Grey says.

“I see,” I manage.

“If he needs anything, you’ll coordinate for him?” Grey asks, though it’s not a question so much as a command.

“Of course,” I say.

My pulse remains steady, which is honestly a miracle because Nash hasn’t looked away from me once.

Grey continues outlining logistics, but my awareness is split—half on strategy, half on the hot-as-fuck alphahole standing in front of me like a mirage solidified.

When the meeting disperses, Lexi and Grey head down the corridor. Andy slips back into the office and shuts the door, already nose-deep in her tablet again.

And suddenly it’s just us.

Again.

He takes a single step closer.

Close enough to feel the heat of him. To recognize his familiar and delicious scent of snow-tipped mountains. My throat closes a little as I try not to breathe it in.

“You look well,” he says quietly.

“You look expensive,” I reply, nodding at the suit and luxury watch.

His mouth curves faintly. “Is that judgment?”

“It’s observation.”

A beat passes.

“This isn’t how I expected to see you again,” he says.

“Funny, I could have sworn I would never see you again.”

“Fate had other plans, it seems.”