Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Genevieve barely managed to escape from one of Matteo’s associates, Marco, who had been distracted by an urgent phone call. It wasn’t Marco’s pride, his impulsiveness, or even the sudden change in his tone when he unexpectedly invited her to dinner that unsettled her. No, it was the look Matteo had given her—the kind of look women learn to dread after being burned by it once. Those heavy-lidded, narrowed eyes belonged to a man who wanted to draw you in only to break you apart.

Without wasting a second, Gen hurried back to her office, instructed Jasmine firmly not to let anyone inside, and shut the door behind her. She pressed her back against the cool wood, struggling to steady her breath. Her lungs ached for air as panic bubbled inside her. He had found her. Of course, he had. Jada’s warning echoed in her mind, urging her to get away—fast.

She darted to her desk and scanned her schedule. Her heart sank when she saw the appointment with Misty Cohen scheduled in just thirty minutes. Misty was notorious for being punctual, and there was no way Gen could simply cancel on her.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” she muttered under her breath, the frustration and fear swirling inside her.

“Sounds familiar,” a voice said from the doorway.

Gen’s entire body froze. A strange mix of fear and desire surged through her, making her spine straighten involuntarily. She spun around to find Matteo standing there, watching her with that same intense gaze. Jasmine stood just behind him, giving Gen a thumbs-up and then glancing up and down at Matteo with a knowing look.