Page 7 of In Bed with the Ice Queen

“Yes, but each employee's contract will need to be negotiated separately,” Helena insisted. “We want to make sure everyone feels valued based on their skills and experience. It’s fair, and it also protects Wolfe Enterprises.”

Sloane crossed her arms and met her with an icy blue glare. “I can see your point, but how would that work for a business that’s trying to merge? It could lead to confusion and distrust among the team."

Helena felt a flutter of something strange in her stomach. Was it tension or attraction? It was tough to tell when they were locked in this intense negotiation, their voices becoming more animated.

“I don’t want to create confusion,” Helena replied, keeping her voice steady. “I want each team member to feel appreciated. It’s part of building a cohesive unit after a merger.”

“You’re right about that,” Sloane conceded, but there was a glimmer of defiance in her gaze. “But time is of the essence. If you take too long deciding on each contract, we may lose key players. Those employees might look for opportunities elsewhere.”

Helena sighed, running a hand through her dark red hair. “Then let’s prioritize the key players now. We can draw up a list and tackle the top ten first, while also providing a framework for the rest.”

Sloane leaned back in her chair, a flicker of interest flashing across her eyes. “That’s a good compromise. It shows you want their team to feel secure, but it accelerates our timeline for the merger.”

“Exactly,” Helena confirmed with a small smile.

There was a spark between them, ignited by the energy of their negotiation. It made Helena’s pulse quicken slightly. Was it excitement from the deal or something more?

“Okay, here’s the plan,” Sloane said, pulling out a notepad and flipping it open. “Let's start with the essentials: salary ranges, benefits, and any special considerations for each of those key players.”

As they negotiated, the conversation ebbed and flowed. They went back and forth, deciding on how the merger could benefit both companies. Even when they seemed at odds, Helena sensed a rhythm in their debate, a dance of ideas. Sloane was formidable, and Helena found herself wanting to rise to the challenge.

“Why don’t we focus on the benefits of the merger for the employees?” Sloane suggested, her voice calm. “If we can showthem that with the two companies combined, they’ll have more opportunities and growth, it will make the transition smoother.”

Helena nodded, appreciating this approach. “That’s smart,” she said. “By emphasizing growth, we can ease some fears about job security. We want to present this merger as an opportunity for everyone.”

Sloane's eyes lit up, dual shades of blue reflecting her passion. “Exactly. If we position it right, everyone will see it as a step up rather than a threat.”

They both paused, the air thick with energy. For a moment, it seemed that the world outside the large office room faded away, leaving only the two of them and their agreement. Helena felt a spark, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. She shifted in her chair, feeling the warmth of their growing connection, even amid the professional contention.

“Okay, let's draft an outline,” Helena suggested, her voice a little more confident. “Once we have that, we can approach the employees and explain the vision for the companies together.”

“Deal. Jake, Mia, bring over the papers please,” Sloane replied, her expression softening. “I think we’re finally getting somewhere. Let's aim to have this all settled as soon as possible.”

Helena couldn’t help but smile wider. The negotiations were tough, but there was something electric in the air with Sloane around. Maybe, just maybe, this merger was easier than she initially thought. It was more than just business that had her so flustered. It felt like the start of something new, a partnership not just in the conference room but perhaps something deeper too. The two teams clarified expectations and wrapped up for the day.

As they shook hands, an unspoken understanding passed between them. Everybody filed out of the room, but Helena took her time.

She knew she had to meet with her lawyer again, and she felt a little anxious about the contracts and payment negotiations. The meeting had gone well, but she knew the business world was full of surprises. She needed everything checked, just to be safe.

Sloane stood up, her tall figure casting a long shadow. She pushed stray strands of hair behind her ears. “Ms. Wolfe, can we have a quick word?” Her voice was smooth, almost playful.

Helena raised an eyebrow, a little wary but curious. “Sure, what’s on your mind?”

Sloane took a step closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I just wanted to say that I hope both parties can hold true to the negotiations we discussed today.” She paused, leaning just a bit closer and added, “You know, it’s important for women like us in this tough business world to stick together.”

Helena blinked, caught off guard by Sloane’s tone. There was something more in her words, something that made the air crackle with tension. And Sloane’s gaze travelled down to Helena’s breasts, pausing for a second, before she looked back to Helena’s eyes and then ran her tongue casually over her upper lip.

What the hell?!

“Um, yes, I agree. Of course it’s important to uphold our agreements,” Helena responded,, a slight frown furrowing her brow. Her mind raced as she processed what Sloane had implied.

Sloane smirked and rested her hands on the edge of the desk, looking confident. “You know, it’s hard being a woman in this field,” she continued, her voice softer now. “Sometimes I think we could do more if we…collaborated in different ways.” Sloane’s eyes dipped over her body once again.

Helena could feel her heart racing, a mix of surprise and irritation washing over her. “Collaborated? In different ways?”she echoed, trying to hide her confusion. “Are you suggesting something?”

Sloane’s smile widened. “Just that we could be more than just business partners, Helena. Don’t you find it refreshing to connect with someone who understands the challenges we face?”

Helena flicked her gaze to the window, trying to catch her breath. She hadn’t expected this kind of conversation. She thought about how confident she was in her boardroom and how she'd built the company from the ground up. But here was Sloane, throwing a curveball into the mix.

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