Page 49 of Morally Black Betrothal

For a moment, I imagined picking her up and setting her on this table just to feel the wrap of her legs around my waist again. Just to remind her why she was, in fact, the best candidate for the job.

Or the worst.

Christ.

“Don’t worry.” I pulled my gaze back to meet hers. “This might shock you, but I don’t need a girlfriend; I’m already married to my job. I need someone to look pretty, make investors happy, and get me the title I’ve been preparing for since I entered this world. You’re smart, honest, and you obviously work hard. Can’t think of better qualities than that for a prospective employee.”

She stared at me for a long time. And I stared right back. I recognized this game of owl for what it was. I’d played it time and time again through too many other acquisitions and deals.

It was a test, and I couldn’t look away first.

I won, like always.

Simone unwound the apron from her waist, then hung it on a hook on a nearby rack stacked with pots and pans, giving me an irritatingly distracting view of her ass.

Even in loose jeans, it was a nice view.

Maybe I needed to make “no jeans” a part of the wardrobe requirements of the job.

When she turned back, she looked slightly mortified. “Is it because you…want to…sleep with me?”

“Absolutely not.” The partial lie tasted like poison.

Was it my imagination, or did she look a little disappointed too? “Then why me, exactly? And don’t say it’s because I have work ethic, or whatever. You don’t really know that. You barely know me at all.”

“I know enough.” I folded my hands on the table. “It’s simple. Because you’re good.”

“Because I’mgood? What does that even mean?”

“Well, for one, you knew more about my father and family’s condition than any person in that hospital, you could have made a tidy profit leaking it to the press or extorting me in return for an NDA, but you didn’t. In other words, you have integrity, Simone. So, I know that if you decide to do this, you’ll hold up your end of the bargain. You won’t try to trap me. You won’t try to cheat me. And you won’t let the snakes in my family force you to double-cross me. You’re a good fucking person, and frankly, I need more of that in my life.”

Her face softened at my words, and I hoped like hell her hesitations would melt away, too. I didn’t blame her for them. I was proposing a crazy situation, after all.

“Am I wrong?” I pressed. “Do you still want to hold me up or get your payout withThe GlobeorHerald?”

She looked up, almost as if I’d insulted her. “Of course not. I’d never do something like that.”

“Then I rest my case.” I shrugged. “I have a sixth sense for these things, when a person or a company is a good investment. You’re better than most. So, you lend meyourimpeccable character to help me establish a reputation I need to accomplish my dream of taking my father’s place as CEO. And in return, I give you the means to accomplish your dreams. You deserve the chance, and if this is a way I can invest in them, I’d be honored.”

It was a version of the same speech I always gave to get what I wanted. But somehow, it was more true when I said it to her.

“I am honest.” She nodded thoughtfully.

“I know.” Hope lifted me out of my seat, and I reached across the table for her hand.

“But that’s why I couldn’t possibly do what you’re asking, Brendan. I’m very sorry, but I can’t help you. I wish I could.”

My hand hit the table with a smack. “Why the fuck not?”

“Excuse me?” She reared back.

“Sorry,” I said. Yet another fucking apology. “You caught me off guard. What I mean is, can we at least talk about it?” Christ, the girl had me on the verge of begging.

“Because you’re asking me to lie. If I’m as honest as you say, why would you think I could pull off a charade like this?” She gave me a crooked, charming smile and something twinged deep in my chest.

Fuck. She had a point.

That was when I should have let her go.