Chapter 43

Wolfe’s POV.

I smiled to myself as I completed another sketch. Makenna had felt so good in my arms, her kiss passionate and urgent, igniting something deep within me. I missed her, more than I cared to admit. The thought of her made my chest tighten with longing. I could still feel the warmth of her body against mine, the taste of her lips lingering on my own. Today, I’d see her again. Maybe I’d take her to my favorite restaurant. But it definitely wasn’t going to be a date.

I sighed, running my hands through my hair. I’d almost lost her and our arrangement because of my confused feelings. I had to be careful how I acted from now on. If she sensed I was crossing a line, she’d probably break the arrangement. I couldn’t have that. I don't know what I'd do without her.

Since we made up, I’d been able to make good progress on my new jewelry collection sketches. The designs flowed more freely now, each piece inspired by her in some way.

I didn’t mind seeing her every day now. If I could, I’d spend every moment with her. I even ran a background check on the guy I’d seen her with. Knight Easton. His family had good money, and his mother was also one of my biggest jewelry collectors. Surprisingly, Kenzie used to work in his company before she replaced Will at Artemia House.

Interesting.

Annoyingly, he was clean. No bad records or anything that could help keep him away from Makenna.

I frowned at the thought. What a nuisance.

As I moved to grab another unfinished sketch, my door burst open.

Makenna?

No, that was Mackenzie.

I frowned as she walked towards me. She had that same determined look that Makenna often wore, but it lacked the warmth and innocence I loved in her sister.

She was talented, I knew that. But at this point, she was really asking to get fired. How hard was it to knock on my fucking door?

What was I even paying Stella to do if she couldn't keep people out of my office?

It's probably high time I fired her but not before hiring a more competent replacement.

“If you are not reasonable enough to knock on my door, I suggest you leave my office now,” I told her, my voice cold.

Mackenzie raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. “I'll keep that in mind, Mr Wilder.”

“I thought I warned you about barging into my office before, Ms. Barnes?” I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest. “You better have a really good reason because firing you is beginning to look more like an option.”

“I came to talk about Maki,” she said, taking a seat without being invited.

My heart sank at her reply.

Maki? As in Makenna?

Did something happen to her?

“Maki? Who is that supposed to be and why is it my concern?” I narrowed my eyes.

“You probably know her as Makenna.” she replied, an eyebrow raised. “She left our family dinner last night in tears because of you,” she stated, her tone accusatory.

In tears?

What did her family say to her now? I needed to get rid of Mackenzie and find out what really happened from Makenna.

“Because of me? What do you mean by that?” I felt concerned but quickly masked it.

“You're part of the reason she's so upset,” Mackenzie snapped. “She told me about your arrangement with her, Mr Wilder. And I don't think it's right that you do that with one of your employees.”

Makenna told her?

That didn’t make any sense. As much as Makenna loved her sister, she wouldn't tell her about our arrangement, especially if she knew telling her would compromise it. The only plausible reason was that she overheard the conversation. Probably when Stella was out of her office.

Stella needed to go. One way or another.

“First of all, I have no idea what you're talking about.” I clenched my jaw. “Secondly, she is not my employee and whatever arrangement we have is none of your business.”

“It is when it affects my sister,” she retorted, her eyes flashing with anger. “Do you even care about her, Wolfe? Or is she just another woman for you to use and discard?”

“Watch your mouth, Mackenzie.” I stood up angrily, my chair scraping against the floor. “If you have anything to say, say it. Don't say something you'd regret. Especially if you have no idea what you're talking about.”

“Oh, I think I do,” she said, standing up to face me. “I know you, Wolfe. I know your reputation. And I won't let you hurt Makenna.”

“Look Mackenzie, you've crossed countless lines since you came into my office. You better consider your next words carefully before saying anything. Last I checked you were a temporary employee. Your actions are going against almost every office ethic in the book.” I took a deep breath, trying to keep my temper in check.

“I really don't care about ethics if you're planning on playing with my sister's heart,” she shot back, not backing down. “Because unlike you, I actually care about her well-being. She's not just some pawn in your game.”

“I don’t play games.” I snapped, my voice rising. “And I certainly don’t need you lecturing me on how to treat someone.”

“Then prove it,” she challenged, standing up to face me. “Prove that you care about her. Because right now, all I see is a man who’s using my sister for his own benefit.”

I took a deep breath, trying to control my temper. This wasn’t going to get us anywhere. “I don't have to prove anything to you.” I replied as I gave her an icy glare. “Makenna and I have an understanding, and it’s mutual. She’s not some helpless victim in need of your protection. But if you want to know more, you'd have to ask her for more details as it seems like you barely understand what kind of arrangement we have.”

“Then why did she leave our dinner in tears?” she asked, her voice softening slightly. “Why is she so hurt if this arrangement is so mutual and harmless?”

“I really don't understand what you're talking about.” I leaned towards Mackenzie, my tone cold. “For all I know, this could be part of your flirty wiles. You might as well be lying about everything to try and get some kind of reaction from me. You should ask your sister what's really wrong before making baseless accusations.”

She watched me, looking exasperated at my reply.

“Do you care about her, Wolfe?” she asked, her voice quiet now, almost pleading. “Does she mean anything to you?”

Her question caught me off guard. Did Makenna mean anything to me? The truth was, she meant everything to me. But I wasn’t about to admit that to Mackenzie.

“That’s none of your business,” I said, my voice harsh. “Leave my office now, Mackenzie.”

She looked at me for a moment longer, as if searching for something in my eyes, then finally turned and walked out of my office, slamming the door behind her.

I sat down heavily in my chair, running a hand through my hair. I needed to find Makenna and figure out what the hell was going on.

Ignoring Mackenzie’s words was impossible. If Makenna had left in tears, something serious had happened.

Could she be right? Was I hiding behind this arrangement because I was too afraid to admit how I really felt?

I sank back into my chair, my head in my hands. I had to figure this out. For Makenna's sake. And for mine.