‘A man, even one who’s only a genetic contribution, telling you he wants to keep the baby you’re pregnant with, is not the same as a man forcing you to have that baby. That’s an adult, having a discussion and accepting responsibility for his actions.’ Markus leaned forward in his chair. ‘Sugar, I might not know Maverick Hunt well, but I only had to meet you once to know who the problem was in that relationship.’
Before she could throw her wine in his face, as he could tell she was sorely tempted to, he continued. ‘We’re going to keep this professional. The fact that we don’t like each other isn’t going to affect the shoot. But I’m going to make you three promises, just in case.’ He held up his first finger like a teacher lecturing a child. ‘If you harass Nina Keller while you’re here, I will spread filthy, filthy lies about you to all my industry contacts. She’s my ride-or-die, and you’re just an ugly person with a pretty face that I’m paying for.’ She gasped. ‘Two, if you upset that kid, I will photoshop fifteen pounds onto every shot you’re in.’ She outright paled at that. ‘Three, if you behave and give me good work without upsetting my family, I’ll give you a few more years. I’ll help you network. I’ll tell everyone what a pleasure you were to work with. If it doesn’t stick, it’ll at least give you another four or five years to float until you can land a rich husband dumb enough to put up with your bullshit.’
She took her time thinking it through.
‘Come on, honey. We both know the only reason you’re sniffing around Nina is because those twenty-year-olds are snapping at your heels and you’re hoping to get lucky with a second career when modelling drops you flat.’ He pushed. ‘The only way you stay relevant at your age is if you’re too famous to drop – and I can help you bridge that gap.’
She didn’t deny it. ‘I’ve worked really hard. You might not understand, and I’m not asking you to, but I gave up a really good life because I wanted my career more. And it wasn’t easy.’ Markus, oddly, thought she might have been genuine. ‘Walking away from Poppy was the second most difficult thing I’ve ever done. But building a successful modelling career was harder.’ She tipped her head haughtily. ‘And, yes, you’re right. I can feel it dying.’
He stuck out one hand. ‘So?’
She took it. ‘Make me shine.’
Markus nodded. ‘Keep those claws retracted.’
She pushed back from the table and started for the door, one foot perfectly in front of the other in an unconscious runway walk, her child seemingly forgotten.
She paused before exiting, asked, ‘When Mav said, “My girls,” was he talking about Nina Keller?’
‘They’re a thing,’ he said. ‘A good thing. Don’t fuck with it.’
She nodded and walked away, not even bothering to stop and say hi to Sierra, who leaned against the wall, silently listening.
They remained quiet until the door slapped shut.
Sierra came to him. She nabbed his wine glass from his hand and took a huge gulp. ‘Will you marry me?’
Markus laughed. ‘Honey, if we didn’t bat for the same team, I’d cart you off to Vegas tomorrow.’
She sighed. ‘Drat.’ She sat in the chair next to him.
‘People like that only cooperate when the terms and conditions are in their favour.’ He sighed. ‘Besides, if modelling does drop her flat, who do you think she’s gonna tap sympathy dollars from first?’
‘Ugh.’ She plonked her forehead on the table, muttered, ‘I know.’ She took a deep breath and then raised her eyes back to his. ‘I try really hard not to hate her – Shannon. But I can still hate that you’re right.’ She looked at the dinner table, half-eaten plates of food forgotten. ‘Where did the others go?’
Markus rubbed his hands together for dramatic effect. ‘So, check this. The doorbell rings, and Maverick goes to get it. Poppy immediately recognizes Shannon’s voice and starts tearing up.’
‘Poor kid.’
He held up one hand. ‘Wait for it. My girl sees the tears, scoops the kid out of her chair, and just abandons the front line!’
‘No … Really?’
‘She left me alone to deal with Cruella! My best friend. Abandoned me like yesterday’s socks.’ Markus nodded. ‘God only knows why I’m so thrilled about it.’
‘Nina took Poppy away from Shannon?’ Sierra asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
‘Shannon wasn’t in the room yet. But yeah … Justpoof.’
‘Shit.’
‘It’s love.’ He shook his head, thought,About damn time. But knowing it didn’t stop the worry.
‘Do you think she’ll stick?’
Markus didn’t want to give his doubts room to grow. But he felt he had to warn her. ‘She struggles with people. She doesn’t trust easily.’ He laughed tiredly. ‘Hell, the only reason she kept me was because I refused to budge. And if Maverick knows what’s good for him, he’ll refuse to budge too.’
‘Yeah, that’s what worries me.’
