“I'd do just about anything if I could fuck you, Ella. I'd even endure this abomination if it would please you. You've convinced me I probably should, but it would take more.”
I couldn't believe the nerve! He was the client, for one. Two, it was ridiculous! It wasnotthe first time a client had come onto me. However, he was certainly the most handsome and eligible yet.
He wantedme.I'd be lying if I said I wasn't flattered. He was delightfully older, fabulously wealthy, famous, had a jaw that could cut glass, and wasfit. And he wantedme.
Sadly, curious and flattered as I was, I never trusted men to follow through on promises and knew that the minute he had me, he'd have won. I wasn't about to give him that satisfaction so he could run off. I'd be without my prideandmy bonus. No apartment, no peace, no pay rise.
“I won't,” I said.
His eyes dropped. “I probably shouldn't say that. I'm pissed and cross with my cousin. I shouldn't have.”
“No, you shouldn’t have.”
I got up, leaving for the kitchen. He’d crossed about fifteen lines. I left my phone on the counter and scrolled it nervously, about to text Monique an SOS.What the hell did I do?
A text greeted me from Jax.
Jax
We really need to move forward on this. The director just messaged me again. I need an update.
Texting me on a holiday was so on brand!
Frustrated and without answers, I replied, trying to buy time.
Me
He’s being difficult. I think I am close.
Jax
Do whatever you need to make this work. I need you to deliver, Eloise.
Annoyed, I stepped into a bathroom off the butler’s pantry and ran water. I dialed. If she abused my time, I would abuse hers. Shaking, I waited for an answer.
“Yes?” Jax said, annoyed.
“What is the game here? You’ve sent me away to be here and babysit him. I did. I produced results. I cannot force a grown man to do this movie.”
“His mother wants this. She needs this.”
“Why? There are many ways I could rehab his image without?—”
“Do I need to explain to you who his mother is? And that she would like to retire. People need tolovehim. Your principal’s future is on the line. If she agrees this is helpful, it will be done. Do not make me think you’re incapable of doing it.”
I set my jaw. “At what cost? Forcing Duncan only makes him act out, yes?”
“So, what you are saying is that you don’t know how to lead clients to the right answer? You aren’t truly a fixer if you cannot deliver on convincing them.”
How did I explain to her that the only way to get him to convert was for him to convert onme?
“Jax, he seems to be altogether too interested inmyapproval. It makes me uncomfortable?—”
“So, he has a crush?” That thoughtdelightedthis bitch! “Use it.”
Use it?
“In my assessment and Abi’s, he is approval driven. He has mummy issues. So, if he wants you to play mummy and approve, let him feel that.”
