Let's Play A Dirty Ass Game, Mr. CEO

Chapter 26: THE DEAL THAT BINDS US

LAURA

"We’re just proposing an offer that would benefit each side in the long run." Pierce Holdings’ legal counsel kept a straight face as he went ahead with his ridiculous claim.

"It just sounds like you’re trying to take from me while I work my ass off for your company," I cut in bluntly, my gaze finding Tristan. "I don’t need anything. The Phoenix brand is not lacking in any way. Did we ask for an investment?"

Tristan’s jaw ticked as he held my gaze. "You’re missing the point, Ms. Hayes."

"Am I?"

"The investment we speak of is a huge sum that would generate returns for both your company and mine in no—"

"No. We won’t be accepting your offer, Mr. Pierce." I rose to my feet and gave Charlotte the go-ahead to wrap up the meeting.

"Pick a number," Tristan’s voice stopped me dead. "Anything you pick is yours. We just want you as the face of Pierce Holdings."

Hushed whispers arose on his part of his table as members of his team expressed their surprise.

Obviously, he had taken the latter decision alone. No sane man would propose this, but Tristan did.

He was CEO, of course he could do whatever he wanted.

But what exactly was his plan? Asking me to pick any number?! Why was he going to such lengths to acquire me as his top model?

He could have some kind of ulterior motive I knew nothing about.

Someone cleared their throat and a middle-aged man spoke. "Ms. Hayes, I’m not sure the CEO means you can just call whatever number you wish to be paid and—"

"That’s exactly what I mean." Tristan’s voice was cold and possessive, sending tremors racing through me. "Whatever number, Ms. Hayes."

I stared him down, refusing to let his intimidating gaze melt me on the spot. Harlan broke the tension.

"Ms. Hayes, I think we can work something out with them."

I whirled on him, suspicion burning in my mind. Why was he so agreeable with this deal? I understood he ran in the same business circles with Tristan, but it was not enough reason for his agreeability.

"We can take five if you want that." He flashed me the same charming smile. It looked like nothing but a mask this time.

"No, I’m fine." A headache wormed its way into my skull as I slid into my seat. Too exhausted for anymore input, I picked up my phone and shot Charlotte a text.

>>Take the spotlight with our legal counsel. I trust you to get us a good deal.

I put my phone down and watched as the rest of the meeting commenced. Charlotte picked a number just as Tristan wanted, and the meeting quickly transitioned into a corporate battle, with my Chief Operating Officer at the forefront, trying to crash the whole thing.

Mara would have been the perfect person to land us the best deal with Pierce Holdings, but I feared her sentiments would get in the way and ruin it instead.

At some point, my phone pinged on the desk.

There was a text from an unknown number glaring at me.

>>Five million is a good number, Laura. Don’t miss this one.

I stared at the text for a long moment, refusing to look up and meet the gaze of the man I was sure watched me already from across the table.

Why was he texting me? And how did he even get my personal number?

And who the hell proposes five million dollars on a single deal?

>>I’m staying out of it, Mr. Pierce.

Him>>Why? You can just stay on top of it, you know.

I looked up and met his gaze. And he was smirking? He thought the situation was funny?

He was flirting with me again. And it felt annoyingly good to be in the middle of a heated corporate battle, subtle-flirting with the proposing CEO on text.

Well...if he really wanted to play this game, I could too.

>>Add 500k to the pile and I’m yours.

Him>>Done.

That wrapped it up nicely. Tristan broke our agreement to the board without mentioning me.

"We’ll pay five million point five for each exclusive month in a 6-month contract with the Phoenix brand." His gaze fell on Charlotte, whose jaw hung open in shock. "It beats your two million demand by a far margin, I believe."

My gaze traveled across the silent room. Harlan seemed satisfied. Mara was still seething, but with a new air of agreeability around her.

It was obvious everyone thought it was a good deal. But I could not shake the feeling that sat in my chest. I could not ignore the way my body betrayed me each time Tristan’s eyes found me.

It was one of two things that might be ruined in the long run. My body or my career. All by Tristan’s touch.

°°°

"It’s a deal worth celebrating, Laura." Harlan stood next to me in the elevator that took us down to the celebratory dinner. "I think we ripped off Pierce real bad."

I heaved a deep sigh and leaned my head against the wall. "Do you think we can trust him? After what he did? What his company did to me?"

There was a shift of realization in Harlan’s eyes, and his expression instantly transitioned to immense concern. He crossed the space between us and pulled me to his chest.

"God, I’m sorry, Laura." He was a head taller than me, so he could rest his chin comfortably against my hair, and still press a soft kiss to my forehead.

A sigh of relief escaped me, because it felt good to be in Harlan’s arm, really good. It felt safe and strong and reliable. It was the safe haven that had kept me from falling apart these past few years.

"I forgot what a bad memory that place is for you," he continued, his voice thick with regret. "I’m such an asshole, pushing you to do this when I know...when I.."

"Harlan, that’s enough." My hands crawled up his neck and stroked his hair. "You want the best for me, and that matters."

"But still—"

"Let’s just enjoy the moment. We got a deal. We celebrate tonight. Milk it tomorrow. That’s what you taught me."

He heaved a deep breath and pulled me closer. The heat from his body felt good. It felt safe. It did not send my heart racing in a marathon. It did not send my thoughts scampering about in confusion. It did not make me want to run and hide.

It was just...right.

He pulled back slowly, like he could read my mind.

His eyes grew a darker shade as they darted to my lips and burned in for a long moment.

"Harlan..."

"You’re beautiful, Laura. I...I know I’ve never said this..but.."

Burning with curiosity, I stood on my tiptoes and pressed my lips to his.

That’s when the elevator decided to ding open, doors sliding apart.

And guess who stood there with a scowl, watching me kiss my so-called investor?