Page 80 of A Hard Sell

“And yet, here I am, the one coming clean,” Morgan said primly.

Luka fumed, at a loss for words.

But then Thomas cut in. “Luka did disclose it, to me.Monthsago.”

“I—” Luka stared at Thomas wide-eyed.I did?He flipped through his memories until it came to him—Thomas had overheard him and Morgan by the printer his first week here, and he had told Thomas about their relationship. Very briefly, but… “I did!”

Morgan’s mouth flapped, his polished demeanor gone for a second.

Ilona’s eyebrow arched. “Hmm.”

“And,” Luka added, “he’s been blackmailing me! He’s been threatening to tell you about us unless I do his work for him.”

Morgan gasped and put a hand to his chest. “Luka! How could you say such a thing?”

Luka stared at him, agog. “Are youkiddingme?”

Morgan batted his eyelashes at Ilona. “Ms. Hoszek, Luka is obviously upset that I’ve come forward, but to hurl these horrendous accusations at me? Luka, I’m…disappointed.” He tugged at his pants, smoothing out a non-existent wrinkle. “Anyway, I just can’t see how you would have any way toproveit.”

Now it was Luka’s turn to open and close his mouth, wordless.

“Would you two excuse us, please?” Ilona said. “I need to speak with Thomas.”

Temples throbbing, Luka cast a look at Thomas who was watching him steadily.It’ll be okay,his eyes said. Luka wanted to believe him.

He plunked down in one of the chairs outside Ilona’s office and crossed his arms. Morgan stretched out in the chair next to him.

“What’s your plan here, Morgan? To get usbothfired?” Luka hissed, trying so very hard to keep from losing his shit entirely.

“Why would I be fired? I came to Ilona, and you’re the one making up horrible lies about me.”

Luka made a strangled noise. “Oh, save me that bullshit. It’s just you and me here.”

Morgan smirked. “I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Luka gripped the armrest of his chair, knuckles white, and sucked in a deep, calming breath. Well, a breath, anyway. “I can’t believe you would do this. I mean, I knew you were a selfish prick, but this is a whole otheruniverseof selfishness.”

Morgan snapped his head over. “I’ma selfish prick? Me?”

Luka couldn’t do anything but laugh. “Yes, you. What are you saying, that I’m the selfish one?”

Now it was Morgan’s turn to laugh acerbically. “No, never you. Not perfect Luka!”

“Don’t hold back, Morgan. Let’s hear it.”

Morgan clenched his jaw for a moment before it all came out in a torrent. “You dumped me. Out of nowhere, like it was no big deal. You couldn’t have given less of a shit about me. And then I had to watch you chase after Thomas like a lovesick puppy, drooling all over him. It’s sickening. He isnevergoing to go for you, you know.” The pitch of his voice climbed as the words spilled out.

“Oh, fuck you, Morgan.”

“No, really, it’s pathetic. Everyone is laughing at you.”

Luka ground his teeth together. “I’m not trying to get with Thomas.”

“Ha! Now who’s the liar?”

Never before had Luka so badly wanted to punch someone. He shook his head. “Think whatever you want. This isn’t about Thomas. It’s about you being a fucking asshole.”

“‘Not about Thomas,’ right. Cute guy comes along, pats you on the head and suddenly you’re too good to even listen to my work anymore—”

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