Page 45 of Empire State Enemies

A night to cut loose, to feel more like a woman—or even just a human—might actually do me some good. It’s been ages sinceI was properly laid. What harm could there be in seeing if Brad can help scratch that itch?

“Conference room, now!” Vicky’s shrill voice slices through the office. She snaps her fingers at us.

Kayla and I shoot each other anOh boy, here we goglance and hurry into the meeting, sliding into our chairs.

Vicky paces at the head of the table, heels striking the floor like she’s summoning a demon—or becoming one.

“Listen up,” she barks. “In case your over-caffeinated and under-worked brains haven’t picked up on it from the blast across social media, the Madisons’ good name is tanking because of Willow’s drama. How we navigate this PR nightmare in the next few days is critical.”

She slams her hands down on the table, making the plant on it jump. “Operation ‘Make Connor and Willow America’s Sweethearts’ starts now. Forget your social life. Friends, family, pets, sex—consider them all dead.”

“So, Connor liked Lexi’s idea to portray him as a slimeball,” Brooke says tightly.

Vicky whips to me. “You still have a job because Quinn didn’t lose his shit. Pull a stunt like that again, and you’re out. But good job.”

I nod like my life depends on it. “Understood.”

She resumes pacing. “Brooke, update on Willow’s public apology?”

“Draft’s ready, just needs the legal green light,” Brooke answers without missing a beat, her eyes glued to her MacBook. “We’re setting up more press as we speak.”

“Good.” Vicky nods. “Willow will have wings and a fucking halo by the time we’re done. Saint Willow, Savior of Horny Billionaires.”

“Think he’ll keep it in his pants?” Brooke asks wryly.

Vicky lets out a derisive snort. “Fat chance. Let’s just hope he’s discreet about it.”

Brooke’s brows lift. “I wouldn’t like to be the person who recorded the audio. Quinn’s not a guy you want to mess with.”

My throat tightens.

Vicky barks out orders as we frantically scribble notes on Operation Redeem Willow. For once, I pray my role is limited to admin and coffee runs.

“We spin this as the greatest love story sinceTwilight. Sweet, innocent deer meets dark, mysterious wolf. An irresistible love.”

Clearly, Vicky hasn’t readTwilight.

Spin, spin, spin. We’re human centrifuges.

Vicky’s focus lands on me. “Lexi, you’ll interview Connor first thing tomorrow.”

Excuse me? This has to be a joke.

If Willow’s the deer and Connor’s the wolf, what does that make me? The sly fox about to lose her tail.

“Me?” I choke out.

Vicky’s brow arches. “Is there another Lexi I’m unaware of on my payroll? He asked for you specifically. Brooke said he knows your cousin?”

This has bad news written all over it.

She side-eyes me but shrugs. “Maybe he wants to sleep with you.” Then she has the audacity to laugh and add, “Odd, but hey, stranger things have happened. Let’s roll with it. Hell, do a threesome with the cousin if that sweetens the deal any.”

I’m too busy panicking to be offended.

Vicky clicks her tongue in annoyance. “Honestly, Lexi, close that gaping mouth. Rise to the challenge.”

I clamp my jaw shut, force a thumbs-up. The universe really has it out for me. “You got it, boss! I’ll handle it.”