Cassian’s POV
“Next time, don’t f*****g kiss me back—or look at me like that,” I snapped, my eyes fixed on the file in my hands. “It’s disgusting.”
Tricia stood across from my desk, silent for a beat longer than usual.
“How do you expect me to make it believable if I don’t?” she asked quietly.
There it was. The same tired excuse.
“I hired you for two damn reasons,” I said, finally lifting my gaze to her.
She sighed. “I know. Because I’m a family friend and because I love money more than anything.”
“Exactly,” I barked. “So when we’re in public, you act exactly how I instruct you to act. Nothing more. Nothing less. And when we’re alone, I don’t want you looking at me, flirting with me, or pretending we’re friendly. Am I clear?”
“Yes,” she replied, but her voice wavered.
She turned t
