Page 143 of Evil Hearts

Erik rolled his eyes, “Great! Like it’s not going to be hard enough getting him out ofyourclutches, now I gotta work against some preexisting stigma brought on by a bunch of savages?” He paused and smiled at Lachlan, “No offense, darling, you’re fabulous just the way you are!”

“None taken,” Lachlan rolled his eyes, downing his own champagne in one gulp.

“Oh my!” Erik smirked, watching the display, “Like something out of my dream journal. I have to admit though, Kat, your descriptiondid notdo him justice.” He smiled at Lachlan, “I know this probably goes without saying, but if you ever decide to start batting for the other team—”

“Erik!” Katarina frowned, sipping the champagne and leaning forward.

Erik nodded and held up a hand, “You’re right, I’m sorry. Where are my manners? So tell me everything!”

Katarina frowned, “Shouldn’t we be discussing the deal with DuBrois?”

Erik sighed and shook his head. “Girl, I’m sure you’re steamed and eager to rock the hell outta that interview, but you gotta remember that you’re not in Scotland anymore. It isthreein the goddam morning and Alexander DuBrois is probably fast asleep on a mountain of fine-ass, art-lovin’ booty! There is no use worrying your pretty little head about all that at this ungodly hour, so all that business can go right on ahead and wait for morning. In the meantime, however, I want to heareverything!”

Katarina took a deep breath and nodded, knowing better than to argue with her agent. “Well, I met him and his twin brother when I went out to—”

“Wait! You have a twin?” Erik gaped, “So unfair!”

“Anyway…” Katarina laughed.

The limo was just pulling up to Katarina’s building by the time she’d finished the story, and Erik and Lachlan were in the throes of laughter as Lachlan described in detail his efforts on her while she’d been on the phone with him earlier.

“Oh I like him, girl!” Erik finally managed, “Heisa keeper!”

Katarina smiled, giving Lachlan’s hand a squeeze, “Trust me, I know.”

“Well, kids, we’re here, which probably means you two are about to bump uglies,” Erik smirked. Then, turning to Lachlan, he offered a sincere nod, “Thank you for taking care of Kat and getting her out of her funk.”

Lachlan blushed and nodded, obviously not used to being thanked.

“That reminds me!” Katarina reached into her luggage and pulled out the long cardboard tube that held her newest painting. “Here is my newest piece!”

Erik grinned as he took the package and, after opening it, carefully unrolled it, whistling at what he saw. “Oh yes, darling! We are back in business!Thisis the Katarina the world pays to see! Alexander DuBrois is going to cum buckets when he sees this!” He nodded and put it back in the container before passing it back. “Keep that beauty safe for now. I’ll have a car come around in the AM to pick you up—don’t worry, nothing too early; you kids are going to need your beauty rest after your done bumping uglies, I’m sure! Just make sure you take a moment between dickings to jot a few of your ideas for the meeting. Youdohave other ideas, right?”

Katarina nodded, smiling, “Absolutely!”

“That’s my girl!” Erik clapped his hands. “Alright! I’m gonna go get myself laid. Have a good night. Don’t forget to document the moment so you can dish about the deets, kay?”

“Thank you for this, Erik,” she smiled back.

“Nice to meet you too, highlander!” Erik blew a kiss to Lachlan. “Remember, if you’re ever feeling experimental, you know where to find me!”

“He seems nice,” Lachlan chuckled as Katarina led him into the building and pressed the call button for the elevator.

“He really is, he just comes on a little strong sometimes.” She smiled. “So what do you think?”

“I think it’s like a palace,” Lachlan admitted, hesitating to step into the elevator as the doorsdinged open.

“I’m sure management would love to hear you say that,” Katarina giggled, looking up into his eyes. “Thank you for coming back with me.”

“It’s my pleasure, lass,” Lachlan burred.

Arriving at her floor, Katarina had to force herself to tear her eyes off of the therion and start down the hall to her door.

“Here we are,” she smiled back at him.

Opening the doors, she couldn’t help but grin at the stunned expression that washed over Lachlan’s face. After letting the initial shock of seeing her luxury suite for the first time pass, she turned to the bar. “Can I offer you a drink?”

Tearing himself away from the view of the city, Lachlan stared long and hard at her, wetting his lips. “I’m no’ thirsty,” he confessed, starting towards her. “Well, no’ for a drink at least…”

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