Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
When Knox pulls Laken in for a man hug, Laken’s narrowed gaze shoots to me. He looks like he wants to hang me out to dry, like he wants to tell the world last night’s escapades weren’t consensual on both sides of the team, but instead, he mutters, “Thanks for having me.”
I roll my eyes at their bros-for-life mantra before drifting to the scenery whizzing by the window. River is Knox’s brother and hasn’t been granted any special privileges—he was cleaning the toilets only last month—so why does Laken get to trample over everyone for one of the most sought-after positions at Knox Records?
Don’t read that the wrong way. I’m not saying protecting me is every man’s dream job. I am merely stating that most protective details see their position as a steppingstone in the industry.
The only person who hasn’t chased fame is Hawke, and although he’d never admit it, that has more to do with whom he’s protecting. He loves Jasper, Jenni and Nick’s firstborn son, as if he is his own, and Harper, their adorable daughter, has him wrapped around her little finger.
So even Laken being a family friend of Knox’s doesn’t alter the facts.
There are more deserving people entitled to a promotion, so Knox should have given it more thought before handing the position to a blast from his past.
Wow. I had no idea how horrific Laken’s rejection had burned until now. I sound like a bitter old cow instead of a woman who understands the terms of a one-night stand.
It would be easy to play it cool if he hadn’t stolen from me.
That’s where my anger stems. I wouldn’t have cared about waking up in an empty bed if he had left my belongings alone.
Yeah, right.
If you believe that, you’ll believe anything.
I zone back into their conversation when Knox says, “Anything you need to make this transition easier, let me know. Nothing is off limits.” Unease grips me when Knox places his hand high on my thigh and squeezes it. “Except her. She’s untouchable.”
Before I can work out what he’s playing at, the reason for his show of masculinity is unearthed when he removes his hand from my body to pull a contract out of his soft leather briefcase.
Knox makes all his employees sign a contract with a non-fraternization policy, and although he said it wasn’t a requirement for artists—it’s more to protect them than hinder their creativity—I happily signed it.
Knox’s looks give any woman’s eyes the workout of their life, but there are some lines I won’t cross.
Messing around with the man in charge of my career is the first item on that list.
I almost warn Laken not to sign anything without having a lawyer look at it, but I can’t get any words past the shock clogged in my throat when I notice he’s once again shooting daggers at me.
If he wants to make out I’m the villain, I may as well portray one.
“Don’t forget to mention that company perks are only to be utilized during working hours.” I wait for Laken’s eyes to align with mine before I lower my eyes to the complimentary condoms supplied by the stretch limousine company. The brand and use-by date match the condoms we diminished last night.
I can tell the moment their familiarity smacks into him. His jaw stiffens before his throat works through a hard swallow. “It won’t be an issue,” he murmurs after swallowing enough times to wet his throat with spit. “I won’t have any need for company perks…” I would have preferred if he ended his statement there. Regretfully, I’ve never been overly lucky. “Not during working hours, anyway.”
“Attaboy!” Knox says with a laugh. “I have no issues with you sowing your oats while we’re on tour. I’d just rather you do it with the girls seeking free tickets instead of the ones I’m paying out the eye to bring the tour together.” My back molars are already gnawed to stubs over him demoralizing the people we need to make my album a success, but I feel sick to the stomach when I can’t take his final comment any other way. “If you want to pay for it, you may as well hire a professional.”
I shoot my eyes up from my balled hands when Laken asks a short time later, “Have all employees signed this?” I assume Knox nods when a rustle flicks up the loose bangs framing my face, and am proven right when Laken continues his interrogation. “Including you two?”
When Knox’s humored laugh doubles the heat of the glare Laken is hitting me with, my anger surges too fast for me to continue playing nice. “Why does it bother you if we’ve signed or not? It isn’t like either of us are going to sleep with you.” I thrust my hand between Knox and myself as I say the word “us” before locking eyes with Laken to ensure he can’t miss my unvoiced words.