by Harloe Rae
“Conducting business elsewhere, I assume. This is just an initial test run. Paul, Betty, and Riley will join in on this process eventually.”
“Don’t they want to be included in all of the stages?” Her eyes dart to the vacant seats beside me.
I swat at the stale air separating us. “Consider me the key component to finalizing this expansion. I just signed on as their partner yesterday.”
“And they already trust you to speak on their behalf?”
“Their confidence isn’t misplaced. I’m quite capable. This is what I do.”
“Harass seemingly innocent real estate agents?”
I stab a finger in her direction. “Watch your language, or the backlash will be much worse for you.”
Her eyelid twitches, as though a war is being waged behind the scenes. “I can’t believe I’m still sitting here.”
In all honesty, a speck of surprise flickers at me as well. How much does she have to gain? I’m willing to bet more than her pride is worth, because Vannah doesn’t appear to be comfortable as a doormat. “I’m spearheading this operation. You better not be expecting an easy paycheck. Same goes for Sunny Skies. If they want my capital, I get to call the shots for this project. Hence why you’re dealing with me.”
“How lovely.” Her flat tone betrays the attempt at sarcasm.
“And this is barely scratching the surface. I’m conducting interviews to determine which agency will manage my very lucrative demands. Will Brogen Realty make the cut? I guess that’s all on you, huh?”
“Are you trying to intimidate me?”
“Not sure that’s possible, as you’re still capable of shooting daggers.” I gesture from her eyes to mine.
“Can you blame me? You’re acting like I did something to offend you.”
It’s getting more challenging to control my amusement at her ridiculous claims. A loud grunt is all she earns. “I’d have to care in order to be offended. Nothing could be further from the truth. You’re merely a means to an end.”
A muscle in her cheek jumps. I imagine she’s grinding her molars into stumps. “Fine. Let’s get back to business.”
I motion her onward. “By all means.”
“Are you looking for established factories only? Or can the building be an industrial skeleton?”
“So long as it meets our needs, you can show me an abandoned strip mall.”
She flips through the folder. “Are you aware of what structure type is best for manufacturing solar panels?”
“Four walls and a solid foundation seems like a stellar baseline.”
Her pursing mouth indicates I should provide more detail. That’s not my style. A low huff escapes her at my prolonged silence. “What’s your goal for this meeting?”
“To see what you’re capable of providing. Money isn’t a factor. Go wild.”
“Must be rough.”
I drum my fingers on the glossy table. “This mundane exchange is certainly becoming a chore.”
Another burst of emerald flames sparks in her gaze. “I’m just trying to do my job, Mr. Winters.”
That sultry voice wrapping around my name prods at the perpetual frost beneath my skin. I scowl at the reaction, slight though it might be. “Try harder. Sell me your redundant services, Ms. Simons.”
A slender shoulder lifts with lazy indifference. “I’m getting the impression I shouldn’t bother. It’s beginning to sound like we’re playing Battleship.”
I loosen the hold on my composure long enough to release a chuckle. The sound is brittle and crisp, revealing no trace of humor. “How hilarious. But that’s where you’re wrong. We aren’t on common ground or doing anything together. I’m the only piece on that board.”
“Then why are you in our office?”
This is usually the point I’d leave without another word. No, that’s not quite true. Under normal circumstances, I would’ve walked away after thirty seconds of this grotesque unprofessionalism. There aren’t many people willing to question me with the snarky enthusiasm this woman provides. I’m positive she’s being a pest to annoy me, rather than gain any useful information, yet my ass remains firmly planted on the seat. Sheer curiosity spurs me forward.
I recline in my chair, the metal protesting with a squeak. “Real estate agents are a redundant link in the chain. Archaic policies remain in practice without reason. Those routines dictate my preferred methods. I’m not allowed to buy these buildings outright. Proper contracts and steps are required.”
“Am I mistaken, or does that mean you need me to oversee this sale?” Vannah’s mouth spreads into a blatant expression of victory. “I figured there’d be loopholes for someone of your status.”
“Are you trying to lose this commission on purpose?”
Her smile deflates with a resounding squeal. “I see that the past year has not made your heart any softer.”
“No chance in hell.” I slap my chest. “Solid steel and black as midnight.”
“Are you always this rude?”
“I find myself wondering the same about you.”
“Definitely not,” she states with a swift effectiveness I can appreciate.
I shrug, not finding any shock value in her confession. She wouldn’t receive such high praise from her boss otherwise. “I suppose we’re different in that regard. It comes with the territory for me. There’s no room for weakness on the top. I could probably blame my detached childhood and parents, but that’s none of your business.”
Vannah taps her pen against the table. The rapid beat irks me instantly. “Feeding me excuses, Mr. Winter?”
I thump my foot to the same rhythm, which stills her hand. “Just plausible explanations. If you can’t handle my ire, find someone more suitable to the burn.”
“Would it hurt you to be slightly less spiteful?”
“Once again, I could ask you the same question.”
“I’m nothing where you’re concerned.”
I snort loud enough to create an echo. “You got that right.”
“Dammit,” she spews. With a long exhale, she seems to regain her composure. “This doesn’t have to be a battle.”
“Oh, I beg to differ.”
“You want to make this hard?”
Little does she realize I already am. Not much gets a rise out of me these days. Breaking her willpower gets my blood pumping in a way I haven’t experienced in years. “Nothing worthwhile is easy, sugar.”
Her nose wrinkles as if she smells something foul. My pleasant disposition might be wearing her down. “Sugar?”
“Yeah, since you’re so sweet.” I smack my lips.
“That’s not cliché at all.”
I give her a slow once-over. “Fits with the rest of your predictable package quite well.”
“Wow, you’re a real piece of—”
My palm flies up with its own agenda. “I’d stop right there unless you want to prematurely end any potential dealings with me.”
That threat snaps her lips shut with an audible pop. “How do you suggest we proceed, Mr. Winters?”
Forget being indifferent. The way my name rolls off her sharp tongue is a direct surge of heat to my dick. I adjust in my seat to ease the pressure from that inconvenient reaction. Focusing on business will surely deflate my desire. I jut my chin at her papers. “Show me what you have.”
Her brows fly upward. “You still plan on working with me?”
“Oh, yes. Making you fulfill my requirements will provide adequate entertainment while I’m in town.”
Vannah slams the folder shut, as if that haughty action will stop me. “I’m not some object you can manipulate.”
“Could’ve fooled me. Why else would you still be putting up with my shit? I’m being fairly unreasonable.” Not that there’s another option where my character is concerned.
“Didn’t anyone bother to teach you manners?”
“I have a fine set, but rarely use them. Why bother when everyone bends to my will?”
&nbs
p; “You’re arrogant.”
“And you’re late to the draw.”
Vannah mumbles under her breath about being cursed, or something along those lines. But that can’t be right. If it is, she’s crazier than I thought. That doesn’t stop me from asking. “What was that?”
“You cursed me.” She grinds that foolish phrase from behind clenched teeth.
I cup my ear, willing to let her try again. “Repeat that once more.”
She turns her glare to a spot over my shoulder. “Never mind. That’s irrational.”
“You don’t say,” I drawl.
“Why do you insist on being a dick?”
“What do you expect? I didn’t get to my position by being nice.” I spit the last word like it’s the worst kind of profanity.
A furrow dents the smooth skin between her brows. “But you’re still considering Brogen Realty for representation?”
“That’s correct. I find my tolerance for you higher than most. It’s rather peculiar. I plan on taking advantage of this situation.” I’m not willing to divulge more. What little I’ve already spilled is certain to bite me in the ass. I’m probably due for a rabies shot anyway.
“Why?”
“You intrigue me.”
There’s a familiar gleam shining in Vannah’s eyes. “Does that make me a special case?”
“Quite the contrary. It just means you’ve held my attention. I want to know why.”
“Lucky me.”
I allow a smirk to bleed through my iron mask. She deserves it for putting on such a brave display. “How very wrong you are, Savannah.”
I hold another dress against my chest, inspecting the result with a sideways head tilt. The silky black fabric glitters as I swivel from left to right. My reflection in the mirror purrs a siren song of seduction. Landon won’t be able to resist taking a long look. “How about this one?”
Even from the narrow screen on my phone, I can see Clea’s pixelated face pinching in disapproval. “That’s a bit low cut.”
I glance at the draped neckline, which plunges far steeper than my typical office attire. “A bit is putting it mildly. I’ll wear a demure bralette underneath.”
The creases on her forehead cut deeper, demanding my attention. “With lacy frills?”
“Is there another kind?” It’s like she doesn’t even know me.
“I’m not sure this is a good idea, Van.” The doubt grates from her voice louder than nails on a chalkboard.
I glare at Clea from where my cell is propped up. “You’re supposed to be supportive.”
“Within reason. I refuse to encourage a slaughter.”
The glass in front of me fogs when I release a sharp huff. “I won’t gouge him that bad.”
She expels her own disbelief with a scoff. “I’m talking about you getting in trouble, dummy.”
“Ouch,” I wince. “It’s too early for belittling. I haven’t finished my coffee yet. Give a girl the chance to defend herself. Speaking of, Mr. Winters is guaranteed to deliver plenty of punches this morning.”
“I don’t understand why he’s so rude,” she comments.
“Me either. I’ve been dissecting the possibilities for longer than he deserves.” I wrinkle my nose at that terrible truth.
“The man is seriously loaded. Maybe he should buy some manners.”
I smack my hands together. “He could definitely use some. I don’t get how anyone becomes that successful being a jerk.”
“He was born into a large fortune,” she reminds. Clea did her due diligence by Googling his name.
“Then he can afford to pay nice people to do his bidding. Why is he wasting time looking at properties?” Or insisting on making this deal difficult. Now more than ever, I find myself certain of being cursed. I still find myself wondering how it’s possible for him to be the client my job relies on. Karma has some explaining to do. Landon Winters is capable of ruining this for me, but I’m not going to let him.
“He’s probably bored and lonely.”
A gagging noise squeezes the back of my throat. “Ah, yes. Being a royal pain in my ass is very thrilling.”
She nods with enthusiasm. “Without question, Van. There’s no doubt he expects everyone to bend until they break. His entire staff must be shrinking violets. You fight back, which is probably sexy for a man used to getting whatever he wants.”
“Well, he’s in for a rude awakening. I’m not going to make this easy for him. He could’ve been decent and kind. Maybe learn to apologize. He thinks I’ll be a pawn after that horrific introduction?” I laugh at the mockery. “The idea is ludicrous.”
She’s quiet for a moment. “Uh, Van? It kinda seems you’re playing into his game.”
“No, I’m making the rules. He won’t understand what’s happening until it’s too late. This is my chance to get revenge.” I pound a fist against my open palm.
“I’m afraid to ask how.”
“By getting him to fall in love with me, of course.”
Her laughter borders on hysterical, tapering off as she realizes I’m not joining in the amusement. “You’re serious?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Clinking metal cuts into our conversation as she digs in her makeup kit. “This guy sounds like a tyrant.”
“Worse,” I correct.
“Yet you’re planning to meet him in thirty minutes?”
“It’s my job.”
“You’re not being forced into anything, which leads me to believe there’s more to the story.” Clea finishes applying her lipstick and blows a kiss at the camera. “Is this about how he treated you at Ashlee’s wedding?”
I blindly swat in her direction. “Talk about ancient history. I’ve moved on to more current events. He deserves a lesson on how to treat a lady.”
“And you’re the lucky gal to dole out this education?”
I whip out my own red gloss and pucker at the mirror. “It seems only fitting, since I’ve been conveniently dropped in his path. Another chance is unlikely. I’m not just going to idly sit by while he wreaks havoc on the female population. He shouldn’t get away with being a bully. Consider this a good deed for all women—or people in general—who’ve fallen into his trap.”
Deceit and revenge don’t come naturally to me. Snark and taking bold chances? Absolutely. It’s not my typical jam to find joy in lashing out at someone. If only that were enough to score me a slot on even ground with this ball-buster.
I’ve just entered a whole new league and necessary adjustments are required to remain competitive. There’s a thrill to be had when it comes to taunting Landon. Plotting against him is giving me sheer pleasure, if only to take the rude bastard down a notch or two.
“So, you’re representing everyone as a whole?” More monotone suspicion ricochets from her direction. It’s almost as though our connection is spotty. Or she’s not comprehending my conviction on purpose.
I stare at my reflection, watching as a slow grin tilts my ruby lips. “I’m acting on behalf of all those he’s done wrong.”
“How courageous of you.”
“Thanks, boo. Glad you’re seeing my vision.” I wink at her before stepping out of sight to put on my battle gear. This getup is sure to render him speechless.
Her sigh rattles from the speaker. “I wouldn’t go that far. There’s still hope for me talking you out of this mess.”
“Not possible.” I slide the slinky material over my head with an exaggerated moan. Nothing beats a little black dress. “What are my alternatives? Surrender the promotion without even trying? Not gonna happen.”
“Let Vince handle him.”
“That’s admitting defeat to my boss. I might as well raise a white flag and start packing my belongings.” I stride back to the mirror and inspect my handiwork. The desired effect shimmers at me. My already generous curves are highlighted by the clinging fabric.
Clea lets loose a wolf whistle. “Damn, girl. You look ready for a hot date.”
I do a little twirl for added impact. “Thanks for stroking my ego.”
She lifts a slim brow. “Is this worth your self-respect?”
“He doesn’t have the power to dull my sparkle.”
“That fluffy crap is Presley’s influence. You’re talking to a realist, Van.”
“I’ll be fine. Promise.” I add the vow to appease her.
Clea’s bouncy curls fling in wild disarray as she disagrees. “I don’t think poking the bear is a great idea. His bite is probably deadly.”
That gets me thinking about his pearly whites, which leads to the rest of his face. That chiseled bone structure is the type of perfection any sculptor would weep over. Those excellent genetics he’s been graced with only feed his ego further.
I had almost—emphasis on almost—forgotten how attractive he is. Mere moments in his presence offer a stronger shot of lust than my filthiest romance novels. His molten stare threatened to incinerate me while I shamelessly begged for more heat. Being in direct contact would most likely cause spontaneous orgasms. He’s far too handsome to be such a dick. What a waste.
“Or the guy is completely harmless,” I counter. “Landon Winters is a challenge. Like my fucking Everest, or something even more lethal.”
Clea purses her painted lips. “Don’t hurt yourself, Van.”
I snatch my phone from its cradle. “What’s the worst he can do?”
Her eyes widen. “You should never ask that.”
“I’m already cursed. It’s not like he can cause permanent damage.” A hollow sound escapes me as I glare at the floor. “I wasn’t properly prepared yesterday. He appeared out of nowhere. Now? I’ll be wearing my boss bitch face.”
“With an outfit to match,” she mutters.
She earns a wag of my eyebrows. “I’m glad you see it that way.”
Clea laughs at my antics. “I was being sarcastic.”
“Which I’m choosing to ignore.”
Her humor sobers, melting into a frown. “Vannah, I’m worried that you’re not taking this seriously.”
I pin my narrow stare on her. “I couldn’t be more serious if I tried.”
“Are you positive this devious ploy is the most appropriate plan of action?” It’s becoming quite obvious that Clea isn’t up to the task of blindly rallying behind any decision I choose to make.