Page 41 of Corbin
She would not stand here and listen to psychobabble. “I’m not even going to address that ridiculous comment.”
His eyes flared with anger at her insult. “Be very careful. My diagnosis is considered unquestioned in the psychiatric field.”
She fought a moment of panic. What was he trying to do? What had brought this on?
“I see you understand the gravity of this situation,” he went on.
“Actually, I don’t understandwhatthe situation is.”
“I’ve discovered your little secret.”
Her heart dropped like an anvil in thin air. How had he found out about the women she rescued?
“Oh, don’t be so surprised.” He smiled and sat back in his leather chair. “Did you really think you could agree to partner in a run-down theater for sweat equity, and I would not find out?”
Air filled her lungs again. Her chicks were safe.
Trying for his confidence, she walked over to look out the ten-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling windows where traffic moved along the street. She drew a deep breath and replied on the exhale. “It’s not that big of a secret. Just something I wanted to do to give back to my fans. Why is this a problem?”
“Had you simply spoken to me first, I would have researched funding for this venture rather than using your time for sweat equity. That would have allowed you to stay on schedule to finish your current album and focus on the tour.”
Now she understood.
Turning around, she leaned against the corner of the window with her arms crossed. She didn’t want his hands in the theater or for him to find out what she really had planned for a charity. “I want to have a part of something that grows from the ground up. My sweat equity is singing for charity events. It’s my time.”
He sat back and studied her long enough to make most people uncomfortable. She knew how he operated and didn’t flinch.
“Are you refusing to include me in this project, Eirene?”
She tried for diplomacy. “If I needed your help, I would have asked.”
“In that case, we’re back to the two weeks and then a break.”
Evidently, diplomacy was wasted on a madman.
“No! I committed to six events. To back out would damage my reputation.” She lifted her chin. “My father never intended for you to rule every piece of my life. I have tried to be a model person since coming back home. I have worked very hard to develop my music and my following. Why would you do this now? You don’t care about this little theater or whether I sing for charities. What is it youactuallywant?”
A tiny smile teased his lips. “I want that album finished and an international tour to support the release. I want another album completed a year later.”
She should be relieved to get a straight answer, but his olive branch would tie up the majority of her days for a year. She needed more time than he was allowing after this six-week tour to finish the album she’d been dragging her feet on intentionally.
However, if that would get him off her back for a few months, she’d give him the album.
Slumping her shoulders as if she’d lost a battle, she nodded. “You’re right. It’s time to clean up the album and plan a release.”
Here came the full vulture smile. “That’s more like it.”
“As soon as I return from this six-week run, I’ll go into the studio and iron out the bumps in the songs. I have a new one in mind, too,” she added that last part to offer something special.
But she would not give him her best material, barely enough to kick him off her back.
He leaned forward with his elbows on the table and his hands folded together. “I want the album finished in two weeks.”
Her mouth opened, but she shut it quickly. “I can’t do my best work on the road. I’d have to fly back once every four days, cram for a full day, and then go back out.”
“Then you should consider two events and staying here to finish the album.”
Could she hate anyone more than she did him? Not possible.
