Page 56 of Emergence and Ascendance

"And you're the one with the safe words. Power dynamics only work when both sides agree to them."

A knock at the door interrupted us. Miles entered with several suitcases and a smug ass grin on his face that he didn't try to hide. I was going to hear about this shit.

"Your personal items are in these two bags," he said to Scotlyn. "The rest will be brought up shortly."

"Thank you, Miles."

He nodded at her and shook his head, laughing as he left the room.

"I'm going to let you get settled. Bathroom's through there, closet to the right. If you need anything, I'm at the end of the hall."

"Okay."

"I'll reach out to my attorney tonight to have him draft the terms we agreed on at dinner. We can finalize everything in the morning."

She nodded but still looked like she was going to make a break for it the minute I was gone.

"Goodnight, Scotlyn."

"Goodnight, Christian."

I walked out, closing the door behind me. When I was in my room, I questioned what the fuck I was doing. After what my ex-wife did to me, I never wanted another woman in my life permanently. The betrayal had scarred me too deeply to risk that shit again yet I'd thought it was a good idea to give another woman access to me by bringing Scotlyn into my home and my space.

I wasn't sure if this was brilliance or insanity, but for the first time in years, I was genuinely curious to find out.

Once inside my room, I pulled out my phone and called my attorney.

"Werner," he answered on the second ring.

"I need a contract drafted tonight."

"Tonight? It's late."

"I'm aware of the time. It's a simple agreement between myself and Scotlyn Whitney regarding the waterfront property."

"The property you lost to her?" He sounded confused. "What terms are we looking at?"

"I'll provide consulting services, handle local permits, secure contractors, smooth over any political roadblocks. In exchange, I receive no ownership stake."

"No ownership? Then what are you getting out of this deal?"

"That's not your concern."

"As your attorney, it absolutely is my concern. This makes no business sense, Christian."

"I'm not paying you to question my moves. I'm paying you to do what the fuck I tell you to do."

Werner sighed. "Fine. What specific services are you providing?"

I outlined the details, emphasizing that my role was to facilitate her success with the project, not get in the way.

"So you're essentially helping your competition succeed," Werner said when I finished.

"I need this contract emailed to me before I wake up in the morning."

"That's not-"

"First thing in the morning. Make it happen."

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