Chapter 193

I guess the feeling is mutual, he looks devilish in a sexy way still.

And we are back to that little pet name of his that I dislike so much. I stare at him for a long moment, wondering what he has up his sleeve with such a generous offer, and tap my nails on the bar impatiently; Brain in overdrive and not afraid to be shameless.

‘Triple what you paid me before. Seeing as I am no longer hostess and I will make this club better than it ever was. New York!’ I throw my new pet name at him. If it’s good enough for the goose, then it’s good enough for the gander.

I have the upper hand; if he really wants me here then he won’t argue. Triple is probably a little greedy but I think I deserve it after all the shit he put me through. It also means if I save and end up back on the dump then I have instant funding to get far away from here. Backup plan in motion. I’m going to tuck away enough cash to make sure I never end up back in the meat packing district or end up working for another Joe.

He narrows that gaze on me and then breaks into a sly smile and taps his own palm on the bar, mimicking me.

‘Just triple? I was expecting you to ask for a hell of a lot more. Deal! I’ll get it sent over first thing. Now come on. I have something upstairs for you.’ He jumps to his feet, done with this now he thinks it’s settled and starts to head off, but I am not going anywhere just yet, instantly annoyed.

‘Wow, wait! … Who said I was done here? If more money is on the table then I am not just agreeing to that,’ I retort childishly, metaphorically stamping my foot, simmering severe annoyance. I should have asked for more.

‘Already did! Should have aimed higher, baby. Triple until a profit comes rolling in. End of conversation.’ It’s that husky, no more chatter and ‘I am boss’ tone that I bloody hate—I grit my teeth as burning anger circles in my stomach.

Conversation is futile when he has his mind set, and I am in no mood for a fight after a good afternoon and a great mood. I have to stop myself breaking into full-on ‘NOT A CHANCE’ mode and instead try and simmer.

‘FINE! Well, in that case, you better keep your credit card topped up because I have expenses that I need taking care of while I reinvent myself and revive the redhead.’ I sulk haughtily, hating how he managed to manoeuvre me so quickly back under control and took over our negotiation. I am supposed to be wearing the trousers in this, not him. The control freak needs to learn a thing or two about backing down and staying there.

‘Looks red to me.’ Another flash of smug smiles and I can’t do anything except follow him out of the bar because he is still walking off, regardless of my not moving. He isn’t waiting and if I sit here to prove a point he will just go to his dinner and I won’t know what it is he has to give me. He is obviously setting limits on what hold I have over him … and I guess he also just retracted his credit card.

Total Tosser! That didn’t last long.

I should have known I would still have to battle him on some level, he’s incapable of ever just letting go and behaving himself.

My curiosity is getting the better of me and I slide down to totter after him on overly high heels without making it obvious I am hurrying to catch up. It’s been months since I was constantly on shoes like this and walking is something I have to learn all over again when perched on five-inch heels.

I do love sexy shoes though and I like the fact I am not such a tiny next to Giant Kingpin when I have a few inches to bring my nose nearer his. He’s annoyingly tall.