Lila

Lila swore colorfully and turned to him. "What one person says, the rest are thinking. I'm sorry, Dane, but we'll need you to take this one—"

​​

"No."

She gave him a look. "There isn't any need for anything personal. It's all about appearances. You make a statement that emphatically denies any connection to this and your willingness to assist law enforcement in any way that will be useful, and leave it at that. No questions, no stories."

"I said, no. We will not add fuel to this fire. And I am not going in front of cameras again. I told you that. I meant it."

They glared at each other for a second, and something in Lila twisted. This new intimacy, how it created an expectation in her that he'd soften for her at work, she was going to have to get past it. He wasn't budging. Then he silently mouthed the word, Rupert, and she pursed her lips.

"Fine," she snapped. "You'll release a written statement and then it will have to be me in front of the press. We need a woman to face the questions about you guys, and to be seen to be sympathetic to whatever Becky's going through. Give me an hour. I need to see what's out there and how the mood is leaning, then I'll come back with a plan."

Dane nodded once and went back to his computer.

"John can give you the files for what's been said so far," Chris called as she turned to leave. Surprised, she looked to the new man.

"There's already a link to an encrypted file share in your email. I'll keep adding to it as new stories come in."

Lila blinked. She hadn't realized their resources covered those kinds of bases. "Thank you," she said, and left. She could feel Dane watching her until she closed the door.

*****

Dane

Hours later, with most of the staff gone, but John and Chris still in his office, Dane picked up a piece of paper and walked out like he'd found an important reason to go looking for her.

Her office door was slightly open and she was at her desk, frowning at the screen, earbuds in, listening to another report, probably. She'd held off on releasing a statement this afternoon, said she wanted to see which way the wind was blowing in the evening reports. Her forehead was lined and her lips pursed. She was entirely focused on the screen. But she looked beautiful.

Dane slipped inside and closed the door behind him. He was tempted to lock it, but if anyone came looking for him…

Her eyes came up when she saw him move, and brightened when she realized it was him. Dane's heart leapt and she hit pause on the screen and pulled out her earbuds. Her eyes offered an invitation as he stalked towards her and he almost groaned. He wanted to take her up on it so badly, but he knew he couldn't.

This plan to stay away from her in the office was ass. He needed a new one.

Her smile grew as he drew closer, but he kept his face expressionless. "I sent Tish home She wasn't feeling great. Do you know how to run the copier? I want this statement copied and in all the staff boxes before they come back in tomorrow. I don't want there to be any confusion or rumors among the staff."

Lila glanced at the door, then tipped her head at him. "Sure, I can do that," she said in a normal voice, though her eyes glittered. With anger, or suggestion?

"Thanks. I'll wait here."

Her brows popped up. "This has to be done right now?"

"I'd feel better if it was," he said gruffly. "One less thing to worry about."

Sighing, she got to her feet, muttering about men and how they needed women, but she snatched the paper out of his hand and stalked out of the office. "Will you still be here when I get back?"

He settled into the chair on the other side of her desk and nodded. "There's a few things I need to discuss with you…"

She gave him a skeptical look, but headed out the door.

*****

Lila

Something was up. Dane was up to something. But she couldn't be sure. He was so damn good at that flat expression. Normally she would have told him where exactly he could put his copying task. But she had a hunch he'd used it as an excuse to come see her. So she'd humor him. Once.

The copy machine was bigger than her desk. She had to fight with it a little to remember exactly which tray to use and command to give, but soon it was humming away, spitting out copies at a remarkable rate.

When the hand appeared at her back she almost jumped out of her skin. She whirled around, grabbing for the arm, only the slightest bell in her head making her hesitate that this might be Dane, so she didn't try to flip him. And sure enough, when she was turned, her foot positioned to throw him off balance, it was his smiling face hovering over her.

She froze, gripping his forearm. "Not smart," she panted.

"Sorry," he gasped, then kissed her.

As the machine hummed and clicked behind her, Dane's hands gripped her waist and his tongue made promises she was going to hold him to.

When his lips trailed along her jaw, to her neck, she tipped her head back and gasped, "I thought we weren't doing this here."

"Couldn't resist anymore," he breathed against her neck. "Too beautiful."

She sighed and gripped his shoulders as he pressed into her, one hand on the machine behind her, bracing them both.

"Dane—"

"What?"

"I need to do laundry tonight."

"Thank you, God," he gasped.

Lila spluttered a laugh, then clapped her hand over her mouth. Dane finally straightened, his shoulders rising and falling quickly.

"I swear this day is lasting twice as long as usual," he whispered, his eyes searching hers.

"Definitely." She put a hand to his cheek, her thumb catching on his stubble that shadowed his jaw in the most delicious way.

"Lila, I want to…but I can't… we have to—"

"I know," she said, bringing her other hand up to his chest. "It's okay, Dane. I know."

He pulled her into his chest and she went willingly. Behind them the machine stopped rolling out new paper, and settled itself into a low hum. Lila took a deep breath Dane stroked her back softly. They held each other.

It was the sweetest moment she'd had with him. But also the scariest.

Was this what they would be reduced to… forever?

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