Page 43 of Greed

Standing in the doorway of a conference room at Wells, I watch the woman who launched her own company when she was twenty-four. It started with a condom brand that she had a hand in developing. Since then, she’s expanded her horizons to include numerous products designed to give women the best sexual experiences of their lives.

I admire her, and now, I’ll have to negotiate with her so my lover can rebrand her condom division as his own.

“Abigail,” Declan says my name as soon as he notices me in the open doorway.

He’s dressed in a dark suit, white button-down shirt, and blue tie. I opted for something similar today. My blue skirt is a shade darker than his suit and my white blouse comes complete with a ruffle at the bottom of the sleeves.

At first glance, anyone seeing us together would think we coordinated our outfits.

“I want you to meet Kalina Ash.” Declan directs a hand toward the petite blonde woman standing next to him.

She’s dressed in jeans and a gray T-shirt. Her black blazer matches the heels on her feet. She’s every inch the stylish professional. Even if I were given the leeway to wear an outfit like that to work, I doubt I’d pull it off so effortlessly.

“Hi, Abigail,” Kalina approaches me with an outstretched hand. “It’s good to meet you.”

We shake while I smile at her. “It’s good to meet you too.”

She steps back to glance at Declan. “My attorney had to bow out last minute because of an unexpected health matter, so today is just a meet and greet between us. She’ll handle all the finer points of the deal with you.”

“Of course.” I nod.

“I’m glad that Declan has a woman on the case.” She smiles, and her brown eyes light up. “You may be surprised to learn that almost half of our annual sales are to women.”

I shake my head. “Actually, I’m not. I bought a box of Lluara condoms just last night.”

I can feel Declan’s gaze burn into me, but I keep mine focused solely on Kalina.

“I trust they added to the fun.” She winks.

It’s been a few days since I turned down Declan’s dinner invitation. I’ve used that time to review the details of the contract Rook prepared for my work with Wells. He walked me through everything and provided all the materials I needed to get up to speed on the acquisition.

I also fit in a few hours with my sister.

“Your product is amazing,” I tell Kalina. “I’ll be using them forever.”

That comes out sounding awkward, so I shake my head as I think of what I really wanted to say, but before I can, Kalina jumps in. “Repeat customers are a treasure. I’m almost sad to let the condom division go, but I promised myself I’d sell it when the time is right.”

“That time is now,” Declan says decisively.

Kalina looks at him. “If the price is right.”

“It will be,” I interject. “Mr. Wells is committed to this deal being fair and equitable. He recognizes the effort and dedication you’ve invested in developing the product, and our initial offer will reflect that.”

Kalina smiles. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“Wells will honor what you created, Ms. Ash,” I say as I finally glance at Declan to find him completely focused on me. “You can rest assured that you’re trusting it to the right people.”

“You’re one of those people.” She circles a finger in the air toward me. “I already like you, Abigail.”

“Abby.” I smile.

“Abby,” she repeats. “Please call me Kalina.”

* * *

Fifteen minutes later,I extend a hand to Declan’s brother. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Wells.”

Sean glances at Declan before a broad smile coasts over his lips. “I’m not a stuck-up jerk like my brother. You’ll call me Sean, and I’ll call you Abby.”

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