Page 113 of Seduced By You

Fuck.

I’m dead.

Epilogue

Leesa

The perfect beginning.

Four Months Later…

“I appreciate that, thank you.” I held up two fingers at Kadon, who’d appeared at the door to my office, or rather, the converted bedroom at my house. I hadn’t seen the need to hire off-site premises. I could run my business as easily from here. He took a seat opposite my desk and crossed one leg over his other knee.

“Of course,” I said into the phone. “I’ll confirm our agreement in an email. Thanks, Jéan. Speak soon.” I ended the call. “Another company wanting to hire Maman for their advertising campaign.”

In line with my company’s mission statement, I’d opened my doors to all kinds of amazing, talented, beautiful women, including my gorgeous maman, who was my most in-demand middle-aged model. Being able to make her long-held dreams come true was one of my proudest achievements since I’d officially launched thirteen weeks ago. I still hit multiple brick walls with organizations that weren’t ready, or willing, to change, but more and more were opening their eyes to the opportunities of diversity.

“She’s a popular lady. As well as a beautiful one, just like her daughter.”

I narrowed my eyes. Kadon had that look on his face, the one that said he was up to no good.

“What are you doing here?” I glanced at the clock. “Not far into the season and you’re playing hooky already?”

“Leaving a business I own at five thirty is not playing hooky.”

“It is when you haven’t replaced me yet.” If I had to guess, I’d put Kadon’s fussiness with hiring a new VIP Operations Manager down to his doomed hope that I’d change my mind and return.

“Meh. You weren’t that good anyway.”

I thought I’d feigned nonchalance, until Kadon chuckled.

“You’re so easy to tease.”

I scratched my temple with my middle finger. “Shut up and tell me why you’re interrupting me at work.”

“Is that any way to talk to your beloved?” He got up and came around to my side of the desk. Taking my hands, he pulled me to my feet. “Work’s over for the day.”

“But—”

“But nothing. You’re done. You’ve worked your ass off these last few months starting this business. It’ll survive without you for a couple of hours.”

“Aww, are you missing me?”

“Like a boil on the bum.”

I laughed. “I knew my English side would rub off eventually.”

“I prefer it when your French side rubs off.” He explored me slowly, gaze heated. “Or rather, rubsagainst.”

“Against what?” I batted my eyelids.

“Anything you want, Lee.” He leaned in, brushing my lips with his. “But first things first.”

He led me to his car. We drove for about thirty minutes. Every time I asked him where we were going—which I did at least once every ninety seconds—he’d wear this expression, a half smile, a little wink, eyes shining as if he held the world’s best-kept secret and he only had a few minutes left to wait before he could blurt it out.

I lost track of time, falling silent when he refused to answer me, deciding instead to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The country of my birth, although not where I’d spent most of my childhood, was truly stunning, and I couldn’t be happier that this was where I’d chosen to settle. I often wondered if Kadon might want to return to America at some point. Not that he’d ever mentioned it. He appeared as happy here as I was. Though if he did, I’d go with him. I’d follow him anywhere. The beauty of my work was that location didn’t matter.

He eventually stopped the car on a narrow road with shrubbery on either side and yellowed grass starved of water. I couldn’t see much in the way of civilization, other than a couple of houses dotted about the hillside. His lips pressed together as he cut the engine and climbed out. I did the same.

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