Page 48 of Captive Audience

“Can you have your driver detour to my building? I need my recording equipment, my laptop, my?—”

I waved my hand. “It’s already taken care of.”

She frowned. “What does that mean?”

“It means everything you need is waiting for you at my apartment. Clothes, personal items, those leafy houseplants you seem oddly attached to.”

Her jaw dropped. “You moved me in while I was in jail?”

“Don’t fret. I told my men to be careful and not break anything.”

Asha’s hands clenched in her lap. “I never gave permission for your ogres to go through my stuff. That’s a gross invasion of privacy.”

“We’re a little past that, don’t you think?”

She rubbed her temples. “How am I supposed to work with someone like you?”

“I’ll make it worth your while. All your expenses will be covered, and I’ll pay you twenty-five grand a week.”

She blinked. “I’m sorry, I must’ve misheard you. I could’ve sworn you just said you’ll pay me twenty-five thousand dollars a week.”

“I did. Problem?”

“Yeah.” She snorted. “I’m totally worth more.”

“Then make it fifty.”

Asha gawked. “Are you high?”

“If there’s a figure you want, spit it out.”

“How richareyou?”

“The type of rich that buys the whole store instead of checking a price tag.”

“In that case, I want a hundred grand a week.”

“Done.”

“I thought you didn’t negotiate?”

“I’m making an exception for you. I thought you didn’t want my blood money?”

“I don’t. I’ll donate it to a charity for victims of violent crime.”

I shrugged. “Your choice.”

Her gaze dropped to the ring again. “I’ve agreed to your deal. Will you take this thing off now?”

“Not a chance.” My mouth tugged down. “Will you please stop trying to tear it off your lovely finger? I hate that you’re hurting yourself like that.”

One fingertip traced the large emerald. “Is it real?”

“Of course.”

“You’re insane.”

“Do you like it?”