Page 52 of Emergence and Ascendance

"Agreed."

"One last thing. If at any point I want out, I leave. No arguments."

Christian studied my face. "Agreed, as long as you actually try."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning you don't run at the first sign of discomfort. You talk to me first and no fake ass effort. You have to be all in."

"Fine."

"We have a deal?" Christian extended his hand.

I took it. "We have a deal."

"I'll have Miles get your things tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Yes, tonight. Our deal begins right now."

"One night won't make a difference and I can pack my own damn things, Christian."

"I agree, you can, but it's not necessary and Miles won't be touching your shit. I'll have a member of my staff take care of packing for you."

"Are you serious?"

He smiled arrogantly. "Very."

I glared at him and he removed a phone from his pocket, not looking at me while he swiped the screen. "You can always change your mind."

That was the problem. I didn't want to change my mind nor did I want him to know I wanted this contract just as much as I wanted him…

When I didn't respond, he arched his brow. "Make a decision, Scotlyn."

"I get my own room."

He grinned and swiped his phone again. "Agreed."

Seconds later he was barking out demands to who I assumed was a member of his staff, threatening their employment if my things weren't handled properly. I almost felt bad for whoever he was talking to. Then he was on the phone with Miles giving him instructions as well.

After he was done, he motioned to the half-empty bottle of wine. "I have dessert. Would you like another bottle?"

I glared at him and he chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes."

I watched him leave the dining room, hating how much I wanted this and how much I hated myself for wantinghim.

ten

Christian.

I headed to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to get the chocolate cheesecake. After I unboxed it, I put the entire thing on a plate, added two forks, and grabbed an additional bottle of wine before returning to the dining room.

"Dessert," I announced and set the cheesecake down between us.

After she examined it she lifted her brow and peered at me. "Did you make that too?"

"No, my skills in the kitchen are not that damn good. This is from Seasonal Sweets downtown."

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