Page 14 of RAKEish

“But if it does,” he persisted.

She narrowed her eyes. “Then we will cease to publish RAKEish, and you’re out of a job.”

Of all the things for Frankie to threaten, that was the worst. “And if I succeed?” While his mother was an American, she’d never filled out the paperwork with the US Embassy for an official birth certificate. His father refused to give him any of the necessary papers so he could resolve the issue. Which meant his stay in the States hinged on his work visa, a precarious thread that now seemed more fragile than ever. He could not return home…not yet, anyway. “What happens if I succeed in teaching Doc how to win the affection of a rake?”

“For starters, Dr. Stone will leave her current position at Columbia and cease to broadcast Monday Musings.” The coldness in Frankie’s tone told him that was her real end game. A win she was gambling his future over.

“What is to prevent the doc from purposely sucking at everything I teach her?”

Frankie tapped her long red fingernail against her desk. “I will have spies watching your every date. Any indication she isn’t trying, and the whole thing will be called off and the lawsuit will move forward.”

Doc cleared her throat. “Being spied on wasn’t part of my proposal. I have no desire—”

“Your desires ceased to matter when you viciously attacked the character of our star columnist,” Frankie said. “And viciously attacked his manhood.”

Doc stiffened. “Has anyone ever told you your manners are atrocious?”

“Not and lived to see another paycheck.” Frankie smiled triumphantly. “Now, Scott, if there is nothing further you must leave, Luxury and I have an appointment with Ziggy and Isabella for her makeover.”

“Already?” Doc asked. “Can’t that wait until after Scott has taught me his methods?”

“I’m running a fashion magazine. I can’t have my star columnist seen about town with a frump. It will taint his image.”

“But—”

“Let’s get one thing straight, Dr. Stone. When I agreed to your idea, it was with my own agenda in mind. Which means we will execute your plan under my guidelines. You asked for ten days, I gave you eight. Today, by the way, is day two. I will send you and Scott the schedule for your upcoming sessions. The first four days, you will be taught one of his principles of my choosing. The remaining you will use to reel in either him or another rake.”

“My calendar—” Doc said.

“Clear your calendar or go back to your employer and tell them the pending lawsuit is now an actual lawsuit. Your choice.”

Scott stood and faced Doc. She really had nice cheekbones. “It is sure to be an interesting week. May the best man or woman win.”

“There’s one more thing, Scott,” Frankie said, forcing his attention to her.

“I’m listening,” Scott said.

“We’re in the business of selling magazines. I need this arrangement to go viral. I don’t care how you make it known, but I want it known before the end of the day that your online battle with Dr. Stone will be resolved in person. Understood?”

Before either he or Doc could reply, there was a knock at her door and in swept Ziggy and Isabella.

“You summoned us, Oh Great One,” Isabella said, eyebrows lifted.

Scott grinned at Isabella’s impudence. He really would like to learn the story between her and Frankie.

Frankie ignored Isabella and glowered at Scott. “Remember, failure will result in dire consequences.”

“Failure is not in my vocabulary,” he replied before turning his attention on Doc.

“Mine either,” she said, scowling.

He tipped his head toward her. “I look forward to our enchanting time together.”

Lux’s brow wrinkled. “I cannot imagine any time spent in your company will fall under the term enchanting.”

He chuckled. “Until we meet again.”

“Ooh. This sounds fabulously intriguing,” Isabella cooed. “I hope someone is going to tell me what it is we’ve just walked in on.”

---