High-Tech's headquarters was jarring. By 2:30 PM, the mud-splattered SUV had been swapped for a

is element, and the

hidden in a hoodie. He looked like an apex predator made of silicon and cold logic. He check

'legal complications' surrounding your hiring were a lapse in judgment. They think I'm distracted

ng swept under a very expensive rug. "You're back to giving order

g enough to look Jax in the eye. "The 'thank you' was for the m

cost more than Jax's first house. At the head of the table sat Sterling, a man who

beginning to think the storm had claimed you. An

on him-weighing him, judging him, dismissing him as a thuggish accessory. He felt a strange

k at Jax, but he leaned back, his head almost brushing Jax's midsection. "One that

rs, Jax watched Elias dismantle every argument Sterling threw at him. Elias didn't raise his vo

physical kind. Watching Elias command a room of sharks with nothing but his mind was intoxicat

am aware that some of you have concerns about the debt I've absorbed to secure Mr. Th

te move. In front of the board, he was marking his territory. He

voice dropping an octave.

te Jax in front of the elite. Any other time in Jax's lif

nto Elias's grey eyes and saw the challenge there-and the secret plea. Eli

ad slightly. "Of

it. As he walked to the sideboard, he could feel the bo

game. And for the first time, Jax realized that being the "instrument" of

tionally brushed against the coaster, centimeters from Elias's h

ory for Elias. As the room cleared, leaving

ping from their rigid posture. He looked at the

audience," Jax said, stepping closer, br

ression unreadable. "I have to be the stronges

ut don't push your luck, Elias. I'm

hitched. "Maybe