THE FIRST thing Sophie noticed when she entered Lucien's office was the silence. Not the ordinary silence of an executive office after hours. This silence felt deliberate.
Lucien stood near the window with his hands in his pockets, his attention fixed on something far beyond the buildings.
He turned when Sophie entered. “You're late.”
She stopped near the doorway. “I'm three minutes late.”
“I know.”
“Then why do you sound offended?”
Lucien's mouth curved faintly. “Because I had three minutes to reconsider several decisions.”
She narrowed her eyes. “That sounds dangerous.”
“Most of my decisions are.” He gestured toward the chair across from his desk. “Sit.”
Sophie remained where she was. “You're being strange.”
Lucien's expression changed slightly. “Am I?”
“Yes.”
“How?” She cros
