Verity:

I cleaned the kitchen in tears while every passing employee blamed me for the inconvenience.

Some laughed as they repeated Ragnar’s words, and I endured it all.

When I was done, I went to the rooftop for some fresh air.

That’s when someone joined me.

"Had a lot of work?" Alpha King Jaguar’s voice made me catch my breath.

I gave him a faint nod, but his eyes narrowed as he studied my face.

"Have you been crying?" he asked, stepping closer.

His black hair brushed the back of his neck, parted slightly off-center.

It lifted before settling neatly, a few strands falling across his forehead.

Even from a distance, his green eyes gleamed like emeralds.

He was tall, broad-shouldered.

The brothers were known for their distinct features, but they shared a few things.

They were deadly handsome.

And arrogant as fuck.

"I think I’m going to get fired, sir," I said, my hands tied under my abdomen.

"What? Why?" he asked, urgency visible in his voice.

"Alpha King Ragnar, your brother, is upset with my work," I replied, trying to stop my lips from quivering.

"If he fires you," Jaguar paused, leaning against the short wall in front of us, "I’ll hire you."

His voice slowed when he said it.

"Really, sir?" I asked innocently, batting my eyelashes.

His gaze moved over my face, starting with my hair, then my eyes, before dropping to my lips and finally my neck. His jaw clenched.

It always happened this way.

"Yeah, really," he said, his heavy voice sexier in a whisper.

There was something about the way Jaguar acted, as if he was ready to take things one step forward.

However, I did not want it.

I wanted the chase to continue.

I wanted the intimacy to stay faint, not too open.

That was why being Ragnar’s secretary was the best option for now.

I didn’t want to commit to anything.

Jaguar touched his forehead, and I noticed the hint of awkwardness, like there was something he wanted to say.

"I’m sorry about what happened in the elevator," he whispered, his eyes searching mine.

I looked down shyly, then pressed my hands behind my back, pulling myself closer.

"It’s not your fault, sir. It was crowded," I began. "And I think your pen was in the wrong pocket."

As soon as I said it, I looked up and caught his eyes narrowing before he nodded.

"Oh yes, that was my pen," he added, clearly relieved that I had mistaken his finger for one.

I did that because I knew Jaguar. He liked women who were innocent, almost naive.

Theodore was different. He liked risk. A bold woman who would have a moment and forget it the next.

Ragnar was still a mystery. I had no idea how my brother’s mate had managed to drive him so madly in love.

"My pen tore your stockings," he whispered again, "you are so innocent."

This time, he braced his hand against the wall, veins rising as his large fingers tightened around it.

Then he straightened, slipping one hand into his pocket.

He was so fucking tall. Without heels, I would look like a dwarf next to him.

"It’s alright," I replied softly, playing shy. It was better this way, to act clueless. "I should get back to work, or Alpha King Ragnar will get upset."

I stepped back the moment I realized he was hard again.

It was obvious.

His pants would tighten, a clear bulge forming.

He would look embarrassed, trying to hide it behind a file or anything he could grab.

"Yeah, don’t worry about getting fired. I told you, you will have your job," he reminded me.

I gave him a grateful nod before turning away.

I knew he was watching, so I made sure to give him my best walk, letting my hips move just right with every step.

I had only been here for a month, and already the two brothers had shown me how easily I could handle them.

Ragnar, however, was becoming a problem.

With every passing day, he made it clear that he detested me.

I went from floor to floor, dropping off files, before heading up to the fifth to report to Alpha King Ragnar that I was done for the day.

It felt like he had been waiting for me with quiet anticipation himself.

The moment I knocked and stepped inside, I came face to face with someone I had been avoiding for a month.

"Look who’s here. A liar," Gigi announced, her arms folded across her chest.

The three brothers were there, along with Gigi, my brother’s ex-mate.

I knew instantly my cover was blown.

I closed the door behind me, taking a slow breath, buying myself a moment to respond.

"Gigi," I said, but despite wanting to smile and show I held no animosity toward her, I couldn’t.

"So when were you going to tell us you were the sister of that bastard?" Alpha King Theodore thundered, slamming his hand on the desk, making me flinch.

So far, Alpha King Jaguar and Theodore had never spoken to me like that.

I knew they were beyond pissed, and it was all because of me.

"I didn’t know that wherever I go, I have to introduce myself as my brother’s sister," I said, my voice shaking and distraught.

Gigi stood there in a tight black skirt, draped in expensive brands from head to toe.

This was the life she wanted.

I couldn’t even look at her without my eyes stinging.

"Look at her. Isn’t it obvious she came here for revenge?" Gigi said, folding her arms over her tiny waist.

"And the fact that she came here, working for you, doesn’t that say something?" she added, smirking as she held my gaze while addressing Ragnar.

His eyes narrowed at me.

He looked like a predator ready to tear apart his prey.

"Fire her." She met my eyes as she said it, directing the demand at Alpha King Ragnar.

That was her way of telling me she was still going to win.

"But before you throw her out, make sure you punish her for deceiving you," she said, her words making my heart skip a beat.