Page 21 of Emergence and Ascendance

"So, what's this win—win you mentioned?"

"A partnership." He kept his expression neutral but I unfortunately did not. I frowned immediately.

"A partnership?"

"You have the capital and the development know—how. I have the local connections and insider knowledge that no amount of research can buy. Together, we could build something amazing with the waterfront."

"I'm sorry. I'm a bit confused. Why are you assuming I need a partner?"

"I'm not assuming, I know, Scotlyn."

"I do not need you and I don't share control, Christian."

"Neither do I…” he paused and the heated look that landed on me was a clear sign thecontrolhe was mentioning referred to more than just business. I was suddenly very aware of how hard my nipples became within a matter of seconds. My body also grew eagerly curious to find out what Christian being in control looked and felt like, but my mind snapped back to the conversation when I heard his voice again. “…which is exactly why this setup would make sure neither of us can screw over the other. Equal partners, equal say."

Screw…

Why did that word send a rush of heat down my spine?

Because you want him to screw you…

I shifted and corrected my posture trying extremely hard to pull my nasty ass mind out of the gutter.

"Since I'm here. I'll entertain you."

He smiled sexily and leaned back in his chair waiting, so I continued. "What exactly do you bring besides a potential local connection? Whitney International has built in markets way more complicated than Crescent Falls and I’ve handled it. I'm bringing more to the table, which means this wouldn't beequal."

His eyes flashed with annoyance and respect at my brush-off. He knew I was testing him, because fuck your male driven ego, Devereaux.

"Agreed, but you're not using Whitney International's resources for this project, are you?"

Shit. He did his homework.

"You're developing this property on your own. Using your own money instead of company funds. That means you don't have the usual backup from the Whitney machine."

"I don't need backup."

"Maybe not for money, but permits? Zoning? Labor contracts? Whitney can bully it’s way into getting those secured.Youcan not." He smiled arrogantly. "Crescent Falls does things its own way. Without the right introductions and partnerships, you'll run into delays andunexpectedcomplications."

"Are you threatening to mess with my project?" I lowered my glass and my eyes narrowed.

"Not at all. I'm offering to make sure it succeeds. Think of me as your local guide through potentially rough territory."

He leaned back and dropped a hand into his lap. My eyes followed the motion and my mind went drifting again about what his hand was resting on and why he had his legs spread so wide.

Scot, stop lusting after this man. I bet his young ass can’t even fuck.

"I don't need your help, Christian. I've handled rough territory before."

The cocky grin that eased onto his face before his tongue glided over is bottom lip had all my attention.

"Different rules apply here in my city."

Okay so maybe he knows what to do with his mouth…Scot, focus!

"Rules are always different. That's what makes this job fun. I am also very successful because I'm fucking good at what I do," I clarified.

"Fair enough, but picture this, we combine Whitney's international reputation with the Devereauxs local pull. The result would kick ass in ways neither of us could pull off alone."

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