Trying to calm himself, Ashton slowly stepped into the room. Nicole stood by his desk. Her arms folded as one finger tapped at the end of her chin.
"Excuse me, Miss Bastian. Are you lost?" he said loudly, making her jump toward him.
Terror seized her expression and her face was ghost white. Her gaze fell to the pistol he pointed at her. For several long and agonizing seconds, silence stretched in the room. He kept quiet for now as he studied her. There was a slight quake to her stance, but he didn't think she'd swoon. She wasn't the swooning type.
"Well?" he said. "Are you going to answer me?" He stepped closer until he reached the low-burning lamp on the side table. He turned it up and seconds later, the light completely brightened the room. She squinted.
Her throat jumped and she lic
