Page 31 of Perfume Girl
Penelope’s eyes widened as she realized this was the woman I’d told her about—the same one who had lied about having an appointment with her.
I took a sip of ice-cold champagne. “This is the chemist I was telling you about,” I threw in for my own amusement.
I wondered how well Raquel would cope with being trapped in the same space as my sibling. Leaving them alone to talk would be cruel, but I craved the entertainment of throwing this pretty woman at Penelope.
I walked away.
“Mr. Beauregard,” Raquel blurted out. “I’ll take the job.”
When I turned around, I saw a fissure of doubt shudder through her.
Penelope had gone pale. “What?”
My sister ought to know I could handle this; she needn’t worry.
“When would you like me to start?” asked Raquel, with a stone-faced expression.
Penelope’s eyes blazed with anger.
Raquel was going for theinand I wasn’t sure whether to praise or punish her for such an obvious play. It wasn’t so much as a trap as it was an invitation from me to step into a place where I could get to know more about her and keep tabs on her. Then I would find the source of this betrayal.
“Leave us,” I snapped the order at Penelope.
“Why?”
My patience had run out ten minutes ago. I moved swiftly and grabbed Raquel’s wrist, pulling her away from my sister until we reached a private cabin door. I opened it and gestured her inside before following.
“You looked like you needed saving,” I said.
“I can hold my own.”
“Still.” I set my drink on a side table.
“Maybe Penelope’s right to be concerned, Mr. Beauregard.”
My interest piqued and my cock responded in kind. “Why is that?”
“Maybe she sees me as competition.” She drew in a steady breath. “There’s only one reason I came aboard and you know what it is.”
“Actually, I find you somewhat of an enigma.”
She studied me for what seemed like an eternity and then said, “I will shine at your house.”
“I believe you will.”
“I can deliver anything your heart desires,” she said, smiling. “Just say what it is you want and I will create a scent that will astound you. I will bring you nectar from the gods.”
“Is that all, then?” I teased. Then my expression became serious. “Why are you accepting my offer now?”
“How do you mean?”
“You still own your business.”
She set her drink next to mine. “I have to close by the end of the month.”
“Perhaps a generous salary would keep it afloat?”
“That wouldn’t cover it.”
