“We can get rid of him for you.”
“I’m her agent,” Larry sneered. “She needs me. Not like the two of you. Bodyguards are a dime a dozen.”
“Larry,” Arianna said warningly.
“Have they even signed NDAs, Arianna?” Larry walked over to where a decanter sat, half-filled with what looked to be bourbon. Despite the fact it was only two in the afternoon, he poured himself a generous glass and took a sip. “They shouldn’t even be here without signing those, you know that, Arianna.”
What a condescending fucking ass.
“Ms. Silvers?”
She looked from him to Larry then sighed. “Please leave us. I will speak to you soon.”
She obviously didn’t give a shit about what he and Dominic thought or advised, she’d rather listen to this guy bullshit and bully her.
He knew his reaction wasn’t entirely reasonable. He barely knew her. She was the client. She obviously knew Larry well. He just didn’t like being dismissed by her.
Turning, he strode from the room, aware of Dominic behind him. The other man closed the door quietly.
“Bain, man—” Dominic started to say.
“Fucking bullshit. How are we meant to guard her when she won’t let us? Did you see the way he talked to her? And she didn’t say a word back.”
“Bain. Calm down. So he’s a douche? He’s not the client.”
Thank God for that. But it seemed they needed to have a chat with the client. She needed to learn that they protected her. Not the other way around.
3
They were summoned back to her office an hour later. Okay, maybe he was being a bit grouchier than usual. But that douche just put him on edge.
When they walked in, Arianna was standing at the windows, looking out. She turned and gave them both a small smile.
“Please, have a seat.” She gestured at the sofa and two armchairs across the other side of the room. “I’m sorry about Larry.”
“That’s all right, Ms. Silvers.” Dominic sat on the sofa, but Bain remained standing.
“Call me Arianna. We’re going to be living together, right?” She went bright red after saying those words. “I mean. . .uhh. . .umm. . .”
She studiously ignored his gaze as she sat and nervously picked at a thread in her jeans. That was a surprise. He thought she’d be more polished. He’d done a bit of research on her. She came from a wealthy family, youngest of three children, her family was well-immersed in society. There hadn’t been much information about her brother, but her sister was on her third marriage, this time to some famous model.
He’d expected someone snobby and cold.
“Thank you for sending a driver,” Dominic said, smoothing things over.
“Oh, no problem. Joe and Estelle have worked for me for years. Estelle does most of the cooking and cleaning. If you have any favorite meals or don’t like anything, you can let her know.”
That was amazingly good of her. And again, unexpected.
“Thank you,” Dominic said gently. “Arianna, we need to have a talk about your security and protocols. Have you ever had a bodyguard?”
“Uh, no. I mean, I’ve had temporary security for concerts and things. But no, never. I, umm, oh, Larry insists on you signing NDAs. I’m so sorry. He said he’ll send them over with a courier.” She gave Dominic an apologetic look then glanced up at Bain.
“You. . .would you like to sit?”
“No,” he said abruptly.
Dominic sent him a warning look. Then turned back to her. “Don’t worry about Bain. He prefers to stand. He thinks it makes him look more intimidating.”