Free A Dangerously Sexy Affair by Stefanie London

day you see a big, burly guy like that carrying a unicorn.” Aiden tilted his head.
    â€œYou clearly haven’t been to many cons.” Quinn shoved her hands into the pockets of her black skinny jeans. “I’ve seen a guy bigger than him dress up as a My Little Pony.”
    â€œNo way.”
    â€œYep.” She nodded. “He rocked it, too. I’ve never seen a sassier version of Rainbow Dash anywhere.”
    â€œI’ve missed out on the whole con experience. I should go to one.” He narrowed his eyes in mock seriousness. “But there’s no way in hell I’m dressing up as a pony.”
    â€œI figured you more for a Powerpuff Girl.” She smirked. “Blossom, I think. Pink is definitely your color.”
    He stepped closer and put his hand on the desk next to her. “I would rock the shit out of the Powerpuff Girls.”
    â€œThat may be the sexiest thing anyone has ever said to me.” Laughter bubbled up in her throat, dissolving the tension and stress of her day.
    â€œI’m not threatened by the color pink,” he said, reaching out slowly, gently, and touching the end of her braid, his thumb stroking over the dyed strands mixed in with her natural brown ones.
    â€œI can see that.” Her breath stuttered.
    She waited for the nerves to kick in, the anxiety and wariness that normally accompanied having someone this close to her. But nothing came. Aiden dropped her braid.
    â€œI’m going to get this search started,” he said, pushing up from the desk. “I don’t want to be here all night.”
    â€œWhat do you need me to do?”
    â€œNothing. You’re free to go.” He held the door open for her as they exited Walt’s office. “You did your duty today.”
    â€œOh. But Walt said he’d cleared everyone out so we could look around.” She flicked her braid over her shoulder, determined not to be left out of the action... At least, that was what she told herself.
    â€œYes, but I’m running point on this assignment. And I’m saying you can go home.” He thrust his fingers through his dark curls, and Quinn’s blood thrummed.
    â€œYou’re running point ?”
    â€œYes.” He dug a hand into his pocket and pulled out his phone, checking it briefly before putting it back into place. “I’m the senior consultant and you’ve been assigned to assist me.”
    â€œIsn’t Rhys in charge?” She shot him a look as she checked the desk closest to her, gingerly leafing through a few papers left on the desk. “I don’t answer to you. I answer to him.”
    â€œWhile we’re in the field, you answer to me .” His blue eyes narrowed, their color suddenly seeming less like a warm summer sky and more like an iceberg. “It’s important that you respect that.”
    â€œSpare me the male-pride act,” she scoffed.
    â€œThe fact that I’m male has nothing to do with it.”
    â€œEnlighten me, then, oh great one. Why are you in charge?”
    â€œI’m in charge because I’m more experienced.”
    The words made her cheeks burn. “So Rhys told me when I found out you got the job and I didn’t.”
    â€œI didn’t know you applied for this job.”
    She shrugged and didn’t say anything further.
    â€œIn any case, I’ve done this before, and I know what happens when things go wrong.” A shadow crossed over his face, a hint of the past. A secret. “You need to follow my direction so we’re on the same page and so I can make sure nothing bad happens to either one of us.”
    â€œBecause I can’t look after myself?”
    â€œNo, but this isn’t just about you. I don’t expect you to trust me yet, but I do expect you to follow my lead while we’re working on this assignment.” He started toward the HR office. “If you’re not comfortable with that then have a