THE FAINT ring of Christmas bells from a distant hallway made the place feel strangely festive, despite the tension humming in Lily’s chest. Warm light glowed from Robert Hale’s office windows, giving the illusion of comfort, safety, maybe even charm.
But Lily wasn’t fooled. Not today.
She stood outside the door, breathing in once, steadying herself before she knocked.
“Come in,” Robert’s smooth voice called out.
She pushed the door open.
Robert stood near the wide desk, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened as if he had just finished negotiating something heavy. He looked up the moment she entered, and a slow smile curved on his lips, warm enough to melt ice if she didn’t already know how sharp he could be underneath.
“Lily,” he said, gesturing her closer. “I was wondering if you’d come.”
