.

of thanks, and Darius stood alone at the back of the room, watching Mallika as she moved from one group of middle-aged men to the next, her smile firmly in place.

      There were only a handful of women in the audience, and Darius noted that she spent longer with them, explaining something at length to one group and patiently allowing a much older woman to peer at the necklace of semi-precious stones she was wearing.

      It was a while before the audience dispersed, most of them heading towards the buffet dinner.

      Mallika’s shoulders sagged a tiny bit, and the smile left her face as she walked towards the exit. It was as if she’d turnedt off a switch, changing from a confident, sparkling professional to a young woman who was just a little tired with life.

      Darius waved to her, and she came across to him.

      ‘I didn’t see you come in,’ she said. ‘Did you just get here?’

      ‘A while ago,’ he said. ‘I’m impressed, Mallika. You had everyone eating out of your hands.’

      She shrugged. ‘I’ve done this kind of event many times before,’ she said. ‘They’re exhausting, but it’s part of my job.’

      ‘What do you find exhausting?’ Darius asked.

      ‘Talking to people,’ she said. ‘It’s a strain. Everyone asks the same questions, and by the end of it I get so sick I could scream. Don’t tell Venkat,’ she added, looking up with a quick smile that lit up her face. ‘He’s planning a whole series of these events.’

      ‘I was about to tell you that,’ Darius said, a smile tugging at his lips. ‘He’s thrilled with the way you handled this one.’ She made a little grimace, and a spurt of chivalry made Darius ask, ‘Should I talk to him? He can handle the events himself—or one of the other fund managers could speak in your place.’

      ‘The other fund managers aren’t lucky for Venkat,’ she said drily. ‘I doubt he’ll agree. Anyway, it’s part of why you hired me, right?’

      Darius nodded. It had been unprofessional of him to suggest he intervene, and he couldn’t help admire Mallika’s determination to do every part of her job well. Even when she obviously hated what she was doing.

      It was intriguing, the way her ultra-professional mask slipped at times to betray her vulnerability. He had a feeling she didn’t let it happen often, and all his protective instincts surged to the forefront whenever it did.

      ‘Aren’t you having dinner?’ Venkat asked, popping up next to them. ‘Or a drink? Mallika?’

      She shook her head. ‘I need to leave,’ she said. ‘My driver’s taken the day off, so I’ve called a cab. The cabbie’s been waiting for half an hour already.’

      ‘Wouldn’t it have been simpler to drive yourself?’

      ‘I don’t drive,’ she said. ‘I’ve tried learning a few times, but it’s been an unmitigated disaster.’

      ‘And you don’t drink either! What a waste,’ Venkat said sorrowfully. In his opinion, the best part of an event of this sort was the company-sponsored alcohol. ‘Darius?’

      Darius shook his head. ‘I need to leave as well,’ he said. ‘Got some people coming over. And I’m driving, so I can’t have a drink either.’

      Venkat looked ridiculously disappointed, and Darius laughed, clapping him on the shoulder.

      ‘I’ll take you out for a drink this Friday,’ he promised. ‘Come on, Mallika—I’ll walk you to the lobby.’

      Their event had been held in a rather exclusive midtown hotel, and there were several other corporate events in full swing there. The banquet hall next to theirs was hosting an annual party, and the waiting area outside the banquet hall was dotted with entertainers. Jugglers in clown costumes, living statues, and even a magician or two.