Page 45 of The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires)

Zahra:I’m glad you asked because I’m ready with my next offer.

Of course she is. I’d expect nothing less from her.

Zahra:I’ll buy you pizza and a six-pack of your favorite beer if you help me. I’m BEGGING you.

She doesn’t ask before sending a photo. She’s right. Whatever mock-up she created is absolutely hideous. I can barely make out whatever idea she originally had.

Me:Is that a dying cat? That’s a bit morbid for a children’s theme park, don’t you think?

Zahra:Ha. Ha. Ha. It’s supposed to be a menacing dragon for your artistic information.

Me:At least you nailed the scary part.

She follows up my message with one single knife emoji.

Me:Are you threatening my life? That’s something HR would frown down upon.

Now I’m jokingly threatening her with HR? I’m fucked. So positively fucked.

Zahra:Slip of the finger. I meant to send this.

She follows up with a series of praying hands. I rub a thumb across my smile.

Me:Liar.

Zahra:All right, you’re playing hard to get, so here’s plan C.

Me:Only two away from selling your kidney.

Zahra:You really pay attention!!

Zahra:But I think you won’t be able to resist this one, so my vital organ could be safe and sound if you only agree.

Zahra:How about pizza, beer, and a year of unlimited access to my TV streaming accounts. I won’t even change the password in a few months to spite you.

A whisper of a laugh escapes me. Her offer is ridiculous, especially seeing as I’m the one who acquired any streaming service worth paying a subscription for. It’s my pride and joy.

Regardless, I’m impressed by her perseverance despite all my rejections.

Zahra:Do you accept the challenge?

Me:Tell me more about your idea and I’ll think about it.

Every siren in my head sounds off in unison, warning me away from her. Yet I can’t find the will to send a follow-up message revoking my offer.

She sends a flurry of messages explaining her idea for the new roller-coaster ride featuring Princess Cara. Her texts are filled with such intriguing passion, and I find myself getting lost in her world for a little bit.

Zahra has this way of dreaming that I find intoxicating. It makes me want to create along with her and design something that brings her vision to life. And that alone is terrifying.

I should push her away for good, but I like how she thinks I’m only a guy who likes to draw random shit. My alias is becoming an addiction despite the risks of growing closer to her. But I can’t find it in me to assign an Animator to work with her, no matter how much I should. There’s something about how she talks to me that has me forgetting my last name for a little while.

Because she has no idea you’re her boss.

A sour feeling takes up a spot in my stomach, but I can’t find it in me to change the circumstance and admit who I am. I don’t feelthatguilty.

* * *

Professionalism flies out the window as I drop offScott’sdrawing. There’s only one reason for the loss of control and Zahra’s curved ass is to blame for all of it.

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