Page 29 of Her Ruin

“I can pay.” I swallowed my pride. “Whatever it takes.”

Zayn studied me, the corner of his lip tugging upwards as he assessed me. “That’s cute.”

I stiffened in my seat. “Excuse me?”

“You think this is about money?” He looked around the room, reaching over to pick up something from his desk. I jumped when the top row of screens came to life, showing scenes from the club. It was even busier. “Do I look like I need your money?” My gaze darted back to his, and I saw the coldness he watched me with. “I don’t need money.” I hated the way he looked at me. “Hmmm...what do I need from you...” He let the words linger, let the air shift between us, heavy with unspoken possibilities.

“I get it.” I pushed myself to my feet, but looking down at him, I had the distinct impression standing didn’t put me in a stronger position. “I wasted my time.” I turned away from him and headed to the main door.

“I’m not finished.”

At the door, I looked at him over my shoulder. He hadn’t moved.

I braced myself. “What?”

His smirk deepened. “A deal.”

My pulse kicked. A surge of hope ran through me. “What kind of deal?”

Zayn leaned back, slow and deliberate, like he had all the time in the world. “You’re delayed what? Four weeks?”

Iknewthe bastard knew, so instead of shouting at him like I wanted to, I simply nodded in confirmation. His warning about accusing him of being involved again was still fresh in my mind.

“The charity gala is the most important event of your year.” His eyes were cold. Assessing. “A reckless move on your part to move the venue to The Grand…” He looked at me with mockery. “One may even say adesperatemove.”

“Go to hell.” I turned my back on him, deciding this was getting me nowhere. I heard a sound behind me and knew he had left his seat.

A hand at my elbow turned me, and before I knew it, my back was against the door. Zayn stood so close to me, but he had dropped his hand from my elbow, careful not to touch me.

He towered over me. My heart was racing, and my hands pressed into my sides. “Zayn?”

“I can’t help your supply problem,” he spoke bluntly. “Icansave your gala.”

“What?” My throat was so dry it came out in a husky whisper.

Cold gray eyes watched me. “You get your gala, one event, here. No rental fee.”

My eyes narrowed on his. The offer sounded too good to be true. “And what do you get?”

His gaze stayed locked onto mine. “I’ll let you know when I decide.”

I should’ve walked away. I should’ve told him to shove it up his ass. I should have let him know I didn’t owe him a damn thing, then or now.Especiallynow.

But I knew I couldn’t. I didn’t have that luxury.

I needed this.

I needed him.

And Zayn?

He knew it.

So I bargained.

“I have complete control of the space. I don’t want you or your sidekick near it.” When did I get so bold? I pressed back into the door when he leaned forward, the palm of his hand resting on the door. He was far too close to me. “Agreed?” I would not be intimidated by him. Or distracted by the fact he smelled amazing.

“No.”

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