Page 6 of On the Rocks

Tension coiled around me like an elastic band, my smile thinning. With the last shreds of my patience, I said, “Well, maybe in round three you can do more than juice limes with it.”

“Oh, totally,” she said. “I’ll definitely test it out on the lemons next. That hefty design of yours makes the bottle an excellent juicer.” She turned, looking toward the table where her friend sat.

What the hell was wrong with my bottle design? The smile dropped from my face. Who the fuck did she think she wasdismissing me like that? “I’m being serious here, if that’s something you’re even capable of.”

She twisted back around, pointing at me. “I can tell how serious you are, Mr. Cocktail King. Watch that the vein in your forehead doesn’t start pulsing—your head might explode.”

The muscles in my jaw clenched. I didn’t have time for this bullshit. Time to get down to brass tacks. “What’s it gonna take?”

“For what?”

“Am I talking too fast for you? Fine, I’ll say it slower. How can I get you to use Elixir in round three?”

“God, buddy, take a hint.” She turned her back on me, moving into the crowd.

I surged after her. “Don’t walk away from me.”

“From you?” she smirked over her shoulder. “I’m not just walking—I’mrunning.”

Oh, no. That’s not where we were leaving things. She was going to use Elixir in her drink even if I had to jump over the bar and dump it in her glass myself. “Listen. Youwantto work with someone like me.”

She whirled around so fast I almost slammed into her. She crossed her arms against her chest, drawing my attention to her cleavage. Why did she have to look like that if she was going to be so damn difficult?

“What are you implying, Your Majesty? Why would a lowly little mixologist like myself need to work with someone like you?”

“Look around at the people I’m here with, and I think you’ll understand what I mean.” I gestured to the VIP table where theinfluencers had gathered. She raised her brow, unimpressed. I sighed. “Do I need to explain basic math to you? They’re here withme.They’re massively popular influencers who could bring attention toyou,but only if I say so. And that’s not all. Elixir could open doors for you—get you gigs mixing drinks at the hottest parties in town. Trust me, you want me as your friend. Be nice to me, and I’ll be nice to you. Keep being a shrew to me…”

“Do I need to explain the meaning of the word ‘no’ to you?” she said, exaggerating every word slowly. “I’m not interested in your help, or your influencers, or your weak-ass, foul-tasting Elixir. I don’t want to be your friend, and I don’t trust you as far as I could throw you. So leave me the hellalone.”

I balled my fists up by my sides, inhaling a slow, deep breath. It didn’t work—my temper was breaking free. To hell with using charm, or persuasion, or anything else. Time to go with the bargaining chip that always worked. “Okay, how much do you want?”

Her eyes narrowed. “I’m not?—”

“You’re clearly holding out for something,” I snapped. “I’ll write you a check right here and now. Just give me a number. Ten grand? Twenty?”

She looked genuinely shocked, too stunned to speak.Aha. Got her.

“So twenty’s your number?” I asked. “Consider it done. Just tell me who to make the check out to, and?—”

“I don’t want your goddamn money!” she yelled, eyes blazing.

I scoffed. Who was she kidding? Everyone wanted my money. Why was she pretending she was any different? “Of course youdo. But it seems I haven’t stumbled upon the right number yet. Thirty thousand? Forty?”

“Go to hell!” she shouted.

“Oh, trust me, I am currently there. How about this? I’ll keep going up and you tell me where to stop.”

“Screw you!”

“Or maybe I’ll just sign my name, and you can fill in your own number. Will that help your conscience?”

“You can’t just buy me off,” she said, her voice rising.

“Everyone can be bought. That’s how the world works. You’re the one being difficult. Now just tell me how much money you want.”

“If you offer up your money one more damn time, you’ll find out exactly how sturdy that Elixir bottle is when I shove it right up your ass!” she yelled.

“Round three participants!” the host announced. “Please make your way to the bar now!”

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