my mouth, although I wasn’t sure what I would say. Anything I did say would only confirm that yes, I’d known Nico for sixteen years, and I wasn’t sure what Malcolm wanted to do with that information.
“Er, Malcolm,” Saint ventured, confusion apparent in his voice, “Nico hasn’t seen or spoken to Jamie since Jamie was a child. I haven’t even discussed Jamie’s progress with him. Nico didn’t know Jamie was at law school, and he certainly didn’t know Jamie was interviewing to intern. I deliberately kept that information from him so as not to introduce bias.” He frowned. “I don’t know what your intention is by bringing up their past relationship, but if you’re looking for full disclosure, Jamie is my brother—I’ve known him many more years than sixteen, and he still doesn’t get special treatment in this firm.” He shuffled his papers, and the sound carried around the room. “There is no personal bias involved here. However, if you have any evidence to present to the contrary, please do so as I wish to see it.”
I nearly high-fived my brother on the spot, but that would have disproven every claim he’d just made, so I sat on my hand instead.
Malcolm glanced down. “My apologies,” he muttered. “I defer to your judgment of the situation, Saint.”
Saint nodded, but his gaze remained concerned as he glanced between Malcolm, Nico, and me. Then he smiled, concealing any remaining worry. “Thank you, Jamie. That’s all we need for now. I’ll come and find you if we need to discuss anything further.”
I stood on wobbly legs and nodded stiffly. “Thank you.” Then I locked my knees and almost goose stepped back to the door.
As I passed Ted and Eric in the corridor, they looked at me warily, new suspicion shining from their eyes, and I no longer needed to wonder about the soundproofing of the conference room.
My hand itched with the desire to punch Malcolm on the nose, and I flexed my fist as I imagined planting just one swift bop on that oversized target. I wasn’t usually a violent person, and I preferred to stay away from conflict, but if Malcolm couldn’t stop pushing my buttons, he might find himself the exception to my normal behavior. I grimaced, clenching my jaw hard as I passed by Nico’s office and went to splash some water on my face in the bathroom.
I was just drying the last few drops from my skin when the bathroom door opened behind me, and I looked up into the mirror.
“I’ve been looking for you.” Nico shut the door behind him and twisted the lock. “I wanted to check that you’re okay.”
I smiled a little, trying to reassure him, but it must not have worked because he crossed the room in two short strides and wrapped me into a hug. I melted against him as the familiar scent of his cologne and soap blanketed me in safety and his care. My heart rate slowed, and my breathing became easier as I relaxed into his hold. I allowed him to take the burden of my worries, and I let my mind go blank.
“I promise Malcolm won’t try that again. Saint reminded him who’s boss, I did the same earlier on, and he knows not to push us any further on this.” Nico looked down at me and brushed some strands of my hair from my face. Then he sighed. “He’s on thin ice, and he knows it, but what happens outside this office is really none of his business. Hopefully he just needed to be reminded of that.”
Some of my anxiety returned. “I just hate that I’m causing problems in your firm. I’m so sorry for that.”
“Hey.” Nico tilted my chin and I looked directly into his gorgeous hazel eyes. The way green blended to gold and brown formed a beautiful kaleidoscope. “You aren’t the one causing any problems. This is all on Malcolm.”
I bit my lip. “I get that. But I worry about you and Saint. This is your livelihood, and here I am making enemies and making things awkward for all of you.”
He bent his head, and his lips touched mine, the sweet kiss searing my skin with heat.
“Please don’t worry about Malcolm. He’s just being an ass. It’s jealousy—professional, personal, something. But his reasons don’t matter. We’ve warned him, and it’s the only warning he’ll receive.” He stopped and grinned at me. “And how about this for a change of subject? My mom wants to know if you’d