Page 87 of Naughty or Nice

‘If you want to look at it that way, then, yes. I don’t want them anywhere near our arrangement going forward.’

It’s all about revenge.

That’s what they said and I didn’t believe it. But then why was he so determined to push them out? Why insist on their share? Unless there’s some truth to it?

And what about all I had told him about making it my own? Being beholden to no one. Did he not care about any of that? Him of all people...

‘You told me this wasn’t about revenge...you told me this was about wanting my product.’

‘And it is, Eva.’

‘Then why ask for a share? Why make me choose between my family and you?’

‘Don’t you see? I’m trying to avoid exactly that. There’s no need for personal attachment on the surface. Your family can’t resent you for making a sound business decision, and what goes on behind closed doors is our business.’

This just gets worse. Does he really want to dismiss us as some kind of fling? A dirty little secret?

‘Oh, my God, Lucas—you really think that’s the solution?’

‘I don’t know, Eva. I just know I can’t face seeing you hurt like you were today.’

‘There are other ways.’

‘Name one?’

Being honest and open about our relationship, our love.

But what if it isn’t love for him? What if after all he has said he doesn’t feel the same way?

I can’t bring myself to ask. I can’t be that eighteen-year-old, wearing her heart on her sleeve again only to have it thrown back in her face.

Instead I ask a question just as revealing. ‘So tell me, Lucas, if I say no are you taking your offer off the table?’

Silence.

‘Lucas?’

‘Yes, Eva.’ He sounds resigned. ‘If you don’t let me buy in, the offer is off the table.’

My ears ring, disbelief coursing wildly through my blood. I feel trapped, backed into a corner by the man I love with all my heart.

Scrap not wanting to be my eighteen-year-old self. I am her. Humiliated and rejected in one fell swoop. Even worse, I feel mani

pulated, controlled—by him.

I look at the family photo that sits on my desk, the similarities between him and them as unbelievable as they are unbearable. And I laugh, the sound high-pitched and alien.

Well, no more. I won’t be controlled or manipulated by either of them. Yes, Rosalie might have been referred by Nate and my father, but she can give me what I need.

Without this.

Without the heartache.

My chest pangs painfully and I grip the phone tighter. ‘In that case you can shove your offer, Lucas.’

‘Eva, don’t be ridiculous.’

I can hear his shock and it gives me the strength I need to hold my ground. There’ll be time for tears later.