The air in the office turned cold.
For the first time, the calm mask on his face fractured and what surfaced beneath it wasn't fear.
It was protection.
Something fierce and unmistakable flashed through his eyes, gone almost as soon as it appeared, but not before it made my heart stutter.
I didn't care that he had raised his voice.
I was exhilarated that he had reacted.
"Finally," I whispered, my lips curving slowly as I stepped closer instead of back. My chest nearly brushed his as I looked up at him, eyes alight with a dark, thrilled hunger. "There you are."
I reached for his shoulders, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, nails pressing just enough to feel him grounded beneath them.
"That's the man I was looking for," I murmured. "Not the quiet one. Not the obedient one."
I tilted my head, studying him with open fascination.
"How dare they?" I echoed softly, mocking, delighted. "You say that like I don't dare everything."
My grip tightened.
"I own this company. I own this building. And I decide where my people spend their time." My voice dropped, smooth and dangerous. "If your belongings are so precious, then you should be relieved. They're being handled carefully. Placed somewhere safe."
Somewhere close.
Somewhere under my eyes.
My expression shifted, curiosity sharpening into suspicion as I watched him how his breath changed, how his concern was focused not on me, not on the consequences, but on what had been touched without his consent.
"What is it, Manu?" I asked quietly.
I leaned in, my voice lowering to a jealous whisper.
"What's so important in those boxes that you'd finally draw a line with me?"
My fingers slid to his jaw, not forcing but guiding and tilting his face just enough to keep his attention.
"A memory?" I pressed. "Something you've kept hidden? Something you care about more than your future?"
The idea made something hot coil in my chest.
My thumb pressed lightly against his chin, a reminder of proximity, of power.
"You're coming with me," I said. "Now."
Not a request.
A command.
"If you want to make sure nothing you value is harmed," I added, eyes gleaming, "you'll cooperate."
I leaned in close, my lips brushing the shell of his ear.
"Sit in my car. Enter my home. Stay where I can see you."
He was unusually quiet through my words.
But he was sweating. I could sense something was wrong.
And then he says it boldly.
"Where are my things?!"