Haley stepped back, eyes wide, palm over her mouth. "Your wife?"
"Every body out. Now." Christian commanded.
People scampered quietly out of the office. Haley was about to turn when the admin who'd announced Christian's coming blocked her path, forcing her to stay.
Christian rested his hand low on my back, fingers spread with quiet certainty.
His jaw was tight, eyes unreadable while he watched Haley.
She stood like a statue, pale and trembling.
"What did you say to her?" His voice was calm. Too calm.
Haley blinked. "I… I didn't—"
"Don't lie to me."
She flinched. He didn't raise his voice. He didn't have to.
Then he said it.
"I suggest you remember who you just laid your hands on."
The pause was deliberate.
Then, like a knife, "My wife."
It wasn't a threat, but Christian made it sound like one.
Haley's mouth fell open, then she closed it. When she opened it again, she said, "Mr Gulf, I didn't know—"
