Page 118 of Imperial: The Corvidae Family
She was highly fucking amused. “But why would I fire you? You’re the best I have. Hell, better than me lately because I’ve been super distracted.”
So have I…
“That’s my fault.” Kass brushed a finger over her cheek then kissed the same spot.
“It has definitely been your fault.” She narrowed her eyes at him then smiled. “But the point is, you’ve been pulling my slack and we work well together.”
“Then why do you want me to leave?” I frowned again.
“Because we can still work well together but you need to do that with your own company and brand. It’s time.”
“She’s right, Bay. You can do your own thing. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“I’ve been thinking about it,” I admitted. “But I haven’t made a decision yet.”
Tae sighed. “Baylyn, you know I support you in whatever you decide, but I’ll say it again, this is the right move.” She leaned back, glancing at Emir before looking back at me. “You have the talent, the vision, and the reputation. Starting your own company isn’t just a possibility, it’s the next step.”
Kass nodded in agreement. “There’s more than enough business in this city for two event firms, and with Tae taking a step back to plan the wedding, the demand is going to be even higher.”
I shifted in my seat, suddenly hyperaware of Emir’s eyes on me. He was quiet, just listening with his silent focus on me.
Finally, he spoke. “I think it’s a great idea.”
His voice was steady, leaving no room for doubt, and when I glanced at him, he held my gaze for added confirmation.
“You do?”
He nodded. “You’ve been running things for Tae for a long time. You know this business inside and out and if the only thing holding you back is uncertainty, then you already have your answer. You’ll make it work and you have a support system. We got you.”
I turned back to Tae, who was watching me with a knowing look.
“Told you.” She grinned, lifting her wine glass. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
I relaxed and rolled my eyes. “That’s an I’ll think about it.”
The conversation shifted for a while, moving into wedding talk, venues, color schemes, catering options. Kass listened with an amused expression, occasionally exchanging looks with Emir that said they were both just here.
When the waiter returned with the entrées, the conversation paused long enough for us to appreciate the meal. My filet was cooked perfectly, medium rare, the juices pooling around the edges of the plate. Emir had the ribeye, a massive cut of meat with a seared crust, Tae had seafood, grilled salmon with a side of risotto, while Kass had chosen the New York strip.
Between bites, Tae turned to Emir. “You’re still around so I assume you’re making this thing with Baylyn permanent?”
“Yeah, I’m not going anywhere. Permanent has its benefits.”
Tae smiled. “And thosebenefitshave everything to do with Baylyn I’m guessing?”
Kass chuckled under his breath, and I shot Tae a warning look, but she ignored me.
Emir didn’t react immediately. He took down more of his drink, then returned the glass to the table, meeting her eyes. “Yeah. Everything to do with her. She’s my priority.”
There was something cocky in his voice that landed right between my thighs.
“Good because she deserves nothing less than being someone’s priority.”
Emir didn’t answer because he would never justify his actions or intentions with them. He was too damn arrogant for that, but when his hand slid beneath the table the warmth of his palm against my thigh provided all the confirmation I needed. He was in this with me.
For the rest of the meal, the conversation flowed easily. We laughed, debated wedding trends, shared stories from past events with both me and Tae discussing the stupid client request we had over the years.
By the time dessert was offered, we were all too full to even entertain the idea. The waiter cleared the plates, and Tae leaned back, swirling the last of her wine.
