A jolt of raw terror surged through her. Her blood turned to ice. Without thinking, she turned on her heel to run.

But before she could take a full step, something heavy dropped from above startling and sudden draping over her head like a trap.

Ah! she shrieked, dropping to the floor in fright, clawing at the dark fabric tangled around her.

When she finally wriggled free, gasping and breathless, she stared down in confusion at the offending : a black suit jacket.

Then came a voice low, lazy, and dipped in sarcasm. Scared of a jacket? What a coward.

The tone alone was enough to slice through her confusion. Even Linsey, mild-mannered by nature, felt her temper stir.

She sprang to her feet, frowning as she flung the jacket back toward him with a snap. Didn t anyone teach you not to litter?

Collin caught the jacket mid-air, a flicker of disbelief flashing across his face. What did you just say?

Was she seriously calling that jacket his custom-tailored piece worth over a hundred grand trash? He stared at her like she had lost her mind.

Linsey, on the verge of breaking down, blinked rapidly to keep the tears from spilling. She refused to cry not here, not in front of him. All she had wanted was to borrow an umbrella. A simple request.

But he had denied her that. He even refused to let her leave. And now he was tossing expensive clothing at her as if she were some stray dog in the rain? Every action felt deliberate, calculated to humiliate her.

The two locked eyes in tense silence. Nearby, the bodyguard shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flicking between them.

He knew he was supposed to send Linsey away but Collin was the one who had stopped her this time.

Every journey starts at g ? ǦҦ ?s?c?

Best to stand down and keep his mouth shut. The last thing he wanted was to overstep and provoke his boss.

Collin noticed the shimmer of tears in Linsey s eyes.

For some reason, it irritated him.

He tugged at his collar with a sharp click of his tongue and muttered, Your clothes are soaked. I gave you the jacket so you d cover up.

Only then did Linsey glance down and realize her blouse clung to her skin, transparent and revealing far too much.

Before she could respond, the jacket landed on her shoulders again this time with a purposeful toss that left no room for argument.

She didn t toss it away. Instead, she sniffled softly, clutching the lapels. Then what was with the gun earlier?

Collin gave a short, mocking laugh. I lend you a jacket and now you want everything in my pockets too? Aren t you a greedy one?

N-no, I Linsey stammered, cheeks burning with embarrassment as realization dawned. She had completely misunderstood him.

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