Chapter 42 #2
“Hey, we’re not that bad,” Harrison said with a smile. “But sure. We can create a fake name for you on the employee records. A nom de guerre.”
“I can ensure the records are safe,” Rafael added. “We keep a tight hold on our internal employment records, for obvious reasons. Nobody would ever learn you’re working here unless you told them.”
“You do need to work out of the office, though,” Harrison said. “But since you’re working on my book, you have a good excuse.”
“Can I choose any fake name I want?” I asked.
Harrison cocked his head. “Within reason.”
I stuck out my hand. “You’ve convinced me. I’ll do it. Shake on it?”
He shook my hand, then yanked me forward until I was in his lap, wrapping his arms around me and kissing me hard.
“Kissing on it is better,” Rafael said, leaning closer. I had a feeling we were about to start round two for the evening.
But then my phone chimed on the table. All three of us glanced over at it.
“I don’t want to sound like a possessive man who needs to screen all your texts,” Harrison said slowly. “But is that Lucien Moreau texting you? Or some other Lucien you happen to know?”
I slid off his lap and checked my phone. “No, it’s him. He’s been pestering me for weeks to write his biography.”
Harrison sighed. “See what I mean about my competitors trying to poach all my people?”
“Are you going to do it?” Rafael asked.
Harrison’s eyes sparkled as he waited for my response.
“He offered me a ton of money to put your book on pause. I won’t do that,” I reassured them. “But when your biography is done? I was considering working on his.”
“He’s just trying to sleep with you,” Rafael said.
“Absolutely. This is how Lucien operates, Caroline. He’s a child. Whenever he sees someone else with a toy, he has to play with it.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Is that all I am? Your toy?”
His hand squeezed my bare thigh. “You’re a lot of things to me, Caroline. Sometimes you’re a toy, yes.”
“But you know what we mean,” Rafael insisted. “The moment Lucien gets in your pants, he’ll use that information to get under Harrison’s skin. He’ll be insufferable. And the moment you stop being useful to him, he’ll drop you. Just like a toy that he’s bored with.”
I hesitated before answering. I hadn’t told them what had happened on Lucien’s yacht down in St. Kitts. I hadn’t been planning on telling them, either. But now I was at a moment where that information was relevant. If I didn’t tell them now, it would become a lie of omission.
And as I sat there, looking at the two of them, I knew that I couldn’t keep this a secret. They trusted me, so I needed to trust them.
“Lucien and I had sex on his yacht down in St. Kitts,” I said in a rush. “I didn’t plan on it happening. It was just sort of an accident.”
“Ahh,” Rafael exhaled. “I thought something happened down there.”
Harrison smirked at me. “It was that damn sushi chef, wasn’t it?”
“It didn’t happen that night,” I admitted.
“It was the next day. When he threw that big party. I went looking for the bathroom, and got lost, and found him in his bedroom, and…” I shrugged.
“It just sort of happened. That was the only time, though. I’ve been debating whether or not to tell you, but the moment never seemed right. If you’re upset, I understand.”
Harrison wore a heavy scowl. Rafael looked confused. I held my breath, waiting for their reaction.
“That was a month ago,” Harrison said.
“Five weeks,” Rafael confirmed. “And Lucien hasn’t said anything to you?”
“Not a word,” Harrison replied.
“That makes zero sense. Why wouldn’t he immediately gloat about it to you?”
“I’m wondering the same thing.”
“Wait a minute. You two aren’t mad?”
They both looked at me. “Why would we be mad?” Rafael asked.
“You can do whatever you want, with whomever you want,” Harrison agreed. “And I get it. Lucien’s an attractive man, and charismatic.”
“It’s that fucking accent,” Rafael said with a chuckle. “It makes women melt. Every damn time.”
“I’m glad you felt comfortable enough to tell us,” Harrison said, squeezing my thigh again. “You didn’t need to, but it’s nice that you trust us.”
I stared at each of them. To say I was shocked by their response was an understatement.
“I’m glad you’re not mad,” I said slowly. “But you must think the worst of me. First I slept with Rafael, then your business partner, and now you…”
“You know how we feel about that double standard,” Harrison said. “When I sleep with multiple women, I’m called New York’s most eligible bachelor.”
“I don’t think less of you.” Rafael caressed my back. “Never, Caroline.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“Honestly, I’m more confused as to why Lucien hasn’t been using this information against me,” Harrison said, glancing at Rafael again. “What’s his game?”
“Whatever it is,” Rafael said, “he’s waiting until the right moment to reveal it. I’ll put some feelers out. See if he’s cooking up something.”
“Please do,” Harrison said. Then he turned back to me. “There is one question I have. And if you don’t answer honestly, I won’t offer you the Public Relations job.”
“There’s the blackmail I expected to receive,” I said with a laugh. “Ask away.”
Harrison took a deep breath, let it out slowly, then gazed at me with utmost seriousness. “Is Lucien a good lover? Rafael thinks he’s selfish in bed.”
“He’s too cocky,” Rafael said. “I bet he only cares about himself when he’s having sex. Men like him have so much wealth and power that they don’t need to be generous lovers.”
Harrison made a choking sound.
“Present company excluded,” Rafael added.
“You’re better lovers than him. Both of you,” I said.
Rafael pumped a fist. Harrison only smiled.
“But,” I added with a grimace, “he’s not a selfish lover. He’s good in bed. Sorry.”
“Fuck,” Rafael cursed.
Harrison sighed back into the couch. “I knew it.”
“But you’re better!” I quickly reiterated. “And I’m not just saying that. Lucien and I had fun one time, but both of you are excellent lovers.”
“That helps my bruised ego a little bit,” Harrison admitted.
“Only a little bit?” I asked, sliding into his lap again. “Maybe I can heal that wound.”
And for the next hour, I did.