Page 19 of Corrupt Game

The evidence of my communication had been deleted and cleared from my phone.

I’d picked up a few tricks back in my younger days to keep the foster parents from being able to find anything on my phone.

It was also locked by my fingerprint. Unless he cut off one of my fingers, Rossi was going to have a hard time accessing my phone to see what else I was up to.

“Very well.” He nodded to Rossi to come and take possession of my phone. “Let’s continue with the other rules.”

It took a lot of energy to hold in my sigh. I should know what I was signing, but I wanted to get on with it all. The sooner I could get the dirt, the sooner I could properly grieve my brother, and put him to rest. He deserved that.

“Number five: Nothing that is said or done with Mr. Holdt is to be disclosed or discussed with anyone without his express permission.” He leaned forward. “Collette, this is especially important. My personal life and business life cannot have anyone nosing around or finding out details about it.”

I bit my lip. He’d switched from being professional to personal. As if an appeal to my softer side would make me more compliant to his wishes.

His need for secrecy made me want to dig out what he was hiding. If he could keep anyone from finding out about hisunderhanded dealings, then he would never be held accountable for his actions.

“I understand,” I agreed in order to get him to finish this tedious process. It was time to move on to whatever stage came next.

“Number six: There will be no sexual intimacy without the consent of both parties. All physical encounters are to be discussed and agreed to before being initiated.”

My body stiffened. He was going to use me for sexual gratification in addition to being his personal assistant. Seriously? What did I sign on for?

“I don’t remember anything of a sexual nature being discussed during the interview or the rest of this process. You need a personal assistant that will take care of all of your needs, not just the business related ones?” My finger moved along the list of requirements as if I had never considered he might want that type of companionship.

“Yes. If both parties agree and consent is gained beforehand. This means that you do not have to engage in any physical or sexual activities if you are uncomfortable or do not wish to.”

“Why does a man of your means and obvious good looks need to have an assistant on standby for sex? And, given the power differential, how would I be able to give full consent?”

This time I was the one crossing my arms and waiting for an answer.

“I don’t prefer to have one night dalliances.”

“Instead, you prefer to make them work for you and to be at your beck and call twenty-four seven.” I snickered at the images this brought up in my head.

“Ms. DeLandro, if the circumstances don’t suit you, then you are more than free to leave. I’ll resume the interview process and we can both go back to our lives.”

I locked gazes with Mr. Holdt. Challenge accepted.

“All right. Since it is stated ‘without the consent of both parties,’ then I’ll agree to stay. Keep in mind I fully intend to say no unless it suits me.”

Despite my attraction, this wasn’t going to be a problem. As I’d said, I did not plan to give consent of any kind. That was probably a little naïve of me, a small part of my brain whispered. Maybe I would od what I had to do to get the answers I needed. I reminded myself that I would do anything for Andy. I’d done worse to stay out of trouble in the past. Whatever it took for justice, I was willing to do. And with that thought, my resolve deepened.

And thinking he’d overcome resistance might be something he craved, given this contract.

“To be crystal clear and so there is no confusion later on. Do you understand and agree to everything stated in the papers you’ve signed?”

My eyes stayed locked with his.“Yes. I signed them in good faith.” I crossed my fingers under the table as I said it.

That counted, right? Nothing said while crossing your fingers could be held against you? The bit of whimsy helped my rampaging nerves.

“Very well, Ms. DeLandro. Shall we begin?”

He stood abruptly and held out a hand to me.

My breath caught in my throat at the gesture.

More of a romantic offer than a professional one.

It took a lot of faith to believe that he wasn’t going to lead me to my death, but I hesitantly placed my hand in his. I couldn’t do anything else or it would make him suspicious about my motives.

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