Page 19 of My Totally Unfair Deal

Two, I don’t want to talk to you about anything outside of what’s absolutely required.”

“Since you can barely hold a conversation, that’s a bonus for me…”

“Three. You will stay in your lane of vapid, cookie-cutter beauty charm and won’t challenge me on my presentation skills.”

“If you had presentation skills, I wouldn’t be here.”

“And lastly, you’ll stop with the snarky comments and know that I will sic my brother on you if you even lay a finger on me.”

I blink.

“There.” She crosses her arms again. “I’ve spoken my piece. This is the part where you agree, so I can walk away.”

Yeah, I don’t think so.

I grab the ledge of the hot tub and climb onto the deck, water trailing down my chest. Her eyes flicker—and her cheeks flush a delicious shade of pink as I grab a towel.

I walk over to where I left my laptop and pick up the contract I drafted hours ago. Then I hold it out for her.

“These are the only terms and conditions we’ll need to abide by while you’re under my rule.”

“Rule?”

“Roof.” I smile. “Freudian slip. But accurate.”

“I’m sure.” She snatches it from me. “ThisTotally Fair Dealdoesn’t seem to have any stipulations for you.”

“It’s an early draft, but it’s pretty close to final.” I hand her a pen. “You can go ahead and sign it now, though.”

“I need time to read it.”

“Then have a seat and do so.”

“That’ll take me a while… It’s very long.”

“I appreciate that compliment.” I adjust my towel, and she blushes again. “In that case, take all the time you need. But let’s get a few things straight.”

“One,” I say, holding her gaze. “You will accept that you’re the one who needs help and actually listen to everything I have to say.”

“I literally just?—”

“Don’t interrupt me.” I step toward her.

She backs up. I follow.

Step. Step. Step—until her back hits the villa’s siding.

“Two—” I inhale, resisting the urge to lean closer. Her sweet scent has been messing with my thoughts since the airport ride. “As of tonight, you’ll stop cursing at me or anyone else. It’s not going to get you where you want to be.”

“Three— I’ll stay in my lane of turning you into the kind of woman every business deal is dying to be made with. And you’ll be grateful as fuck for it.”

“You can curse and I can’t?”

“Yes.” I close the space between us. “Lastly, pack your bags. You’re flying to New York in forty-eight hours. You need every second of my help, and we don’t have a moment to waste.”

She looks like she’s one smart remark away from slapping me, so I keep a close eye on her hands.

“Fine.” Her voice comes out in a soft, reluctant breath. “I accept your terms, but I still need time to read the contract.”

---