This is completely hypocritical and not at all fair since I’m the one who ran. But humans don’t have emotions that are always logical. That’s one of my many takeaways from my self-healing. And at this precise millisecond, I’m hurt, enraged, scorned.
After all this time, he’s here to make an offer? So, that hug was, what, a taste of what we had been to remind me of what I had given up?
What in the ever-loving hell?
I plop down on the chair across from him. “You should have said so to begin with. What doesAxelneed?”
“We’ve recently acquired another hospitality empire with properties worldwide. The previous owner conducted some heinous practices. We need to clean it up, ensure we aren’t in any way liable for past ventures, and handle any criminal issues with discretion.”
My head slants as I arch an eyebrow. “The Noires want to clean up an unethical hospitality empire?”
“Yes.”
Not only is this the last thing I expected him to bring to me, but the entire concept is baffling. I love the Noire family, and La Lune Noire is one of my favorite places, but none of them, not the individuals or the resort, have any sort of moral compass.
“I’m fearful of what that would entail since …” There is no point in spelling out my insinuations. “What do you need from me?”
“Legal counsel.”
“Ryker, please tell me you didn’t really come all this way for that. You have access to countless lawyers. And my bar status isn’t even active. I didn’t do anything necessary to keep it up, no formal letters or education. I can’t.”
He bats that away. “I did it.”
“Did what?” I ask, feeling like I’m experiencing a head rush. And not the kind I was hoping for. Although the prospect of being a lawyer again is tempting.
“Kept everything active for your bar status.”
“How? Why?” I stammer.
“I handled it.” His face remains impassive, as if this news isn’t life-altering. “It’s always good to have people to call, in case we need them.”
That has a nervous laugh flying out of me. “Well, too bad you’re on the wrong side of the law. I went into criminal law—”
“I already told you, this is to clean up a business. You’d be helping shut down places that had human trafficking cells. I’d say that’s exactly what you went to school for. And the salary will make things”—he glances around—“easier.”
“What’s the salary?” I’m not sure why I asked. I know this is a trap.
But human trafficking? There would still probably be some compromising situations to maneuver through, concerning what the Noires deem ethical. But I could put my foot down about involvement in those. This would be good. I’d be making a difference. I’d have money again. And be in New Orleans.
No. I will not be lured. This is such a bad idea. For all the reasons previously stated.
“Two hundred fifty thousand, plus benefits and a healthy bonus structure.”
Or a phenomenal one.
My head is about to explode. “I, uh … I’ll have to think about it.”
“Of course.” A winning smile tugs at his lips. “There are a few conditions we should discuss too.”
RYKER
“Conditions? What kind of conditions? Like noncompete clauses, confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and such?”
She knows her shit. Years away, and she doesn’t miss a beat. I suspect she’s hungrier for it than she even admits to herself. Her apartment is barren—no pictures, nothing personal, no mark of my girl, other than a bin with some of Jett’s toys. She’s obviously prepared to vanish if necessary. For someone who once dreamed of having it all—a cozy house with a wraparound porch and kids running in the backyard when she came home from the career she loved—I can’t believe she’d want to stay here. Not if I remind her of those dreams.
Hiding any sign of excitement that I think she’s salivating over this, I maintain an all-business air. “There will, of course, be all of that, but that’s not what I was referring to. These aren’t typical conditions of employment, but they are stipulations you will need to adhere to if you want the position.”
“Fine.” She blows out a heavy breath. “This sounds interesting. Lay them on me.”
