The Secrets of Their Souls by Brooke Sivendra Read Free Book Online

herself.
    “Zahra?”
    She waved her hand dismissively. “I’m fine, honestly.” The elevator came to a stop and she almost lost her balance. Jayce grabbed her arm as she swayed and didn’t let go when the doors opened.
    “Can you give us a minute, please?” Jayce said to the lady waiting to greet them, whom must have been Sophie. Her eyes flickered between Jayce and Zahra, but she responded politely and left them alone.
    “Do you not feel well? I can take you home.” His voice was even but his face portrayed an expression that was part confusion, part concern.
    She looked into his eyes again but the man wasn’t there. She shook the image out of her head and pulled her shoulders back. “One drink,” she said with her best smile.

    They were seated in the corner where green vines wove themselves around the metal above them while white curtains, tied back loosely, hung between the tables. It was an all-too-romantic setting, one that would have been perfect for a date. Jayce ordered a bottle of wine and then turned his full attention to Zahra.
    “Did you just order a bottle?” she asked, hiding her smile.
    “It’s technically one drink.” He looked so proud of himself.
    “That’s cheating,” she said, but secretly she was pleased. After what had just happened in the elevator, she would need more than one drink to calm her nerves.
    He grinned. “You should set better ground rules, especially when you’re playing against someone who likes to win.”
    “I’ll remember that. And you’re not the only one who likes to win, Jayce Tohmatsu.”
    He shifted, angling his body toward her. “I hope not.” He held her gaze and a pounding beat started in her chest and worked its way through her limbs. He gestured toward the view. “What do you think?”
    It was breathtaking—millions of tiny lights lit up like stars in the night. “Incredible. It rivals the view from your office.”
    He rested his arm along the back of the couch. “You would like the view from my apartment in Tokyo. It’s different, of course, but equally spectacular.”
    The waiter delivered their bottle of wine and poured two large glasses.
    “Cheers.” They clinked their glasses together and Zahra let a mouthful of the cool liquid slide down her heated throat. It was slightly sweet with fruity undertones—delicious.
    “Do you prefer Tokyo or New York?” Zahra asked, wanting to know everything about Jayce Tohmatsu.
    “Tokyo will always be home for me, but I’m beginning to like New York. I lived here for a short period about five years ago, before I moved to London, so I’m fairly familiar with the city now. To be honest, though, the only sightseeing I’m doing at the moment is the commute from my apartment to Mason and back… not a lot of adventure happens on that trip.”
    Zahra agreed. “So where to after New York?”
    “That will depend on the next company we acquire, but I will be here for a while yet. There’s lots to do and lots to prove. This is just the beginning.”
    “Who do you have to prove yourself to?” Zahra thought she already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear what he would say.
    He wet his lips, looking thoughtful for a second. “Myself and my father, but also everyone at Mason. I’m young and that has both its advantages and its disadvantages, as you would know. My track record speaks for itself, but there are still some people who need to be convinced that I’m capable of running and growing this company.”
    The glowing light of Zahra’s mobile stole her attention: it was Holly. Zahra groaned. “She’s going to want to go out for a drink.”
    “That’s bad timing,” he said with a smirk. “What are you going to tell her?”
    “A lie,” she replied, and he laughed.
    “Hi, Holly.” Zahra leaned forward and covered her ears with her fingers so that she could hear. As predicted, Holly was ready to leave the office and start the weekend. “Sorry, I’ve left already, I’m having a quick drink