“I don’t care about the logistics of the shipment, Stefan! I care about the fact that your report is three hours late and your projections are based on hope rather than data. I don’t pay for hope.”

Lucian stood in the center of the manicured lawn, the shadow of the Aldridge mansion stretching behind him like a dark, silent kingdom. At thirty-seven, the silver at his temples only added to his lethality. He looked like a man carved from granite, his voice a low, dangerous rumble that sent the two junior assistants nearby scurrying toward the safety of the koi pond.

For the world, the “Billionaire’s Keeper” was just a...