Page 33 of Red King

“I can see you’re not convinced. You’ll report directly to me until such time as we feel it isn’t necessary anymore. I need honesty. I need you to accept this role. The Tributes need you. I’ll double your salary for the next three months.”

Double.

Holy shit!

Money isn’t everything. This is a big responsibility. I don’t know if I like the idea of reporting to Arctic; I had planned on staying far away from him.

“I’ll have to think about it,” I land on.

He nods and licks his lips before biting down softly on his lower lip and looking at me in a way that has my insides doing crazy things again.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less. I know if you take on this role, you’ll throw yourself in fully. It’s how you’re wired. I really hope you’ll accept, Paisley. Keep in mind that it’s overseeing the bigger picture. Cathy will organize the events and coordinate everything. You’ll tick off, advise, or fully change itineraries, events, etcetera, as you see fit, and she will action them.”

Shit!No wonder Cathy hates me. I might be her new boss, at least in the short term.

“Understood. I will give it some serious thought. If we’re done, can I go?”

He nods. “You have until this evening to decide,” he says as I start to stand. “Sally has printed out a copy of the planned itinerary. I’d like you to take it with you. You don’t have to look at me like that.” He smirks. “Take the itinerary, Paisley. I’m giving it to you because I’m hopeful you’ll accept.”

“Is that what they’re calling it now?” He’s arrogant, is what he is. “Hopeful?” I lift my brows and take the document.

Arctic laughs. “Humor me, please.”

I nod and start for the door.

“Paisley.”

I get shivers.

I look back over my shoulder.

“I really hope you’ll accept. I think we’ll work well together.”

My nipples tighten.

I leave without saying anything.

I have to turn this down.

10

Paisley

Maggie leans back in her chair and gasps. “You have to accept the position!” We’re in her office next to the laundry room in the basement. “You can’t turn it down. You just can’t.” She picks up her coffee and takes a sip, groaning. “This is freaking amazing. The beans are from Guatemala. I’ve never tasted anything so damned good.”

I take a sip and smile. “Itisgood.” I nod.

“We’ve landed ourselves firmly in the butter. They’re spoiling us rotten. Fillet mignon for dinner? I mean, come on.” She grins. “I love how you gave the shifter king a piece of your mind.” She laughs. “I think it’s hilarious and totally amazing. Double your salary, Paisley. You would be insane to turn that down. I’m already earning double what I would normally make with all of my basic expenses covered. Look around you… Okay, not down here, but look around. It’s amazing on the island. It’s beautiful, with great weather and so many shifter men for the taking. I have a date tonight.” She grins again. “But wait! I digress… Tell me you’re taking it, please.”

“I don’t know.” I sigh.

“What’s holding you back?”

Him. But I can’t tell her that.

I shrug. “I’m a nurse. I…”

“Exactly. You can’t give me a real reason.”

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