Max didn't just answer, he signaled his full attention. He snapped his laptop shut, the sharp click echoing in the quiet room. He pulled off his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose before standing up.
He crossed the room with that effortless, predatory grace she'd grown to love, settling behind her. His large hands found her waist, pulling her back against the solid heat of his chest.
Ruby leaned into him, but her voice held a note of stubbornness. "Tomorrow is the board meeting. I have to be there."
Max stilled. Not completely… just enough for her to feel it. That shift. That quiet, dangerous pause he always had when she said something he didn't like.
His hands tightened just slightly on her waist. "Ruby…" he started, low and careful. But she was already shaking her head, a small, stubborn movement as she turned fully in his arms.
"No," she said softly. "Don't do that."
"Do what?"
