Page 20 of Big Bad Bully
I slow-turn to give him a withering look. “Fifty grand what?”
“I’ll give you fifty grand for a mural in here.”
The Champagne–or prosecco–has definitely gone to my head. I snort. “Why?”
His blue-grey eyes are fathomless as he stares back at me coolly.
“I don’t understand,” I say, honestly. He would hate my art. It doesn’t make sense.
“Aubrey’s work is incredible.” Madi starts selling me, even though my services aren’t for sale. “She could transform this place.”
I look around doubtfully. What I paint would look horrible in here. I paint with bright colors–and it’s mostly protest art. I’m about social change, not billionaire bros. But it would be fun to be in his space, tormenting him on a daily basis. I could insist on working nights, when he’s home.
I’d get to see Madi on a daily basis again. That would be nice.
“But no color,” Billy adds.
I smack my lips. “Hard pass.”
Except my mind was already enjoying the idea of the job. As I speak the words, I’m a little sorry at my haste in refusing.
I steal a look at him. He’s sitting too close to me for me to fully face him, and I’m suddenly hyper aware of the six inches that separate our legs on the couch.
Billy’s posture is relaxed. There’s a smug expression on his face. Why on Earth does he think he’s won something here? I just said, hard pass.
“Anyone can make a big splash with color. It takes nuance and subtlety to find the life in the gray area.”
“Is that where you reside?” I make the mistake of looking at him again. I’m suddenly trapped in his blue-grey gaze. “In the grey area?”
I suddenly wonder just how grey he goes. What rules does he bend? In what aspects of his life?
He gives a barely perceptible nod. “Yes.” There’s a purr to his voice that unnerves me. I don’t know why or how he thinks he suddenly got the upper hand, but we flipped from me goading him to him provoking me. He’s issuing a challenge, and his eyes glint with the knowledge that I’m going to accept.
No, I’m not. That’s insane. Why would I?
I glance at Madi, and she gives me an encouraging flick of her brows. Like she wants me to negotiate this deal with him. And as much of an outsider as I feel with Madi and her new life, the idea of having this entry point appeals to me. We’d have shared experience again. Common ground.
“One hundred thousand for two murals.” I throw out because that’s the number that would make me feel okay about giving in. I don’t lust for money, but things are definitely shoe-string tight. The reason it’s taken me five years to get my degree is because I work almost full time in addition to school. The Sentience job allowed me some breathing room, but that money feels dirty. Plus, Madi’s still footing the bill for her half of our apartment, and while I love having her former bedroom as a painting studio, I don’t like accepting her charity.
“She’s worth it,” Madi pipes in.
“I don’t need two murals,” Billy counters.
“One grey” –I sweep my hand to indicate the wall behind the couch– “and one color.” I point to the larger wall directly across from it. “That’s my only offer. Take it or leave it.”
Billy considers me. “I approve the design before you begin.”
Wow. He’s accepting my bid? Surprising. I thought he’d hardball me. I dismiss his stipulation. “No deal.”
“Concept,” he immediately counters.
Fireflies dance inside my entire body. I’m lit up by our negotiation–both physically turned on and mentally thrilled.
I consider his counter-offer. There’s a lot of grey area with an approved concept. “Okay,” I agree.
He grows more smug. I’m not sure why he seems to think he has me where he wants me. I’m charging a fortune, and I plan to make his life miserable with this venture.
“You pay all expenses,” I throw in as an afterthought.
