Page 21 of Tempt you…not!
My jaw gapes, but I dare not defy him.
A knock sounds on the door.
Slate opens it, allowing Rachel in. “Just in time.”
What the actual FUCK!
Her face looks meek, anxious. In a way, her betrayal was far worse than Slate’s. She was my best friend, whereas Slate and I had merely occupied the same womb at different times. We’ve never been close, not like I was with Rachel.
Grin. Bear it. Make no apologies. Move on.
Irene McCabe comes into focus on the screen. The shot pans out, and I see Chadwick sitting beside her.
Relaxed. Casual. Handsome as hell.
The biggest asshole of our time.
Why do I still want him so badly?
Irene and Chadwick exchange witty banter as tears threaten to spill down my cheeks. It doesn’t take long to get to the heart of the interview, though.
“Chadwick,” Irene says. “Would you care to elaborate on your relationship with Alysanne Bastion? Daughter to communications rival Raymond Bastion.”
Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Don’t die.
“Well, Alysanne and I met at a club in Idaho, of all places.”
“So I’ve seen,” Irene says excitedly. “The world was quite taken by that elevator kiss.”
Chadwick smirks, his handsome face both sexy and mischievous and wholly fuckable.
Too bad he’s a corporate snake.
“I haven’t just seen the elevator video; I’ve lived it, and let me say, it’s so much different in person.”
“I imagine so.”
“The video does nothing to capture Alysanne’s brilliance or her genuine dedication to professionalism. You see, she didn’t know who I was when we went home together, and the moment she found out, she booted me from her room.”
At least he’s not lying. Still a snake, though.
Irene’s brow quirks upward. “So, you’re telling me that nothing happened between you and Alysanne Bastion?”
“It’s more like, I hope that something will happen. Alysanne and I had instant chemistry, but we knew we were star-crossed lovers. Alysanne is too dedicated to her work to give up her position, and I’d never expect her to. That leaves me.”
What?
“Oh…” Irene says carefully. “So you’re saying that you’re leaving Archibald Tech?”
“I’m saying that if the only way I can be with Alysanne Bastion is if I were to quit my job and give up all my belonging and inheritance, I’d be poor and happy.”
“That’s…wow…insane…” Irene’s voice trails off.
“It wouldn’t sound insane if you knew Alysanne.” Chadwick rises from his seat. “Who I’m about to go meet.”
Slate turns off the television, and the room falls silent.
Did Chadwick just quit Archibald Tech for a chance to be with me?
