“Take away your ft from my desk and sit like a correct grownup.” I didn’t care that Alberto Castillo was paying me triple my normal charge to take care of his son. Nobody disrespected me in my very own workplace. “In any other case, you’ll be able to depart and clarify to your father why you bought dropped by your publicist on the very first day. I think about that’ll have a damaging impression in your money circulation.”

“Ah, you’re one ofthose.” He acquiesced, however his smile hardened on the point out of his father. “Uptight rule follower. Acquired it. You need to’ve launched your self that method as an alternative of along with your title.”

My favourite pen cracked from the power of my grip.

I wasn’t a superstitious individual, however even I may inform that didn’t bode nicely for the way forward for our relationship.

I’d been proper.

I let him slide when it got here to sure issues as a result of the Castillos have been my largest contract, however my job was to maintain his household’s fame pristine, not kiss the inheritor’s ass.

Xavier was a grown man. It was time he acted prefer it.

“That’s fairly a menace,” he drawled. “Everyparty and lady? It’s essential to actually like me.”

He slunk off the bed with the lazy grace of a panther awakening from slumber. A pair of grey sweatpants rode low on his hips, revealing golden-brown pores and skin and a V lower one wouldn’t anticipate from somebody who spent the vast majority of his days partying and sleeping. Inky tattoos swirled up his naked chest and shoulders and down his arms in intricate patterns.

If it have been anybody else, I might’ve admired the uncooked masculine magnificence on show, however this was Xavier Castillo. The day I admired something besides his dedication to non-commitment was the day I may by some means bodily cry once more.

“Don’t fear, Luna,” he mentioned, catching my scrutiny with a small grin. “I received’t inform your different purchasers I’m your favourite.”

Typically he referred to as me by my precise title. Different instances he referred to as me Luna. It wasn’t my nickname, center title, or any title near Sloane, however he refused to inform me why and I’d given up on getting him to cease or clarify way back.

“Be critical for as soon as,” I mentioned. “The occasion is honoringyourfather.”

“Much more purpose to not go. It’s not like my previous man will probably be there to just accept the award.” Xavier’s smile didn’t budge, however his eyes flickered with a spark of hazard. “He’s dying, keep in mind?”

The phrases crashed between us and sucked all of the oxygen out of the room as we stared at one another, his unflappable calm a rock towards my mounting frustration.

The Castillos’ father-son relationship was notoriously thorny, however Alberto Castillo employed me to handle their fame, not their private points—that was, till what occurred behind closed doorways spilled into the general public eye.

“Folks already suppose you’re a good-for-nothing belief fund brat for shirking your obligations after your father was recognized.” I didn’t mince phrases. “For those who miss an occasion honoring him as Philanthropist of the Yr, the media will eat you alive.”

“They already do, andhonor?” Xavier raised his eyebrows. “The person writes a verify for a pair million yearly, and he not solely will get a tax write-off but additionally fawning reward for being a philanthropist. You and I each know the award doesn’t imply shit. Anybody with deep sufficient pockets can get it. Moreover…” He leaned towards the wall and crossed his arms. “Mykonos is far more enjoyable than one other stuffy gala. You need to keep. The ocean air will probably be good for you.”

Dammit, I acknowledged that tone. It was his “you’ll be able to put a gun to my head and I nonetheless received’t cave as a result of it’ll piss you off” tone. I’d heard it extra instances than I cared to depend.

I did a fast psychological calculation.

I hadn’t gotten to the place I used to be in my profession by preventing shedding battles. Ineededto be in London tonight, and our window for a well timed departure was quickly shrinking. Lacking my rendezvous was not an possibility, but when Xavier stayed in Greece, my job required me to remain as nicely and take care of him.

Since I didn’t have the time to guilt, threaten, or persuade him into doing what I wished like I often did, I used to be left with one final resort.

A cut price.

I crossed my arms, mirroring his stance. “Let’s hear it.” His brows arched increased.

“Your situation,” I mentioned. “The one factor you need in trade for attending the awards ceremony. Something involving intercourse, medicine, or unlawful actions is off the desk. Aside from that, I’m prepared to cut price.”

His eyes narrowed. He hadn’t anticipated me to offer in so simply, and if I didn’t must be in London by eight p.m., I wouldn’t have. However I couldn’t miss my date, so a take care of the satan it was.

“Advantageous.” Xavier’s cheeks dimpled along with his signature smile, although a shadow of suspicion remained on his face. “Because you’re so forthcoming, I will probably be too. I need a trip.”

“You’re already on trip.”

“Not me. You.” He pushed off the wall, his steps languid but deliberate as he crossed the room and stopped mere inches from me. “I’ll attend the gala should you promise to hitch me on trip after. Three weeks in Spain. No work, simply play.”

The request soared from to date out of left area I gave myself whiplash making an attempt to observe it. “You need me to takethree weeksoff work?”

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