“Right. Well then, I’ll leave you to it,” Holden mutters before he leaves, but the echo of his chuckle tells me he’s not actually upset.
“Hi.” The word comes out sounding breathy, and I want to kick myself. When did I turn into a simpering mess around this guy? Probably right around the time he decided to pull his head out of his ass and bring his A game to the party.
“Hi.” His lips turn up in a little smile as he backs me up against the wall. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?” he asks as my back hits the wall, his body pressing into mine.
I shake my head. “No, you didn't say much at all. You were too busy arguing with Thomas about our date. Who won?”
His smile disappears, the growl that escapes his mouth telling me the answer. “I’d love to have a stay-at-home date with you in the conservatory,” I tell him, and the frown smooths out. “I’d be happy to have a picnic in my pajamas if it meant I was getting to spend time with you.” In my head, I was saying it to appease his ego, but as the words actually come out, I realize it’s the truth. I really don't care where we are or what we do. Spending time together is what counts, and I want that. I honestly want to spend time with Declan.
His smile returns. “A picnic in your pajamas? Does that mean we’ll be in your bed as well? Because I won’t say no to that.” Before I can answer, he swoops down and kisses me.
Unlike all the kisses we’ve had just recently, this one is full of fire and a promise of something more. A tantalizing taste of what sex with Declan would be like. A raw carnality that I’ve never experienced before is creating an ache deep within me. There’s no gentle caress, no whisper of heat, just a fierce dance, savage and raw and all consuming. My body becomes pliant against his, and his mouth curves up under mine.
He pulls away, and I chase after his mouth, throwing away any pride I might have clung to. Damn the arrogant man. Both our chests are heaving, and my panties are damp. I was on the brink of an orgasm from rubbing against his thigh, and now I’m feeling pathetically cranky.
“Damn it, I want to bend you over Holden’s desk and see how your pussy feels around my cock.” His dirty words have me moaning quietly. “But I also want to prove to you that this isn’t just about sex, so I’m going to back away and let you go to your meeting with my brother.”
He does as he says, but I can’t miss it when he stops to adjust the thick length that’s pushing against his pants. He winces, and I almost do the same in sympathy. That cannot be comfortable. “I’m just going to sit at Holden’s desk for a moment before leaving. I don't like the way Missy looks at me... makes me feel like I’m a gazelle and she’s a starving lioness.” I straighten out my clothes and smooth back the flyaway bits of my hair, ignoring the urge that says I should go out there and establish some kind of old-school safari dominance in the form of hair pulling and a chokehold. I’m pretty sure I’ve got the worst of the urges under control, but I can’t stop the claws from peeking out.
“From what I can see, she’s not a particularly fussy lioness. In fact, she seems like a thirsty bitch to me. Unless she’s got some tic that makes her flutter her eyelashes at all the pretty men.”
“You think I’m pretty?” The question is meant to be teasing, but the man is so smug that I know he needs a little ego control.
“Yeah, but I also think the band is pretty too, so maybe I’m not the best judge either.” His cockiness drops as I wave goodbye and walk out with the last word. Of course, I don’t tell him that I’m currently too happy with him and his brothers to truly look anywhere else. I’ll let him stew on it for a little while, arrogant asshole.
I’m smiling when I walk back into the conference room. The tension is high, and I can tell that Giselle has been kicking up a fuss despite the new guests to her tantrum.
“How come they got a private meeting but we didn't?” She points at me. “She said we would get our turn.” Holden and Hope look at me, and I shrug.
“I lied. The three of you made it very clear where you stand on the situation.” I move around the table and take my seat next to Hope and Holden, no longer feeling like I should sit out. Although I know this business isn't for me, I am super happy that I can give my input and support my family in any capacity they require, even ways they weren’t expecting.
“Okay, this is what’s going to happen. Sharon here is drawing up the contract as we speak.” Holden points to the older lady in the room who has a laptop sitting in front of her. Cash and Giselle look excited, which honestly almost makes me laugh. They are going to be shocked when they discover what the contract is for. “But first, we’ll have you all sign a non-disclosure form before we go any further.” A young man, who I’m assuming is Sharon's assistant, hands forms to all of the band members, the lawyer, and Giselle.
I’m shocked that they all sign the form without even questioning what’s in it, though Hope and Holden are pleased. I guess they’re pretty common when you work in the entertainment industry
“Okay then,” Holden continues once they've all finished. “Cash, you are getting what you want. As of today, you will no longer be a member of Ninja Starfish, and according to the original contract you signed, you have no rights to any of the band’s lyrics or music since you were not involved in writing any of it. I’m sorry that you weren’t happy, and we wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
The room is quiet as everyone digests what Holden just said. I watch Cash carefully as he takes in everything, waiting for the moment he finally realizes what just happened. His mouth drops open in shock, and he turns to Giselle. “You said—” He breaks off as she shushes him.
“I will be taking on the role of Cash’s manager as well as managing Ninja Starfish, and we’d like to negotiate for a solo contract for him,” she states confidently even though the shadow in her eyes tells us she’s worried. Good, she should be.
Holden snorts, but this time it’s not from amusement. “Actually no, you’re fired. Effective immediately. There is a no-fraternization clause in your contract, and you well and truly broke that. Not to mention even if there wasn't, I wouldn’t trust you as far as I could throw you. You’ve proven to be sly and manipulative—not someone we want working for Neighpalm. You tried to play with the sharks, but you’re just a guppy out of your depth.”
It’s her turn for her mouth to drop open. I really don't think she considered she would be fired. She blinks a couple of times before looking at the lawyer. He’s been reading over the already signed non-disclosure contract, but what’s the saying? No point closing the barn door once the horse has already left the stable. Something like that anyway. She stammers, “You-you can’t do that.”
“You bet I can,” Holden replies.
“I’ll destroy you in the media,” she threatens, but Holden only points at the form in the lawyer’s hand.
“Maybe you could have tried, but you signed the form. Anything that is said to the media from here on out will be considered breaking this contract, and wewillsue you. Think about whether it’s worth it.”
She stands up and slams her hands down on the table. “It doesn’t matter. I've got other companies that have shown interest in Cash. We’ll get him a contract somewhere else.” She’s angry now, and there’s no missing the vindictive glint in her eyes. “I’ll also go to the media and tell them all about what goes on in the inner workings of Ninja Starfish. I think they would be interested to know what the boys get up to in their private lives.”
The lawyer clears his throat, and the flush to his cheeks tells me he’s come to the realization that they signed away all their rights without even reading them. “Yeah, no, that’s covered too. It says here that you signed one when you became their manager, so anything you say will be liable as well.”
Her face pales as the reality of the situation finally hits her, and she looks at Cash. “Come on, let’s get out of here. I’m going to reach out to my other contacts. We’ll be fine.” But when they all start to leave, Cash looks back, eyes narrowed at his ex-bandmates.
“You’ll pay for this,” he threatens before he disappears.
