You may now kill the Bride

Secrets

Just as Reg's kiss was turning scorching, a sharp knock echoed through the room. Reg froze, his body tense against hers. With a muttered curse, he stepped back, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm sorry, Lexi," he rasped, his voice rough with desire. "I have to take this."

Lexi nodded, her lips still tingling from his kiss. She watched as Reg strode to the door, his steps confident, commanding. He yanked it open, revealing a woman with short blonde hair and a pinched expression. Her eyes flicked to Lexi, a flash of something like jealousy burning in their depths.

"Ms. Thompson," the woman spat, her voice icy. "I didn't know you had...company."

"Karen," Reg's voice was a cool warning. "This couldn't wait?"

Karen's gaze snapped back to Reg, her expression smoothing into one of professional detachment. "I'm sorry, Mr. Montgomery. But you have a call from your lawyer. Something about the Thompson merger."

Reg cursed under his breath, his shoulders tightening. "I have to take this," he told Lexi, his voice apologetic. "Please, make yourself at home. I'll be just a minute."

Lexi nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. But as Reg disappeared into a side office, his voice a low murmur, she couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity. Karen still lingered in the doorway, her eyes fixed on Lexi with an unnerving intensity.

"Can I get you something, Ms. Thompson?" she asked, her voice dripping with venom. "A drink, perhaps? You look...thirsty."

Lexi met her gaze, a smile playing on her lips. "I'm fine, thank you," she said, her voice sweet. "But tell me, Karen. How long have you worked for Mr. Montgomery?"

Karen's eyes narrowed, a flush rising to her cheeks. "Five years," she spat, before spinning on her heel and stalking away.

Lexi watched her go, a frown furrowing her brow. There was definitely something between Reg and his secretary. But was it something that threatened Lexi, or just a lingering attraction?

As she turned back to the breathtaking view, Lexi couldn't shake the feeling she was missing something. A piece of the puzzle that was Reg Montgomery. And she had a feeling Karen was the key to finding it.Reg emerged from his office, his face a mask of calm control. "I'm sorry about the interruption," he told Lexi, his voice smooth. "Please, let's get back to our lunch."

Lexi nodded, allowing him to lead her to a sleek dining table. But as they sat, Karen reappeared, a tray of food in her hands. Her eyes flicked to Lexi, a hint of hostility burning in their depths.

"I took the liberty of ordering for you, Mr. Montgomery," she said, her voice tight. "I know how busy you are."

Reg nodded his thanks, but Lexi felt a pang of irritation. Who was this woman to act so possessive? "Karen," she said, her voice cool. "Can I ask you something?"

Karen turned to her, a wariness in her eyes. "Of course, Ms. Thompson."

"How long have you worked for Mr. Montgomery?" Lexi asked, her gaze direct. She saw a flicker of surprise in Karen's eyes, before her face smoothed into a mask of professionalism.

"Five years," Karen replied, her voice crisp. "Mr. Montgomery is a very...demanding boss."

Lexi raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. "I'll bet," she murmured. "But you seem very...dedicated to him."

Karen's eyes narrowed, a hint of defensiveness in her voice. "Mr. Montgomery deserves nothing but the best," she said. "He's a brilliant man, Lexi. One who doesn't suffer fools gladly."

Lexi felt a pang of curiosity. Was Karen in love with Reg, or was it just admiration? "I'll have to remember that," she said, her voice dry. "I wouldn't want to disappoint him."

Karen's gaze turned icy, a flash of something like jealousy burning in her eyes. "You'd do well to remember that, Ms. Thompson," she spat, before spinning on her heel and stalking away.

Reg reached for Lexi's hand, his touch warm. "Don't mind Karen," he said, his voice low. "She's just very...protective of me."

Lexi met his gaze, a smile playing on her lips. "I think it's more than that, Reg," she said, her voice soft. "But don't worry. I have no intention of hurting you."

Reg's eyes burned into hers, a hint of something unreadable in their depths. "I wouldn't be so sure of that, Lexi," he rasped, his voice low and husky. "You have a way of getting under my skin. One I'm not sure I like."