Page 46 of Illicit Games

A negotiation is happening.

Curious what Kinetic Securities is investing in, I sneak a glance at Kian’s file. The brand’s logo gives me pause and I blink to ensure I’m reading it correctly.

Sole Symphony.

It’s one of the country’s top luxury women’s footwear brands.

Why would Kian be…

“There’s only one term left to discuss,” says the woman, glancing at Kian. “The brand ambassador. You asked for someone specifically.”

“Yes,” he answers in a commanding voice. “Miss Iris Mannan here will be the ambassador for the launch of the new line.”

If I wasn’t sitting, I’d be falling on my ass right now.

I told him not to do anything about the shoplifting incident, to which he agreed.

Less than a day later, he’s buying their biggest competitor.

I haven’t even processed the news when he twists his chair in my direction, and asks, “Do you want to add anything, Iris?”

Fuck me sideways.

Is this for real?

I am too stunned to say anything, as though I swallowed my tongue. The entire table’s attention is on me.

“Give us a moment,” he orders others everyone without lifting his eyes off me.

They all file out.

Drawing the blinds for privacy, he tugs my chair closer to his. Trapping my legs between his, he skims his hands up my thighs. “Did you not like the surprise?”

“I didn’t think you’d buy an entire company when you said you were gonna get me a new pair of heels,” I cry out.

“One wouldn’t have been enough.”

“You’re insane.”

“For spoiling my woman?” he teases, husky and sweet. “I’ve barely begun.”

“I know nothing about being an ambassador. Don’t they need to be a celebrity?” I sigh. “I’m a nobody.”

“No.” He grabs my chin, looking at me sternly. “Don’t ever call yourself a nobody. You have no idea how gorgeous you are, Rainbow. They’ll be lucky to have you as the face of their brand. Be confident.”

“This is all so surreal.” Bewildered, I ask, “How did you even make this happen?”

“I asked my team to put together a proposal yesterday and make an offer.”

“They said yes that easily?”

“It was a generous offer.”

“How much?” I keep my tone casual.

His gaze narrows. “Nice try.”

Tracing his knuckles, I softly mention, “This is your hard-earned money you’re spending, love. I appreciate you wanting to spoil me. But I’ll be just as happy if you gift me a single pair.”