He tapped on the open door on the third floor. Athena was seated at a desk, her hair wound up and her brow furrowed. She was wearing a silk kimono in a shade of sage green that was perfect for her coloring. The ornate writing desk faced the doorway and Rex could see her legs beneath it. She had her legs crossed and was bouncing one foot as she thought, the feather-endowed satin mule dangling off her toe. Her toenails were painted and she was perfectly shaved, her skin gleaming like ivory. She glanced up, then smiled. “Rex!” She cast down her pen and came around the desk to give him a kiss, engulfing him in her perfume. Rex felt the old allure, but still wasn’t inclined to act on it. For once, Athena didn’t seem to notice. She hurried back to her desk, gesturing him to the empty chair opposite. “I’m so glad you’re here.” “I do what I’m told.” “Since when?” She didn’t even wait for an answer, just hurried on.
