I met a man in Vegas. Excuse me.I wona man in Vegas.
I got drunk with said man.
I fucked said man.
And now, as the universe would have it, I am married to that man.
And to double ice the cake, he doesn’t want a divorce.
He is actually proposing that we STAY married!
Some cake.
Some life.
While the thoughts swirl around in my head like cows caught in a tornado in Nebraska, Callum is pacing casually. His words, which I haven’t really managed to process for at least two solid minutes as my life falls apart before my eyes, are just as chill.
“We can see this as a problem, or we can use it to our advantage.”
“I’m sorry,” I cut in. “But how could there be an advantage to this? No disrespect, but how is it going to look if the company finds out you married a new hire? Even if they know nothing about Vegas and all that? It can’t possibly look good, can it?”
“That’s the thing,” Callum takes in a breath. “I have a proposition for you. But this information stays in this room.”
“You mean like what happens in–”
“Don’t finish that sentence.” He cuts me off and I bite back a smile.
I guess he’s not in a joking mood.
“Alright, I’m listening. If it means I get to work here, I’m listening.”
“I’m sure you’ve heard of Hiram Hardin.”
“The owner of Hardin Records, yes. Believe it or not, I have done my homework.”
Callum clenches his jaw, sending a jolt of excitement through me, and then he goes on. “He’s my father. Currently the top tier in the triangular shaped hierarchy that is Hardin Records.”
“And below him is you and your brother.”
“Twin brother.”
Fuck. I knew that too. But I didn’t put much thought into it. Because Hiram is the CEO, I didn’t actually put much energy into research on the Hardin twins.
“So, Hiram, your dad, is the kingpin,” I repeat just so he knows I am paying attention, not that I know why any of this is relevant to my prenuptials.
“For now. But that’s about to change. He’s looking to pass the title down, and with that comes the weight of the Hardin name in its entirety.”
“To you and Avery, yes.”
“To me OR Avery.” Hardin corrects me and I narrow my eyes.
“Wait. You mean only one of you will be CEO?”
“CEO…president…probably owner of his estate too once he passes. Not that I care too much about that.”
I shake my head in desperate need of backpedaling. “But why would he only pass that to one of you? You’re twins.”
“Trust me. We have had this conversation with him. But it is what it is and for now, we have to play the game.”
