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“So, you’ll take the case.” Vivienne looks like the cat that got the cream, a gigantic smile shaping her lips, and it’s not a question; it’s a presumption.
“Like I said, we’ll be in touch.”
Her honeyed reply sounds like it’s laced with poison; it’s unsettling. “You won’t regret this. Thank you, Nathan.”
I would regret it, and that’s why I will not represent her.
Vivienne pushes her designer purse up over her shoulder and walks to the door at the same time as I do so I can see her out.
“I saw your name on the list for The Connecting Kids Ball,” she purrs, the saccharine tone making my skin crawl.
I nod, not confirming or denying my attendance.
“If you don’t have a date, would you like to come with me?” she asks, eagerness written all over her face. She twirls a lock of blonde hair around her finger, looking nothing like the heartbroken widow she said she was when she entered the room.
Even the sound of her voice sends chills up my spine. I’d rather eat glass than go out on a date with Vivienne. The night I slept with her, I’d had a bad day in court and lost my case. I wasn’t thinking straight.
It was a long time ago but the regret I have still lives on.
I ignore Vivienne’s question as Arianna makes her way around the boardroom table.
“I’ll see you out, Mrs. Cavendish,” Arianna informs Vivienne, surprising me as I’d planned to do that.
Arianna elegantly wafts past, and at the same time Vivienne shamelessly asks me again, “I’m assuming you don’t have a date, so what time will you pick me up next Friday?”
“I’m his date.” Arianna jumps in, sounding strong, confidence bouncing off her, making my brain glitch.
What?
But also, hell yes.
I school my emotions, hiding my surprise at Arianna’s outburst.
“Sorry, Vivienne,” I say, not sounding one bit apologetic but smug as fuck. “I already have a date.”
Vivienne looks Arianna up and down, flaring her nostrils as if envious that she’s not as naturally gorgeous as my enchanting secretary.
“This way, Mrs. Cavendish.” Arianna ignores Vivienne’s death glare, sounding every bit professional, and she side-eyes me sheepishly before urging Vivienne to follow her to the elevator.
Did Arianna not like the thought of me going to the ball with another woman? Is my little siren jealous? Fuck, I think she might be.
“Have a good day, Vivienne.” I wish her well. I hope she gets everything she deserves. A prison sentence, preferably.
“See you at the ball,” she replies with a flirty finger wave.
I hope not.
I pull a fake smile then turn my back on her, ending the meeting, and my shoulders drop with relief when she leaves.
Gathering up my notes off the boardroom table, I wait for Arianna to return.
If she’s coming to the ball with me, I’ll make sure it’s a night she never forgets.
“That was a good initial consultation.” Her sweet voice, which I’ve become addicted to, fills the room.
“It was.” I straighten up, pushing my shoulders back, and stare at her intensely. Her big beautiful eyes are my undoing. If only she knew how much I crave her and how much I want to take care of her, she might change her mind and let me into her life.
She has no idea the effect she has on me and how much I like a challenge, but she can only resist me for so long, and I guarantee she’ll be begging me to take her home after the ball.