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“We’re not talking about a property on the island. We’re talking about buying the whole island. Please understand, Shona, cost is no barrier.”
“Right.” She frowned back at the screen. “I’d have to find out about the island’s current ownership.” She swallowed hard. This was the most ridiculous request she’d ever had, but if she was going to keep him as a client, she’d have to investigate. “I will look into it for you.”
Now her forehead was so tight she was getting a headache.
He was still leaning over the desk, still staring at her. Then, as if picking up on how he was messing with her head, his eyes softened.
“I’ll make a deal with you,” he said. “You make enquiries about Orc Island for me. And tomorrow we’ll go view those hideous properties you have in mind.”
Shona’s shoulders slumped with relief. At least if he came and viewed some houses she could maybe charm him into considering them. They just needed imagination and flair. Probably something an orc mining magnate didn’t possess. She could persuade him, bring photos of properties she’d had renovated, show him befores and afters and the like.
“Sure.” She stood up, leaned across the desk, and held out her hand. “Does nine o’clock suit you?”
He took her hand in his big fist, and once again, pleasure coursed through her like runny honey.
He nodded. “Sure.” As he shook her hand she sensed the power and strength in that arm. “We’re on the same page at last,” he said. When he drew away she couldn’t help her gaze lingering on his huge biceps.
With hands and arms like that, Tor Arquin could probably lift whole trees out of the ground.
And if he could do that, then gods only knew what else he might be capable of.
At the door, he turned, his tusks hitching as he grinned at her.
“See you tomorrow, Shona Dove.”
Leaning forward on the chair, Shona tried to spoon gloopy pumpkin mash into baby Amelia’s mouth. But the wicked little minotaur pursed her lips and jerked her head away, and somehow half of the mash went straight into her ear. Then a little chubby hand came out, knocked the spoon, and the rest of the golden gloop flew all over Shona’s beautiful lilac blouse.
Served her right for visiting her best friend Ivy straight after work. And offering to help feed the twins.
Ivy walked over, easily juggling the other twin, Luke, on her arm and handed Shona a cloth.
Shona gave her friend a wry smile as Amelia giggled fiendishly. “I don’t think I’m cut out for this.” Shona chucked the chubby little girl under the chin. “You knew what you were doing, didn’t you, sweetie?”
“Yeah, looks like a cherub but she’s really a small demon.” Ivy laughed. “But, hon, of course you’re cut out for this. Just not straight after a hectic day at work, with a youngling who’s into power struggles right now.” She made googly eyes at the baby, who blew bubbles back.
“Bryn will be here soon,” Ivy said. “You watch, she’ll be angelic as soon as he walks in. You love your daddy don’t you, bubba?”
Shona sighed. “It’s just been a big day, that’s all. I’m not on the ball when it comes to flying food.”
“What happened?”
Shona dabbed at the mess on her blouse. It would probably need dry-cleaning. Then she started to worry about what to wear tomorrow to look good in front of that infuriating orc and her heart fluttered madly.
Just like it had every time she thought about him.
“Oh, I—” She shook her head. “Nothing.”
Ivy came closer and surveyed her friend’s face. “Liar. Something out of the ordinary happened, you look frazzled.”
“Do I?”
“Yep. And you never look frazzled.”
Shona laughed, a little thinly. “Just good at paddling fast under the surface and putting on a brave face.”
“Nonsense!” Ivy said, untangling Luke’s little fist from her hair. Shona wondered how her friend could even maintain a conversation. “You’re a brilliant businesswoman. Nearly everything I’ve applied to running Beast Hunters tours, I’ve learned from you.”
As she spoke, Bryn burst into the room. A big handsome minotaur, he grinned as he swooped on his wife and took the little boy from her.
