Chapter 36

Elias glanced at Maya, who stared at the elevator buttons as if they were ticking down to Armageddon. Every few seconds she darted her eyes to the mirrored walls, brushing a strand of dark hair behind her ear as though she were trying to smooth out every last ripple of nerves. He let out an amused sigh.

“Maya. Are you nervous?” he asked, keeping his voice light.

“No, sir,” she replied immediately, the German accent sharp in her tone. “I just think I might die, but I’ll be okay.”

He grinned at her theatrical confession. “You’ll be fine. If you’re feeling uneasy around them, remember you’re second in command now that you’re Mrs. Hart—and you’re working with me.”

She lifted her chin. “For you.”

“Right, for me.” He gave her a playful look. “And I’m your new secretary, remember?”

“Are you complaining?”

“Nooo.” She extended the word like a song.

He laughed softly. “It really is the perfect job: boss of the employees, employee of the boss.”