Roxy
The manicurist massages oil into my cuticles, the scent of nail polish and gossip filling the salon.
We’re not over. Get it out of your pretty head.
I left him there, handcuffed, because I was worried I would let him talk me into… I don’t know what? A relationship?
That’s not what this is. And it never will be.
Yes, we are extremely compatible when it comes to sex. I can’t ignore the fact that the more sex we have, the hornier I get. Like a virtuoso, Liam Stone plays my body like a precious violin.
He’s getting to know the instrument, while already mastering the most complicated symphonies with it.
I haven’t had much sex in my life, but I’m makingup for it every single day now. With a man I shouldn’t be friends with, let alone lovers.
Against the no-fraternization policy. Despite my better judgment. Contrary to my best interests.
I didn’t let him talk after he watched me fall apart on his desk. As far as I’m concerned, we’re over.
Running away from conversations. Good going, Roxy.
At least the partnership will be discussed and announced soon. A few more weeks of this madness and then… what?
We’re not over. Get it out of your pretty head.
I don’t even know what the endgame is here. If I become a partner, will Liam leave? My body shudders at the thought. Do I want him to stay?
Would he stay in New York if he’s not at Merged? Can we continue our liaison?
And what if I don’t become a partner? Fuck, I don’t even want to think about that. I won’t stay at Merged. I will sell the five percent back to Corm and walk out.
The thought alone feels like a death sentence. Jesus, this is complicated, even without Liam as part of the equation.
“Are you even listening to me?” my sister complains beside me, blowing air on her long nails.
“Sorry, Tee, I’ve been distracted.” I smile at my technician and inspect her work.
“You look tired. You really should stop working.” She purses her lips, and knowing her, she is already planning what we would do if I do, in fact, quit.
Tee is barely eighteen and quite sheltered in her bubble. She craves independence and freedom, but has no idea how much they cost in our world.
Father ignores her mostly, which is a good thing, I suppose. And with our brothers protecting her with their typical, slightly unhinged dedication, she probably hasn’t experienced many things a normal teenager would.
I know what a burden it is to be a woman in my family, but I’m kind of glad Tee is still shielded from the reality.
She deserves a normal life, and I need to play my cards well to give that to her.
“I love my work,” I counter. “Show me your nails,” I say, to change the topic.
She extends her hand to me, a purple polish glimmering in the light. “Do you like it?”
“I love it.”
After paying for our manicures, we head to a coffee shop across the street. I don’t have time to venture into the city much, but I always find time when Tee is allowed to visit.
I finally talked Nico into having her tag along, but the timing couldn’t be worse.
I’m distracted, exhausted, and too anxious about leaving the office.
