Page 30 of Discretion
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said.For my own personal sanity.“I wouldn’t want to give Kai the wrong impression.”
“I only asked so I could have more time with him.”
“I understand that,” I said, though I was doubtful. “But I think you’d be more comfortable in one of the other rooms at the Huxley Grand. And you’d still get to spend plenty of time with him. You could even have him stay with you in your room for a few nights if you’d like.”
For a minute, I didn’t think Craig was going to let it go without more of a fight. But then he said, “Fine.”
I made a note to myself to book him a room, just in case he “forgot.” It wouldn’t be the first time Craig had pulled something like that—completely ignoring my wishes in favor of his own. All while playing it off as an “accident.”
I was done letting Craig—or any man—dictate my life. And how it had taken me so long to see what he was doing and to put an end to it was beyond me. I might not be ready to look for love, but I could certainly show my son what it meant to love and respect yourself.
CHAPTER SEVEN
We’d just finished our weekly poker game with the guys when I pulled Pierce aside. “I need to ask your advice on something.”
Pierce wasn’t just Graham’s best friend; he was part of the family. He was also our family lawyer, the “fixer.” He often devised elegant solutions to various PR issues.
“Sure. What’s up?”
“It’s—” I did a quick check to see if anyone was nearby. Jackson had already headed out, home to Sloan. Knox and Nate and Jude were talking in the kitchen. “Private.”
Pierce led me down the hall to Knox’s office, shutting the door behind us. “What’s up?”
“Hypothetically speaking… Say I wanted to date someone who works for the Huxley Grand.”
His entire demeanor shifted, and I tried not to be intimidated by the fact that he’d gone into lawyer mode. It was why I’d come to him for advice after all. Because I knew he’d be honest about the risks.
“Hypothetically speaking…” he repeated. “Has anything happened between the two of you?”
I debated how to phrase my answer, finally settling on, “In this example, yes. But it happened in the past.”
“Before she was an employee?”
I shook my head, wishing that were the case. I knew it could potentially make things easier. Though nothing about this was simple.
“Jesus, Jasper.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. I shoved my hands into my pockets, sensing that it was best to keep my mouth shut. “Consensual?”
I glared at him. “Of course.”
Definitely consensual.
“Jasper,” Halle whimpered as I trailed my fingers over her collarbone. “I need you.”
We’d been touring one of the newly renovated hotel rooms at the Huxley’s main London location. She’d stayed behind after all the other staff had left, helping me make any notes on details that were missing. Brainstorming ideas for ways to enhance the guest experience.
Being alone with Halle was a bad idea. Especially after all the tension that had been building between us since my arrival a few weeks ago. Spending time with only Halle in a luxury hotel room was fucking insanity.
And yet here we were, her ass on the desk. My cock straining against the zipper of my trousers. Her legs spread, skirt rucked up. Lips swollen from my kisses.
God. She was something.
Pale thighs sprinkled with freckles. Her shirt rumpled, the top fewbuttons undone to reveal the flush of her chest. But it was those eyes—deep, soulful, rich chocolate eyes—that got me every time.
“This is a bad idea,” I rasped, as if that would stop me. We’d been dancing around this for weeks.
Sloan would kill me.
Halle was my sister’s chief of staff.Myemployee.
