AllFreeNovel
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We weren’t friends.
We were so much more than that.
She could pretend all she wanted, but I knew what she felt like riding me. The way she screamed my name when she wanted more, and the tiny purrs she’d make right before she’d come on my cock.
“Relationships aren’t really my thing,” I reminded her. Watching and gauging her reaction, I added, “But you already knew that.”
Her eyes lit with anger.
Good. Two could play this game, sweetheart.
“Our working relationship, Mr. Locke.”
“I wasn’t aware we were in any type of relationship, Miss Troy, but by all means do enlighten me.”
“Julian, she’s here because you need her.”
Claire brought my attention to her statement.
“We’re going public.”
“I’m fully aware, Claire.”
“Of course you are. I didn’t mean to imply—”
“Time is money, so stop wasting mine and get down to business. Why is she here?”
“Your team is concerned about your image, Mr. Locke.”
My gaze shifted back to Autumn. “My image?”
“Yes. Your personality doesn’t exactly speak highly for itself. Especially in the media’s eyes.”
“And why is this my problem? I’ve made everyone in this room a very rich individual, and that speaks for itself.”
“It does for their bank accounts but not for the general public, which is who you are catering toward to invest in your company.”
“My profits are public knowledge, Miss Troy. It’s a Google search away. Knowing my favorite color isn’t going to decipher if or how much money someone should invest in our shares.”
“You’d be surprised how influential knowing someone’s favorite color can be when it comes down to giving you their money.”
“I have no interest in performing for the public like I’m some teenage boy who needs to have his dick stroked, Miss Troy.”
Her cheeks slightly flushed, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t thoroughly please me that I still affected her, despite the game she was trying to play in front of everyone.
“I’m a businessman, Miss Troy. I make money, and that’s all anyone needs to know.”
“I’m not asking you to perform for anyone. It’s actually quite the opposite, so check your ego at the door, Mr. Locke. I believe your best approach in this situation is to show the public how far you’ve come. Let them into your world. Show them there’s more to you than just cars, business, and money. You came from nothing and made something of yourself. You’re the American dream, and we need to capitalize on that.”
“Julian, it’s a necessary evil,” Carl intervened. “It’s what’s best for the company.”
“Carl, we both know how Wall Street works. I know people. The right people. I don’t need to change my image any more than you need to kiss my ass.”
“Julian—”
I interrupted him, “We need to clear the room, Claire. I’d like to talk to Miss Troy alone.”
“I don’t think that’s the best idea.”
