Free Awaken by Priya Grey, Ozlo Grey Page A

crack in the door. “But only after I talk to you.”
    “I don’t want to hear what you have to say,” said Lacey with a sigh.
    Cooper looked at her, his gaze unwavering. “I’m not going anywhere until you hear me out.”  
    By the resolute tone in his voice and the conviction in his eyes, Lacey knew Cooper meant it. She wasn’t sure what to do. Nothing Cooper could say would change how she felt about him. He had manipulated and lied to her. But by the look in his eyes, she knew Cooper wouldn’t leave until he got to tell his side of the story.
    “Fine,” Lacey said annoyed.
    She unlatched the chain lock on her door and let him in.
    “You’re wasting your time though,” said Lacey as Cooper walked past.
    He turned. Lacey was surprised by the stern expression on his face. She felt the tension radiating from his body. His masculine, alpha energy filled the entire room. As Cooper West stood in her kitchen, staring at her, Lacey couldn’t help but picture him as a wild animal — a lion trapped in a man’s body and wearing a tailor made suit. She hated to admit how turned on she was by his presence: those burning green eyes, his ruffled dark hair, those broad shoulders…His energy engulfed her.
    Lacey took a deep breath and reminded herself that he was an asshole. One, who just moments ago, had brought her to tears.
    Cooper kept staring at her, but said nothing.  
    “Well, what did you want to say?” she finally asked, folding her arms across her chest.
    He turned abruptly and walked toward the window in her living room, the one looking out on the Manhattan skyline. Lacey stayed in the kitchen and watched as Cooper took a deep breath and stared at the bright lights of the city. Lacey could tell he was struggling with how to begin.
    “I didn’t have to share any of this with you,” he finally blurted.  
    He turned around to face her, their eyes locking in on each other. Cooper walked forward, approaching her. Lacey noticed the tension in his face and his body slowly ease. As he got closer, she was surprised to feel a nervous excitement build inside her.
    “I could have just kept your diary and never told you I was the Master,” continued Cooper.
    “So this makes you a little less of an asshole?” Lacey asked.
    Cooper ignored her sarcasm. He reached inside the coat pocket of his suit and removed a folded piece of paper.
    “You gave me your diary,” Cooper said. “You were honest with me, so I decided to be honest with you. But now, I need you to put yourself in my shoes.”
    Cooper placed the paper on Lacey’s kitchen counter. Lacey was confused by what was happening.
    “What’s that?” she asked.
    “A non-disclosure agreement,” Cooper said flatly. “I need you to sign it. It states that you’ll never tell anyone that I’m the Master.”
    Lacey scoffed. “Are you kidding me?”  
    Cooper shook his head, his expression serious.  
    “I’m not signing that.” She pushed the paper away.
    Cooper sighed. “Lacey, I’m the owner of the biggest recruiting firm in the country, creating jobs for millions of people. I’m the chief sponsor of several charities and humanitarian efforts. But none of that matters if word gets out about my activities at Nectar. We both know that we live in a society that will use that as an excuse to destroy my reputation and everything I’ve built.” Cooper paused. “I understand that you’re upset with me. But I want you to know that I never had to share the truth about me with you. I did it because…”
    Cooper paused abruptly.  
    Lacey waited for him to continue. Go on. Why did you share your secret? Tell me.
    But Cooper didn’t finish his thought. He quickly shook his head, took a deep breath, and straightened his shoulders. “Anyway, I need you to sign the non-disclosure. I can make it worth your while. I can pay you half a million dollars for your signature.”
    Lacey’s jaw dropped. Half a million dollars? Are you fuckin’ kidding me?
    She stood