Page 16 of Rotanev
A week? Doing what? Living where? Here?
My lips pinched to the side. I had JBI’s number saved in my phone, something they’d requested during the prolonged interview process. And I used it now.
Might as well see what they had in mind, and how best to prepare myself. Because there was no doubt in my mind that I would be accepting. I just wanted to know the details.
And also, maybe, to make sure it was Nero who had booked me.
He said he didn’t share, and I believed him.
What is this madness?I wondered with a sigh, lifting the phone to my ear.Why do I feel compelled to bow to him? Better yet, why did I want to?
The notion of kneeling at his feet sent a thrill down my spine, heating my blood. No one had ever evoked such a response from me, hence my former virginity. But Nero, he’d lit me on fire with a glance, as if awakening a part of me that lay dormant just waiting for his nearness and touch.
I closed my eyes, picturing his chiseled features and dark, ocean-blue eyes.
Please let this offer be from him.
A female answered on the third ring. “Hello, Liani,” she greeted me. “Are you calling regarding your offer?”
“I am.” I nibbled my lower lip, my eyes still closed, Nero a painting I refused to stop envisioning. “It said it was for a week, but the client’s name wasn’t included.”
“Yes, to protect his privacy, of course. Text messages are so easily shared, particularly from a personal phone. That’s why we’re issuing you a company mobile—one that is controlled and monitored by JBI. Is now a good time to review the details of the client’s request?”
“It is.” I gripped my small kitchen table for support, suddenly needing it. “I would like to hear the entirety of the offer, including any requirements and where I will be staying for the next week.”
“Of course. One moment while I pull up the contract on file from Mister Rotanev.”
My eyes opened, my brow furrowing.Mister Rotanev?
“Ah, yes, here we are. He’s requested a week in his Manhattan residence, no hard limits, and he says everything will be paid for, so no packing required. We also couriered over a dress for you this evening, at his request. Did you receive it?”
“I did, but what do you mean by ‘no packing required’? It’s a week-long stay.”
“Mister Rotanev will be providing everything you need, including clothing, if he so wishes.”
Meaning he might not allow me to wear anything at all. Thus, the no-limits requirement. “What is Mister Rotanev’s first name?” I asked, a lump forming in my throat.
“Nero, Miss Mikos. But I recommend you address him as ‘sir’ or ‘Mister Rotanev,’ unless he states otherwise.” A hint of censure entered her tone, as if she were a teacher scolding a student. Given the relief her words had provided, however, I didn’t mind.
“Yes, of course. Thank you. I accept.”
“No negotiation? And you don’t require the financial details?” She sounded surprised. As she should since money was my primary reason for doing this.
What the hell is wrong with me? Accepting just because it’s Nero?I shook my head. “I would like to hear his full offer.”
“Keep in mind, you can always negotiate, and most of our employees do.” With that, she gave me a figure that had my jaw dropping to the floor.
“For seven nights?” I squeaked.
“Yes, with no limits. As I said, counteroffers are expected. This is just the initial estimate.”
My lips were moving without sound because I couldn’t believe that was just the baseline. It more than covered the amount Corban wanted next week. Hell, it almost covered the total amountowed.“I-I…”
“Might I suggest a twenty percent increase as a counteroffer? I believe that to be a conservative play in this situation.”
A twenty percent increase?! Holy shit.“Is that, uh, normal?”
“Yes.” No elaboration, just a firm response.
