Page 9 of Broken Deal

He waves his hand to where the other person is sitting. “Sophia, great, you’re here. I want you to meet Lorenzo Mancini.”

My steps falter for a moment as my head snaps tohim. And I’m met with the same light-brown eyes, andGod, how do they look even better during the day?

He’s dressed in a dark-gray suit and vest, with a black tie that matches his shoes. His hair is slicked back, which I hate. The messy hair he had during dinner suits him way better. He looks like the type of man who has his shit together, and for some stupid reason, it annoys me.

“After much pursuit, Lorenzo?—”

“Mr. Mancini for you,” Lorenzo interrupts him with a dry, bored tone.

Max’s ears turn red from embarrassment. “Right. Mr. Mancini, my apologies.” He lets out a fake cough. “Like I was saying, Mr. Mancini has agreed to do an article about him for our fall edition.”

“What’s that got to do with me?” I ask with a frown.

“He specifically requested you do the piece,” Max replies with a grimace.

I take a step back in surprise, clutching my things tightly to my chest. It’s not normal for junior journalists to do the main editions, that’s more for more senior journalists. I’ve only been working here for about four years, and while I’m considered as one of the best, you need to be working at the company for five plus years to be considered for a senior position. The fact it’s a fall edition, and we’re almost at theend of spring, makes me wonder just how substantial the piece will be. It’s a privilege to do this. Every writer’s dream. The opportunity of a lifetime—except, I’ll have to work withhim. That’s a recipe for disaster.

I blink a few times, trying to make sense of what Max said. “Wow, I, uh. Thank you for thinking of me, but I can’t accept it.”

“I’ve read all the articles you’ve written over the years. You’re a great writer. And if you’re not willing to do it, well, I’m afraid this is not going to work.” Lorenzo shrugs as he stands and starts buttoning his suit.

Max looks at me expectantly, with a hint of irritation that Lorenzo doesn’t notice because he’s focused on me.

Anger slowly simmers through my veins. This is such a blatant attempt to get closer to me. Read my articles?Pft. Yeah, right. He’s playing those stupid games again, and while it was fun during his birthday dinner, this is completely different. This is my place of employment. I have people depending on me, and I can’t afford to lose my job over something like this.

“I’m afraid this is not up for discussion, Sophia,” Max says through gritted teeth.

Pick your battles. This is not one you can win.

I grab a strand of my perfectly styled hair with a nod, placing it behind my ear as I take a seat. “I’m sure you have an idea of where you want to go with this.” He’s my boss, after all. Even if he’s a raging dick, I have to listen to him.

Lorenzo sits back down, and I can feel his eyes burning me, but I refuse to look at him.

Asshole.

I cannot believe he’s here.Jesus H. Christ. This is a little too damn far.

“Definitely.” Max nods eagerly. “I want you to focus onwhat it is like to be Lorenzo Mancini, the billionaire. What is it like to live like him?”

“We should have coffee and chat more,” Lorenzo chimes in.

I plaster on the most insincere smile I can manage, setting my eyes on him. “Yeah, sure.”

“That’s a great idea. I know the perfect spot,” Max says, standing from his chair.

“No need for you to come. It’s not like you’re writing the article, right?” Lorenzo drawls lazily, not even casting him a glance, like Max is a pest he can’t bother himself with.

Max’s steps falter for a moment, a flush creeping across his cheeks as he sits back down. “Right. Of course.”

I turn my face away and bite my lip, trying to hold back my laugh. I don’t know much about Lorenzo, but I’ve noticed having a filter isn’t his style. It’s as funny as it is endearing.

He stands. “I have time right now.”

Of course, because he’s the king of the world, and the rest of the common people just orbit around him.

“Shocker,” I murmur.

“What was that?” he asks with a playful lilt in his voice.

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