“That is unprofessional?—”
“Use those wiles, alright? Don’t do anything that you don’twantto do. I’m not suggesting you create a scandal or endanger yourself, okay? But that grey area exists and I’ve been there. Is it any different than letting a news agency think something is more salacious than it is? Or selling a story you know won’t go anywhere? Or massaging the truth daily? I know for a fact that you’ve done that.”
I mulled it over. I had. It was an acceptable business practice to do the aforementioned things.
Jax sighed. “We aren’t saints, Eloise. We are highly paid guardian angels who swoop in to make our devilish clients look saintly.”
She wasn’t wrong.
“With all due respect, if I use all my convincing powers, I do hope I am highly paid.”
“You will be, but I need to see dedication here. We will never land this tier of client again if you cannot come through. Her Majesty’s recommendation is platinum and everyone knows Prince Duncan is a bloody head case. You will be able to say you did it.”
I knew that wasn’t true. No one took credit for this but Abi and Jax. However, Ineededthis raise. She had to have done enough to get to this point, right? Jax knew the game. Perhaps, this was the thing that would buy me that coveted fixer shingle.
“I will consider it, Jax. I will,” I said. “I think I have a plan.”
“Good,” Jax said, delighted. “But mind yourself. Don’t do anything that would either reflect poorly on us, or which would put you at risk. It’s not that he makes you feel unsafe?”
“No.”
Duncan crossed boundaries and wasn’t particularly professional with me, but he wasn’tdangerous. Jax’s assessment was right. Duncan was a golden retriever with mommy issues. He was desperate for my attention more than anything. He wantedmeto play the boss. It was the only way out. I adjusted my expectations.
“We’ll talk next week, then,” Jax said. “Have a good holiday.”
I feigned happiness, “You, too.”
I hung up and stared at myself in the mirror. Jax was right. I’d always been a bit morally grey. I craved the danger of chasing leads and convincing people to seeourside of things. Why was this so different?
I elected to reframe things. I leaned into it. After all, I could admit I found him attractive. I didn’tfearhim. It could be hot, right? It was a game. And that game could net me everything and more—everything I needed to put my life together the way I knew I deserved. This might be my only card left to play.
He works formeor this doesn’t work.
I would use Duncan’s desperation and inappropriate conduct to get ahead. I had fought too hard and too long to make a name for myself to call uncle. As I strode back into the living room, I took back my power.
21
THE NEW DEAL
DUNCAN
Eloise shook her head. “You shouldn't have said it. It was totally unacceptable. But I won't. I cannot trust that you will follow-through if I just give it to you.”
“Huh?” Confusion and surprise rolled over me.
“I won't trust you will be a good boy,” she said.
I sat up straighter and leaned closer, reducing the space between us. “Oh, am I being very naughty? And you don't trust me?”
“Why should I?” She asked, biting her lip now.
I wondered if she was finally understanding this game? I expected her to never come around.
I tread carefully, “So, if I'm a naughty boy, what can I do to earn your trust so youwillgive me what I so desire?” I asked.
Ella stared, gaze unwavering. She shrugged. I wanted to throw the biscuit in her hand across the room. I longed to kiss her.
What was better than a snowstorm to get you laid? We were here. We had nothing better to do. I fancied her and she might fancy me.
