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Her eyes widened eagerly. “Yes?”

“I could really use some pants. These wet trunks are freezing my dick off.”

The intense mood shattered. Stomping my way, her fist clocked me solidly in the shoulder. “Asshole.”

Rubbing my arm, I grinned. “I was really working you up there, wasn't I?”

“For a waste-of-space playboy, you give pretty good speeches.”

Smiling, I dropped into the chair behind my desk. “At least I can do something right around here.” The way I said that had her eyeing me with too much sympathy for my comfort. Putting my bare feet up, I pointed at the door. “I'm serious. Get me some pants.”

Violet considered me for a long minute. “Do you want to come with me when I pick her up at LAX tomorrow?”

“You think I'm that eager to get my hands on her, huh?”

“The way you phrased that makes it sound dirty.”

Chuckling, I slid deeper in the chair. “Don't get the wrong idea, I'm not looking for a piece of ass. Amina's going to put money in our pockets, get me back on top. I'm not going to mess that up by screwing around with her.”

“Where was this logic when you were fucking every other girl on our roster?”

It wasn't the first time she'd complained about my hook-up habits. When my father ran things and I didn't have to play at being the boss, I'd probably slept with eighty percent of the female talent. It rarely went well. Turns out people would rather dateBach Devine,rich son of a music legend, than join his one-night-stand club.

Violet hovered by the door. “You really mean it, you won't sleep with her and mess everything up this time?” My expression darkened—she winced. “Sorry, that came out wrong. I just want you to finally follow through with something.”

“You really can't let me live down my mistakes, huh?” Lifting my hand, I shook my head. “I promise I'll try my best to stay out of Amina's bed.”

“You'lltry?That's supposed to be comforting?”

“What would be comforting would be some damn dry pants.”

“Right, sorry!” Taking an exaggerated bow, she stepped into the hall. “It's good to hear that you won't mix business and pleasure. That's all—hey!”

I'd chucked a pen at her; it bounced off the door frame, sending her running. I scrubbed a palm down my face. Did shehaveto act like the condescending older sister I never had?

It's like she thinks I'll jump this girl's bones the second I see her.

I would never risk this company for a woman. It was insulting to imply it. Except, that wasn't what was bothering me. What was really buzzing around in my skull was what she'd said earlier.

I remind her of my father?

It was a compliment I didn't fucking deserve.

My dad had been kind, talented, and compassionate. A man worth loving.

I was nothing like him.

And I never would be.