I didn't linger after lunch. I didn't want to risk another whispered threat or a physical violation.
The moment Theon finished his meal, I snapped to my feet. "I need to get back to the Northern Expansion documents. I'm going to finish the review by the end of the day," I declared, my voice crisp and professional.
Dad and Theon were still there, still engaged in conversation about fluctuating bond yields, but thankfully, the conversation was already near its end, so I didn't have to endure the intellectual foreplay for long.
I was halfway back to my desk when Theon’s voice snagged me. “You look fu... flushed, sis,” he commented, his mouth twitching into a wicked, knowing smile that contradicted his careful choice of words.
I didn't even pause. “I went for a quick run on my break,” I l
