Page 68 of Seduced By Contract

"She'll never agree to work for me."

"And for me? I can reassign her, and the problem will be solved."

"I'll talk to her. Madison doesn't handle demands very well."

"Who of us does?"

As soon as I hang up the phone, it rings again.

"Why are you calling me?" I ask without greeting my caller.

"I'm worried, Zeus. I've been hearing rumors. Will you go back on your word?"

"I didn't give you my word. I offer that to very few people. We have a business agreement, Gordon, and a penalty clause in case of breach. Is there anything else you want to discuss?"

He doesn't answer.

"From your silence, I'll assume there isn't."

I hang up, wanting to throw my phone away, but instead of losing control, I call the person who’s left me with a nagging feeling for weeks.

"Zeus, what's wrong?"

"Odin, you told me you thought not everything we believed about my mother's story was true, but you haven't clarified anything yet."

"Because I'm not sure yet. More than anyone, I know how fucked up it is to mess with the past, and I'd rather get confirmation of my suspicions before bringing everything to light."

"I have some news for you." She smiles and seems completely oblivious to how annoyed I am.

I open the back door of the car for her, and Larry is already positioned behind the wheel. He knows I prefer to seat Madison myself.

Yes, I'm a control freak down to the details.

"Regarding your sister?"

Her expression drops, and I feel like a jerk for making her sad. "No, about the future."

I nod in agreement and look out the window, wondering why I've been coming to this club every night.

"Aren't you going to ask what it is?" She told me about the visit from the social worker earlier today, and it seemed to go well. If it's not about that or Brooklyn's condition, what would make her try to hide a smile?

"What is it?"

"Are you angry? You don't seem the least bit interested in what I have to say."

"You don't want to hear my answer."

"Why not?"

"I think it's better for you to stay at your place tonight, Madison."

"Look at me when you say that, Zeus. If you're tired of what we have, of us, tell me the truth."

I look back at her. "You can't handle the truth."

"I can handle anything."

"Why do we have a contract?" I ask sarcastically.

---