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"My room for what?"
I take her hand. "Whatever you want. It could be your library or your rehearsal room or your masturbation room."
She laughs. "Just what I wanted."
I move closer to her. "I mean it. I want you to have your own space here."
She shifts back just a little bit. Her eyes turn to the floor. "You sure?"
"I'll clean it out this weekend."
She bites her lip, thinking it over. She looks over to the room then back to me. "I'll believe it when I see it."
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Ryan is sitting in my chair, his feet on my desk. He's wearing a smug grin. I motion for him to move but he stays put.
"I have work to do," I say.
His smug grin spreads to his ears. "Mrs. Pike's husband rejected your offer."
"Then we'll see her husband in court."
"You know as well as I do that she won't get full custody in court. Revise the offer and beg his lawyer to see you again."
My fingers curl into fists. "I appreciate your help during my absence, but I can manage my own clients."
He sighs, the same kind of sigh I get from Samantha. That you're-such-an-idiot sigh.
I unclench my fists. "I'd be happy to dissolve the firm. You can manage your clients and I'll manage mine."
Ryan's eyes narrow. His brow furrows. "It's my firm. You're not taking it away from me."
There's a tiny hint of something in his eyes. A weakness. This isn't about the firm. It's about Alyssa.
"You can keep the name. I only want my clients," I say.
He slides his feet off the desk. "No."
I take a step towards the desk. "I understand you'd rather not work with me after what happened with Alyssa."
"This isn't personal. It's a business decision."
I take a deep breath. This will be some shameless ass-kissing, but it will be worth it if it works. "And I respect that you can stay so professional during a time like this. I know I couldn't do it."
"Yes, you've made it abundantly clear that you allow your feelings to run your life."
"I'm serious about Alyssa. I'd rather not rub it in your face, but I don't think it's appropriate for us to continue to work together."
Ryan grits his teeth. "Is that right?"
"It must upset you working with the guy who stole your fiancée."
His voice is even and cool. "It doesn't bother me." He presses his eyes closed like he's willing any personal feelings away. "But if you're upset, I'll stand by my offer to buy you out."
"There's nothing in this for you."
He shakes his head. "I have my reasons."
