"Why can't I be here?" Drake asked, like it was the most normal thing in the world for him to invade her personal space without warning.
"Drake," she said coolly, her voice tight but steady, "it's polite to book an appointment before coming to see me." She gestured vaguely around her office, the floor-to-ceiling windows, the polished desk, the unmistakable air of authority she now carried.
"My schedule is packed today. If this is business, my assistant will handle it. If it's personal…" she paused, locking eyes with him, "…then get. Out."
Drake stared at her, caught somewhere between irritation and admiration. She wasn't the Cassie he remembered, the woman who would do went into great lengths to secure an investment from the Blackridge Maritime Group.
This Cassie was sharper.
