Page 80 of Sinful Bride

“But where am I?—”

“In the gallery owner’s space, silly.” She rolls her eyes. “Where else would your badass self be?”

“How did you…”

“Move your stuff? Bunch of buff, burly men I’d pay good money to stare at all day. And also, you’ve been out for like, two and a half months. I had plenty of time to pass the files over.”

I guess that makes sense. And I have no doubt those “buff, burly men” were Pasha’s own security or Bratva guys or whatever. He’d never let some stranger he hasn’t personally vetted touch my private belongings.

Aubrey meets us at the door and ushers us inside. “Come in! Come in! I’ve just had new carpeting installed, so please feel free to kick off your shoes and relax.”

“Oh my.” I breathe a small chuckle when I feel the plush carpet between my toes. “I should’ve done this a long time ago.”

“Would you like me to send a few samples to your office? I can have the contractors in by Monday.”

“Oh, no, no. I don’t want to ruin the budget.”

Aubrey settles into her luxurious leather office chair and rocks it back. “Not a problem. We have a rather generous sponsor who insisted on allocating the majority of this year’s funds from their account towards redecorating. They want to see this place become something you’re truly proud of.”

That gets my brow up. “This sponsor wouldn’t happen to be a tall, darkly handsome Russian CEO of a certain international corporation?”

She smirks and pretends to be ignorant of such details. “I really can’t say.”

I like her.

I really like her.

Hazel gives me a nudge. She’s grinning like a cat who chugged the cream. “So, Mrs. Owner-of-Bloom, what’s your first order of business?”

That does remind me of something. “How are we coming on the renaming aspect? Any ideas?”

Aubrey opens her laptop and clicks on a few things before answering. “I have a spreadsheet with options, including domain names and structural options. Do you think you’ll want to incorporate or go non-profit?”

“What’s the current structure?”

“Basic limited liability corporation. Maximum profit, minimal taxes, maintains liability to the company. Basically, they saved their own asses from any potential legal repercussions.”

“Right.” I can’t help but wince. “Sounds like them. Let’s keep it for now, but I will take a look at that spreadsheet and mark it up with my feedback.”

“Sounds good. I have the employee database reorganized and verified as well, including the contractors this company has been working with for cleaning and maintenance. I sent you the link for administrative access already, so let me know if you need any help logging in.”

I don’t know what pings in my brain to make the connection. But it’s made, it’s bugging me, and it needs to be addressed. “Speaking of… Are personnel files encrypted?”

Aubrey looks stunned I even asked. She blinks it away and covers up with an easy smile. “Of course! Nothing’s changed as far as software and security goes. I wanted to make sure you’re here to verify everything before conducting any major overhauls.”

“Makes sense. I appreciate that.”

Hazel sneaks a glance my way. She knows I’m onto something.

“Need anything else?” I try to make my exit as easy and breezy as Aubrey’s demeanor. She seems like a trustworthy person, and she’s been so nice and supportive since Day One. I don’t want to accidentally burn any bridges.

Aubrey does this cute little scrunchie thing with her face and shrugs. “I don’t think so? I know where to find you if anything comes up. And vice versa, of course.”

“Of course. Thank you so much, again, for taking this on. Especially with the, ah…” I try not to be awkward about it but I’m already failing. “You know. The arrangement.”

“Arrangement?” Hazel looks confused.

I should have let her know ahead of time. “I forgot to mention. Sorry. I’ve decided that I’d rather maintain my position as a curator and just… how would you put it?” I ask Aubrey.

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