Chapter One Hundred and Two
Malachi's POV
The moment Alicia disappeared down the hallway, I grabbed Cecilia's wrist and pulled her into my room. Harder than necessary. My control was slipping.
I pushed her inside and locked the door. Then I had her against the wall, my hand around her throat before she could react.
Not squeezing. Not yet. Just holding. Making a point.
"What the hell was that?" My voice was low. Dangerous.
"What?" Her eyes were wide. Shocked.
"The kiss. On my cheek. In front of her."
"I was making it look real. That's what you wanted, isn't it?" Cecilia's voice shook slightly. "We're supposed to be convincing."
"I said convincing. Not familiar. Not intimate." My grip tightened just slightly. "If you still need my help, you better learn your limits."
"Malachi, I'm sorry. I thought—"
"You thought wrong." I released her throat but didn't step back. "We have a contract. A business arrangement. That's all this is. Don't forget that."
