Page 108 of Perfume Girl

I headed to the restroom and within minutes had freshened up and straightened my clothing. A comb through my hair and a dab of lipstick and I was ready to face the world again, though I felt a little awkward with no underwear on.

This day was beyond extraordinary and I needed time alone to process all I had learned. I also needed time to recover from these blinding orgasms. Astor knew he had the advantage when he rendered me weak like this…and for a second I wondered if that was the point.

I rode the elevator all the way to the executive floor. Stepping out onto the upper level, my gaze took in the luxury design of chrome and glass and the many doors leading off to what looked like private offices. A centrally located reception desk had Taylor sitting behind it.

She threw me a wave. “How’s it going?”

I closed the distance between us. “Good.” I glanced around for Astor’s office. “How are you?”

She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’m fine. The boss is in a great mood, too, so you’re in luck.”

“Oh, brilliant.” That made me smile.

Following Taylor’s gaze, I looked behind me.

Astor was leaning against a doorjamb. “Thank you for coming up, Raquel.” He looked thoughtful. “I haven’t seen you since…”

I tilted my head, amused by his humor.

“I was just bringing her in to see you,” Taylor said.

When I stepped inside his office I was immediately impressed by the blue glass desk in the center of the room, a sleek-looking iMac resting on top of it. Photos of all the exquisitely designed Beauregard bottles created over the years lined the walls.

Astor claimed his swivel chair, leaning back and resting his legs on the desk, an amused look on his face.

“I’m looking forward to collaborating,” I said, my heart beating fast.

There was no way I could say anything that would link me to this perfume.

Astor reached for what looked like a small remote and pointed it at the window. It rapidly fogged the glass, concealing us from the outside world.

He pushed to his feet. “This is the incomplete formula I want your help on.” He approached the picture frame on the wall behind his desk, lifting it off to reveal a safe.

“A formula?” My throat tightened.

Astor’s fingers turned the dial. “We need to add a note.”

Peering over his shoulder, I stared into the safe for my ledger but all I saw were a few folders. He withdrew one, stepped back, and placed it on the desk.

He sank into his chair again and swiveled side to side. “I’ve tried several ingredients and they just don’t land.”

I couldn’t allow myself to view the scientific breakdown of a formula that was meant to belong to this House and then purport it to be my own. My thoughts spiraled, trying to come up with excuses that could get me out of this predicament.

“Have a seat?” he offered.

The door burst open, startling me.

“Am I late?” Penelope hurried in on spiked heels, clouded in the scent of magnolias. She swept toward Astor’s desk and sat on the edge of it, her legs dangling casually.

I glared first at her and then at Astor. His expression was calm, but then again he was often difficult to read.

“We can’t wait to hear your take, Raquel,” cooed Penelope. “We need to get this to market.”

Astor got up and rounded the desk, walking over to me. His hand brushed along my arm, sending chills down my spine. “Show her how talented you are.”

I swallowed the bitterness of doubt. “I’ll try.”

Astor’s gaze narrowed. “Just look at the ingredients and tell me what you think we can add.” He pulled back a little. “Raquel?”