Bind Me - Page 125

“What is it?” Seth asks.

“We were wondering if it might be possible to hire Madison for a special project.” William’s words cut into me. This has Hunter written all over it. “Not long-term, of course.”

My insides churn and solidify into a lump in my stomach. My chest tightens like a fist is wrapped around it.

Hunter smiles charmingly at the guys. “She was pretty integral to this project when she interned with us. It would be so much easier on our timeline if we could just borrow her for a few days.”

Blake stiffens beside me. Seth’s mouth tightens.

“I know it’s a lot to ask,” William says, “but we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t think she’d be perfect for the job.”

No. No, no, no, no, no. My breath catches in my throat. I try to swallow around the lump blocking it. My chest tightens. I can’t. I can’t. Oh, fuck, I can’t breathe. I can’t think. I can’t.

“Are you okay, Madison?” William asks.

Blake stands abruptly and hauls me to my feet. “Excuse us.”

He leads me through a back door in the room. We’re in a hallway with waitstaff hustling through it.

“For fuck’s sake. Breathe, Madison.” He tips my chin up, and his worried green eyes search mine. He brushes my hair out of my face. “Breathe, love.”

I take a gasping breath in. He pulls me in tight against him.

“It’s not happening,” Blake says into my hair. His hands stroke my back. “There’s no way we could give you that time off. There’s too much to do at the office. And I would never let you.”

My chest eases and my breathing slows. My arms wrap around Blake like he’s my lifeline. Just the idea of working for Hunter again made me panic.

The door opens and I flinch, worried it’s Hunter and he’ll pry me away. I don’t release Blake. Fuck the fact that I’m supposed to be dating just Coop. Coop isn’t here.

“Are you okay?” Seth steps behind me and runs his hand over my hair.

“I’m sorry about the meeting,” I say quietly as I turn my face to look at him.

“Fuck the meeting.” Seth draws me into his arms and tucks my head beneath his chin. “You’re more important.”

That startles me. That’s not right. I’m not more important than the business. Not more important than the customer. I lift my head to search Seth’s eyes.

His finger traces over my lower lip. “Taylor’s couldn’t begin to offer what you’re worth. It doesn’t make good business sense. Besides, we’re not willing to let our assistant go for even one day.”

My insides warm again as his blue eyes hold me captive. His soft scent of sandalwood helps calm me. Resting my head against his chest, I take a deep breath. I’m fine.

“We need to finish out this meeting. Then I want you two to gather your stuff and come back to the office.” Seth presses his lips to mine. When he lifts them, I smile up at him. My heart slows slightly from its rapid pace.

If we’re leaving, then I might not get a chance to figure out?—

“Wait. I have an idea.” I turn to look at Blake. “What if Hunter is my stalker?”

Blake’s lips press into a thin line. “He is obsessed with you.”

“What are you thinking, princess?” Seth asks.

“You won’t like it,” I tell Blake.

“Let’s hear it,” Blake grumbles.

* * *

I’m so nervous my hands shake. We pack up our computers and put away our things. Courtney gives me a few glares at the noise we’re making. Theo gives me a smile. Peter just looks constipated.