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“So?”

“So…I was making sure you wouldn’t take another photograph of yourself wearing it.”

So he had seen the post. Interesting that he didn’t mention it.

“Why? Everything was covered, and I looked good. Heather says they sold out of bustiers after that post.”

He scoffs. “I’m sure they did. You will not post any more photographs wearing a bustier.”

“How about a thong?” I say sarcastically.

A dark growl hums from his chest. Uh-oh. I’ve woken the beast. My stomach tumbles into knots. Dark Braden. The Braden who makes me want things I never considered before. Like right now, I’d like him to fuck me here, right on the sidewalk in front of Union Oyster House.

“Your body is for my eyes only.” He glares at me.

I squeeze my thighs together to quell my desire. “I need the work.”

He softens then, cupping my cheek and pushing my hair behind my ear. “I knew you’d look gorgeous in those rubies.”

I sigh softly. I can’t help it. I can be indignant one minute, and then, with one touch from him, I’m melting like drawn butter.

“How much are they offering you?”

“I don’t know yet. You interrupted our conversation.”

“Very well.” He takes my hand. “Let’s go back and see what Ms. Thomas has to offer.”

Chapter Ten

Heather stands when we arrive at the table. “I took the liberty of having a place setting added for you, Mr. Black.”

“Please call me Braden.”

“Oh, fabulous. And I’m Heather.”

Braden nods. “Please sit down.”

Heather sits, and Braden pushes her chair in for her. He does the same for me. Always the gentleman—or the illusion of being a gentleman, anyway. It wasn’t overly gentlemanly to drag me away from my business meeting.

“Our drinks will be here any minute,” Heather says.

Thank God. But I don’t say it.

“Heather,” Braden says, “I understand you’re interested in contracting Skye for some social media posts.”

“Yes, definitely. We’re very excited about getting Skye on board.”

“Very good.” He clears his throat. “What are you prepared to offer her?”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. Braden has effectively taken over my negotiation, and I’m letting him. I don’t want to let him, but I honestly don’t know what to do. To argue with him in front of Heather will make me look unprofessional and childish. But to let him take control will make me look like I have no say over my own career.

Rock, meet hard place.

“We’re not as big a company as Susanne Cosmetics,” Heather says, “but I’ve been authorized to begin with a series of three posts for a payment of two thousand dollars.”

“That’s a good start,” Braden says. “What products are you looking to promote?”

“I already told Skye that we’re interested in having her model some of our garments as well as selected products from our intimate toy line.”

“I see. So you’re asking Skye to pose in her underwear wearing handcuffs?”

I can’t help myself. I have to chime in here. “Braden!”

“We all know what kind of garments Crystal’s sells,” Braden says. “We also know what kind of toys they sell.”

“Braden,” Heather intervenes, “I assure you that everything will be done very tastefully.”

“I’m sure it will, since Skye will be in charge of the photography.”

“Actually…corporate would like us to bring in a professional photographer.”

“Skye is a professional photographer.”

“Yes, I’m sure she is, but you see, we’re not looking for selfies so much as professional images.”

“I’m an Instagram influencer,” I say. “I take my own pictures. Photography is what got me into this business. I assure you I’m very capable of taking more than just selfies.” Damn. Why hadn’t I brought my portfolio?

“With all due respect, Skye,” Heather says, “everyone here at this table knows how you got into this business.”

So Morticia has a non-hugging side after all. “What exactly are you implying?” I ask adamantly, though I already know exactly what she’s implying.

“You’re a beautiful woman, and you know the business because you worked for Addison Ames. Now you’re dating Boston’s most eligible bachelor. Do you think anyone would care what you have to say if you weren’t Braden Black’s girlfriend?”

Ten bricks in the gut this time. I’m shocked at her audacious words. If she’s trying to get me to do business with her, this isn’t the way to accomplish it.

So much for her “icing on the cake” comment. I knew it was bullshit.

I want to call her out. The only problem?

Her words ring true. Absolutely true. And I know it. The only reason anyone is interested in what I have to say is because of the man sitting at this table. I try to forget the fact, but it’s always there, almost taunting me. You’re a fraud.

“I assure you,” Braden says, “Skye is an intelligent woman and knows what she’s doing. She will be successful at any endeavor, with me or without me.”

I’m not surprised that Braden leaped to my defense. He may even believe his words.


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