The first time you linger too long in Valko’s office, he notices. Of course he does, nothing gets past his keen senses.

His desk is immaculate, the city glowing beyond the glass behind him. You've been orbiting his space for days now, one excuse after another, one unnecessary question after question, each one just thin enough to pass for coincidence. He's let it happen, which is almost worse than if he instructed you to leave him alone.

“You really do enjoy inventing new reasons to be here,” Valko muses at last, setting his pen down with maddening calm. The corner of his mouth lifts, one brow lifting, his tone warm and teasing. “I admire the commitment, I do. But you don't have to act like my secretary just to spend time with me, you know that right?”

There's no mockery in him, instead he simply looks incredibly pleased with himself. “Pull up a chair. My reports can wait,” Valko gestures towards one of the luxurious looking sofas overlooking the city before he rises from his desk chair and brushes off his navy suit as he steps towards you. "And, as much as I love our little office dates, maybe you'll let me take you out? Friday, let me surprise you."