Chapter 38

Alistair’s POV

I hadn’t been away from her more than an hour, yet already I felt a gnawing ache. If I could, I’d be back at the glade house teasing her, poking fun until she gave me that perfect exasperated look she knows I adore. Honestly, the way she contorts her face in mock annoyance has become my favorite sight, and I find myself craving it more each day. With a resigned sigh, I remind myself to wrap up this errand quickly—for my own sake as much as hers.

The black luxury sedan rolls to a halt outside the start-up’s headquarters. The city air is crisp, tinged with the faint scent of rain on pavement. Robert unlocks the door; I step out, smoothing the lapel of my charcoal suit jacket. At once, a small cadre of sharply dressed men strides toward us, their expressions polite but eager. My brow furrows—press? Robert lowers his voice. “These are the company’s executives. They’ve come to welcome you.”

Executives? I think, surprised. This firm has only operate