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Get over it Be strong You can go on without him This is temporary It’s not like he broke up with you All sorts of couples -distance relationship

They do I can Zachary loves me in his own special way He needs me, but he also needs to do this to further his career Otherwise, he’ll resentovershort when I see ain the darkened hallway, al for nize his build, the way he holds hiant tilt of his head and those incredibly broad shoulders

It’s Ryder McKay

"Well, well, well Violet Fowler, how are you this evening?" His rumbly deep voice washes overand handso him in my personal space, but he invades it anyway "Mr McKay," I say politely, not daring to call him by his first name That would imply I know him, that we’re friends or at the very least friendly coworkers, and we’re neither of those things He may work at Fleur, but I rarely speak to hi about all that edgy darkness and how it radiates fro a word, and there’s an air of danger that surrounds him, that ensnares me despite my reluctance to be near him The innate sexuality that he represents … it scares h for you to call me Ryder, don’t you think?" He pauses for a heavy beat and the air seems to fill with electricity as I wait for him to speak "You don’t mind that I call you Violet, do you?"

He somehow makes my name sound like a sexual promise I take another step back and my butt hits the wall He smiles, and I know he knows I’ve realized I’m trapped "Of course you can callI have no idea what to say to hirins "Why yes, I did, thank you for asking The vieas spectacular" His gaze slides down the length of s, lingering on aze once ood, too"

My cheeks heat, but it’s not froaze so bold, like he wants to devour me His mention of the view is in reference to me As if he’s so to unnerve

"How’s Zachary?" Ryder asks when I still haven’t answered

I jolt, giving myself a little shake Zachary I need to re for the car Waiting for me "Fine," I say as I step away fros e I can s as he is "I should go He’s waiting--"

"I hear he’s leaving for London" The expression on Ryder’s handsome face is all polite sympathy, but with a hint of mockery in his dark blue eyes He doesn’t like Zachary and the feeling is mutual Zachary complains about him all the ti out for a promotion, correct? I’m sure you’re proud of him"

Proud of him? I should be And seriously, did everyone know this bit of news but ry that I let the little stutter slip I need to remain composed, especially in the face of this particular e of the weak and gobbles them up I’ve heard the stories And those stories are more than half the reason Father is so pleased that he works at Fleur Father adh Zachary is much smoother in his … predatory approach to business

"My dinner partner told ood news" He inclines his head when he notes my confusion "I’et? His relationship, his usual aloofness--it’s all such a mystery Hardly anyone knows much about hih, he’s being downright friendly withI feel like I’ polite when I realize he see for a response He still hasn’tin his sharp,a personal joke His eyelashes are long and thick, casting shadows upon his cheekbones, andmine

"She’s well Up to her usual tricks" The smile that curls the corners of his lips tells me he is in on the joke and I ao check on her"

"Where is she?"

"She’s waiting at the front for her car We rode together" His srows "I wanted to come back here and check on you"

I frown "Check on s those impossibly broad shoulders encased in fine Italian charcoal wool "You seemed upset"