And I walk into this.
Oversize windows line one wall and let in streams of sunlight. Warm, sand-colored floors catch the light and glow, while a handmade rug in a dizzying kaleidoscope of bright colors lies in front of a well-worn sofa. Like someone took a rainbow, stuck it in a blender and tied the pieces together. The tiny excuse for a kitchen off to the side boasts a long marble countertop and cabinets with windows that show off the eclectic mix of dishes inside. A spiral staircase in the corner that leads up to what I guess is the lofted bed space.
I pay her over two hundred thousand dollars a year. Hers to do with as she wishes, of course, but this micro space has to be less than forty thousand a year.
“A penthouse.”
Her eyes narrow. “I like my apartment.”
Has she always been this stubborn? The woman could teach a class on how to stall negotiations.
I switch tactics. “Name your price.”
“You’re not listening to me. The answer is no.” She shakes her head. “I’m not pretending to be engaged to my boss just to cater to a client.”
Anger propels me forward. “I would never ask you to do that.”
I stop in front of her, stare down at the woman who’s been by my side for three years. A woman I thought I knew. But I don’t know her. I know the persona she slips into for work, the professional mask she wears.
But the woman staring up at me… I don’t know her. I’ve never heard her brazen retorts or seen her with fire crackling in her eyes. God knows I’ve never seen her body move like it did last night. The same compulsion that drew me down the path last night in pursuit of Seraphina sparks to life again. I want to know this side of Seraphina. Want to see how many layers she’s hiding.
Warning bells clang in my head. But I can handle this. I’ve kept my desire for her under control all this time. I can maintain it while getting to know the aspects of herself she’s been hiding away. A silver lining in this whole mess.
“I need him for New Field.”
She stares at me for a moment longer. Then her shoulders sag.
“Oh.”
I nod. “We’re close, Seraphina.”
“But…” Her sigh is heavy, despondent. “He’s the only one who can help us, isn’t he?”
Us.Despite everything that’s happening, she’s still a part of this, still invested.
“His media presence is growing. He’s stated numerous times his views on private prisons. He has the money and the grit to conduct this takeover. And,” I add grudgingly, “he’s got a strong sense of morality. He won’t exploit the prison for profit. He would make the changes needed, whether it’s overhauling the prison or shutting it down entirely.”
“You don’t trust anyone. How can you trust him?”
Her words slice at me. They’re true. Normally I wear my lack of trust like a badge of pride. But hearing it from someone else leaves me feeling strangely empty.
“I don’t. But if I look at the factors in play, examine the odds, he’s our best bet.”
“And you can’t buy it outright?”
She’s grasping for straws. But she’s wearing down. I can see it in her face, hear it in her voice.
“You know the answer to that. Hale has rejected every offer I’ve made. He has ties to politicians and the media and has threatened to spin a story where I’m trying to take over the prison for financial gain.” Her head snaps up. “That’s ridiculous!”
I can’t help but smile slightly at her loyalty. I don’t mention the threats he made against David, to smear my brother’s name and ruin the new life he’s crafted for himself. Seraphina doesn’t know I have any family besides Dominic and Cassian. God willing, I’ll be able to keep it that way.
“It is. But he’ll do it without a second thought.”
Seraphina hangs her head. “I just don’t see how we can make a fake engagement work. What about my parents?”
“The fewer people who know the better. I won’t even tell Cassian and Dominic the truth. Name your price,” I repeat softly. Everyone has one. “Anything.”
Slowly, she raises her head. Her eyes brighten.
