“Let’s get started,” I say. “I require Ms. Carter’s exclusive services for the foreseeable future.”
Holston mumbles something that sounds like him wanting to discuss the term exclusive. But since he isn’t stupid, he doesn’t press it or repeat himself.
“I require full availability and access,” I clarify, watching Raven from the corner of my eye. “I have a project that requires her particular… talents.”
“No.”
I’m not surprised she’s disagreeing with me. A grin tugs at the corners of my mouth. “Problem, Ms. Carter?”
She shakes her head. “No problem at all, Mr. Russo. Not as long as you understand that won’t be happening.”
“What kind of project?” Holston interjects, leaning forward.
Ignoring her boss, I turn to her slowly, letting my prosthetic eye catch the light. People always flinch when they notice the slight difference, the way it doesn’t track quite right. She doesn’t flinch, just holds my gaze.
“What makes you think this is a negotiation, Ms. Carter?”
She shrugs. “I don’t think that’s what this is at all, Mr. Russo.” Her gaze sweeps to her boss, but if she’s looking for backup, she gets none from him. Instead, he pretends not to see her. “I work on multiple accounts, and I’m not willing to give those up. So while I’m happy to help you, I can’t agree to exclusivity.”
My eyes narrow at her words. It sounds an awful lot like a double entendre.
“Get out,” I say coldly, not looking away from her. Pressing her lips together, she makes to stand, halting her movements when I shake my head. “Not you. Holston.”
I don’t need to look at the man to know he isn’t happy to be disrespected like this in front of an employee. But since his happiness has never been my concern, I don’t care.
“Wait a minute, Matteo,” he argues. “You can’t just—”
“Get. Out.” I repeat through clenched teeth.
Knowing what’s good for him, Holston gets up and leaves the room. I’m still holding Raven’s gaze, so I don’t know if he looks back or not.
As soon as the door’s closed behind him, I lean close enough for my breath to fan across her cheek. “What game are you playing, Little Thief?” I murmur.
She straightens. “No game,” she whispers. “You never told me I couldn’t do other work. And… umm, I like my clients. The newest one asked for me specifically. And I liked the work they needed done. So I didn’t see a reason not to—”
“Stop talking,” I interrupt. To my surprise, she seems grateful rather than annoyed that I cut through her babbling. “Let me see the contract.”
“No,” she says, shaking her head. “I signed an NDA as part of my agreement with North Coast Effects. I’m not showing you anything.”
I take my time studying her. If I’m honest, I like that she said no. It proves she’s capable of being loyal. I place my hand on her knee and squeeze. She stiffens slightly but only for a moment. Then she relaxes and I feel her legs falling open.
“Okay,” I agree.
“Okay?” she questions.
I nod. “As long as you make yourself available when I need you, you can continue your work here.”
“Thank you,” she breathes. Then it’s as though she catches herself and straightens her spine. “I mean, of course I can. This is my livelihood and career, Matteo. No matter what you think I owe you, this isn’t part of the deal.”
I squeeze her knee harder and tilt my head to the side. “No,” I agree. “Not as long as it doesn’t interfere with what I want from you.”
Her jaw tightens, a muscle flickering beneath the smooth skin. “And what exactly is it that you need, Mr. Russo?”
I grin widely. “To be my girlfriend, of course. I’ve already told you that.”
Raven shifts in her chair, crossing her legs. The movement draws my eye momentarily. “I’d like to review the scope of work,” she states primly.
I place my hand over hers, trapping it against the table. Her skin is warm, pulse jumping beneath my thumb. “We’ll discuss the specifics over dinner tonight,” I tell her. “Eight o’clock.”
