Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
“If I agree, I want a sign-on bonus as well,” I demand defiantly.
His blue eyes darken as he looks down on me and takes another step forward. He encroaches into my space, and I inevitably take a step back. He barricades me against the door, and I feel his intensity dancing along my skin, creating a heat at my core that I wish I didn’t acknowledge. His body suffocates mine, and when he leans down, I can’t help but hold my breath.
I shouldn’t want this.
I should push him back.
But my body wants to pull him in. This fucker has a magnetism that I’ve never known or dealt with before. And I want to defy it with all my might so that he doesn’t think he’s won.
His lips brush my cheek as he says, “What’s your price?”
My heart is pounding as his lips linger against my cheek and then move to my jaw. I try not to move, not trusting my body in its heated desire.
I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. “Ten thousand?”
“Is that a question?” he says, lifting up a piece of my hair again. His nose grazes against my neck as if he’s smelling me, and I can’t help but lean into him. Fuck. If he pushes any further right now, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to say no.
“Did I hear twenty thousand?” I say.
He chuckles as he steps away from me. I lick my lips as I glance down quickly, realizing his cock is straining against his pants.
“Done.” He nods once as he rounds his desk and gets money from his top drawer. He rejoins me at the door and offers me what looks like a few thousand dollars—certainly not ten or twenty thousand.
“This is payment to cover tonight since I cost you your earnings. Once you figure out your job description, the bonus will come through with a new contract. I do have one condition. When I message you, I expect a reply.”
I’m gob smacked. “You don’t care what job I do?”
“No. I just want a date and to get you off the floor.”
I’m so confused by the situation that I don’t know where to start, but I know better than to shoot myself in the foot. It might be crazy, and my boss is certainly unhinged, but I can’t say no to that type of money.
I offer him my hand. He looks at it, confused, but then takes it, and we shake on the deal. “I’d like to say it was a pleasure doing business with you, but we both know that’s a lie. I still hate your guts.”
The corner of his mouth tilts up, those blue eyes seemingly staring into my soul. “I look forward to our date, Posie.”
I release his hand and swallow. I feel like I’ve just made a deal with the devil. I turn and go to open the door, holding up the book. “I’ll be keeping this as well.”
As I open the door, I pale when I see the twins leaning against the wall with their hands in their pockets. They look me up and down, and Dutton’s voice growls over my shoulder. “Inside, you two.”
The bulkier one chuckles as he dips his head in greeting. The other one seems to be assessing me as if I’m some kind of threat.
How long were they standing there?
Were they listening?
I don’t give a fuck.
I head to the back to collect my things to go home. I need to figure out if I’ve just done the right thing or if I’ve signed my life away to a psychopath.
CHAPTER 13
Posie
“Snap!” Bentley giggles as he beats me in another game of cards.
“Oh no! You’re too fast! But I know who’s faster at…” I raise my hands in the air. “Tickles!” He squeals as I launch a tickle attack on him. He’s kicking back and forth as he tries to make his grand escape.
“Stop, Mommy! I’m going to burst!” he gets out in short breaths. I scoop him up into a hug and press kisses to his cheeks. This kid is just too cute. He snuggles into me, and I enjoy the peace as I sit on the living room floor and lean against the couch as I hold him.
“Can we play the new game you got me for my birthday?” he asks excitedly.
“Go on!” I encourage him, and he squeals in delight as I clean up the cards.
Today is my day off, and I plan to spend it with my favorite little boy.
I go to make myself another cup of coffee while Bentley is preoccupied, most likely cleaning up the board game from the floor of his room so he can relocate it to the living room.
I turn the kettle on, and my mind immediately drifts back to the same thing it’s been dancing around since last night. Dutton Taylor. I don’t like the idea of owing him anything. But I can’t deny the attractive package.