5. Rhett
Neutral ground, that’s what they called it. The second floor of the Hotel Ballantyne, Esperance, NC meeting room 2.0. The agreed-on location for the mediation between myself and the Alliance for the Utterly Useless Reptiles That Are Ruining My Life. Or whatever they were called. I couldn’t remember. But they were the ones who had hired Ms. Always Wright and were funding this whole deal. So, I guess I could thank them, in a way, for the very delectable view I now had.
The woman was too fucking gorgeous for words. That’s all there was to it. Was it the four-inch heels? The pencil skirt? The hair tied back in a low bun, but with wisps left out to frame her face. What was it with women and wisps, anyway?
She was chatting with the four nerds from the alliance. There was the haughty blonde with the permanent sneer, like she’d just caught a whiff of something unpleasant. The balding guy whose eyes kept darting around nervously, as if he expected someone to jump out at any moment. The younger woman with the severe bun and long floral dress. And the tall thin guy that looked like he hadn’t bought a new shirt since nineteen seventy-three. Zealots, the lot of them.
They had all of Scarlett’s attention, dammit. What I’d give for even a faint acknowledgement of my existence right now. But we’d been here for ten minutes, waiting for the judge in the upstairs foyer, and Scarlett hadn’t even cast me a sideways glance. Shame. On the upside, though, that gave me plenty of opportunity to check her out.
The antique elevator jangled loudly, rudely interrupting my ogling. The tall thin guy stepped forward and yanked the door open and out stepped the Judge. She was a short woman, with silver hair, thick, horned rimmed glasses and a friendly smile. Like someone’s Nana. Except I’d dealt with her before and knew that she was formidable. “If everyone is ready, we’ll proceed to the meeting room.” She turned on her sensible heels and led the way down the carpeted hall.
“After you…” I gestured to Scarlett to go ahead, banking on her manners to allow the Alliance members to go first. Which is, of course, exactly what happened. Now I had the perfect view of her perfect ass as she walked ahead of me. I could see the moment she realized what I’d done in the stiffening of her shoulders. When she turned her head to glare at me, I had my hands in my pockets and my eyes studiously averted. The breath of annoyance she huffed out as she turned away had me grinning.
We filed into the conference room, and the heavy oak door closed behind us with a dull thud. I felt a thrill of anticipation as we took our seats around the gleaming conference table, the judge at the head, me and my lawyer, Bob Miller and his assistant, whose name I couldn’t remember. The way they laid their briefcases on the table and clacked them open in disciplined unison was very impressive. Did they rehearse that?
Scarlett took the seat directly across from me and placed her briefcase on the floor, removing a folder from it and shooting me a fiery look. All in one smooth motion. Hot.
“Good morning. Thank you for being here. My name is Vivienne Donald. As the court-appointed mediator, my role is to facilitate an open discussion and see if we can reach a mutually agreeable solution, rather than proceeding to litigation,” the judge began in a clipped tone. “The matter at hand is between Rivers Enterprises and the Alliance of Susceptible Species. Mr. Bob Miller acts on behalf of Rivers Enterprises. Ms. Scarlett Wright is standing for the Alliance.” She fixed us all with a stern look before continuing. “Now, I’ll lay out the ground rules. There will be no grandstanding, no insults, no stomping out of the room like petulant children. We are all adults here. If you cannot follow basic decorum, you will be excused. Is that clear?” After we all agreed, she looked at Scarlett. “Ms. Wright, I invite you to make your opening remarks.”
“Thank you, Your Honor. The Pine Barren Treefrog is an integral part of this ecosystem. They are an indicator species, a barometer of the health of our wetlands. Their population has already declined by over 30% in the last decade. The development proposed by Mr. Rivers’ company will destroy their remaining habitat and push them to the brink of extinction. In short, it is recklessly irresponsible and shows a callous disregard for a vulnerable species.”
So. Hot.
“Thank you, Ms. Wright. We’ll turn now to the respondent. I give you the right of reply.”
One of us had to play the grown up and luckily for me, Bob was up to the task. “We have conducted extensive environmental impact assessments. Mitigation strategies are in place to minimize any potential harm to the treefrogs. Furthermore, this development will bring much-needed jobs and economic growth to the region. —”
Scarlett’s eyes flashed. “Mitigation strategies? Like relocating a handful of frogs and calling it a day? This isn’t just about the treefrogs, it’s about the message we send. Do we value profit over the preservation of our natural world? Over the very creatures that share this planet with us?”
Fascinating. Honestly. All this zeal for some reptiles. I couldn’t imagine feeling that much about anything, let alone something so pointless.
Was Bob squirming? Surely not. Guess it was my turn to be the adult. “While we understand your concern for the treefrogs, Ms. Wright, let’s not forget the broader picture. Economic development brings jobs and growth to this community, and it’s vital to consider the needs of its residents too. Finding a balance between environmental protection and economic progress requires a thoughtful approach. We’re committed to doing that, but let’s be realistic about what’s achievable.”
She snorted. She fucking snorted. I raised a brow at her, throwing down a challenge I knew she’d pick up.
“Do us all a favor and don’t pretend you give two fu—pretend you actually care about the environmental impact of this project.”
“Ms. Wright, I’ll refer you to the guidelines of this meeting.”
“Certainly, Your Honor. If you could kindly advise me of which guideline you feel I’ve breached, I’ll amend my statement.”
“No insults.”
Ah, Judge Donald had my back and was putting Ms. Always Wright back in her box. What a day to be alive.
“Ah, I see. Thank you for that. I wish to point out that a simple statement of fact should not be taken as an insult, but I do apologize to Mr. Rivers if he has taken my words that way.”
Judge Donald cast her a look over her glasses that would have flayed a lesser mortal. What did Scarlett do? She stared right back. Then, when the judge backed down with a humph, that wasn’t enough for Scarlett.
“I would like to respectfully draw your attention to a breach of the guidelines, as committed by Mr. Rivers.”
“Explain yourself.”
The judge was not impressed. Scarlett was not deterred. “Grandstanding.”
Jesus fuck, she was fired up.
Now Bob was squeaking. With fear, no doubt. I could hardly blame him. Me, on the other hand? I was shifting in my seat as my dick twitched. Talk about grandstanding.
“How about we all take a moment to cool our heads? This mediation is our last chance to procure an outcome everyone can all be happy with before the case proceeds to court.”
Wise words, Judge.
“Ms. Wright, if you and the Alliance would like to convene in another room for twenty minutes, we can arrange for light refreshments to be brought to you there.”
“Thank you, Your Honor.”
“Perhaps you can take the opportunity to discuss what concessions, if any, you are willing to give to have the case resolved.”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
Out they went, leaving me, Bob and what’s-his-name to ponder what concessions we might give. I had a few ideas on that, but when Bob asked me, I simply said, “Let’s just wait and see what she brings to the table.”
Scarlett and the Alliance returned twenty minutes later. She looked calmer, more composed, but there was a glint of determination in her eyes that put me on alert. This wasn’t going to be a case of her just rolling over.
“Ms. Wright, I hope you have been able to work through the matter to your satisfaction.”
“Indeed, we have, Your Honor. After discussing the matter, we do feel we have some suggestions that could lead to a fair compromise.”
I sat up straighter, giving her my full attention. The others may have thought I was playing it cool, but inside I was thrumming with anticipation to hear what she’d propose.
“Firstly, we acknowledge that economic development is important for the region. We are not opposed to all development, simply the destruction of critical habitat for an endangered species. In that regard, we ask that you designate a much larger area as a protected habitat for the Pine Barrens Treefrog. The area outlined in your current plans is simply inadequate to sustain a viable population long term.”
Not too bad. Quite reasonable, actually. Although, of course, I couldn’t let her see that. So, I crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair, trying to look bored. Oooh, the way her eyes narrowed at me. Fucking gorgeous.
“Secondly, we want to see a comprehensive plan for how you intend to carefully trap and relocate any frogs found in the construction area to this new protected habitat, with oversight from qualified environmental experts.”
That one stung a little more, adding delays and extra costs. But I supposed it was a small price to pay to get this thing moving.
“Added to that, we propose that a portion of the profits from the development be allocated to further conservation efforts for the treefrogs. This could include habitat restoration, research, and community education programs. We believe that involving the local community in the conservation effort is key to the long-term survival of the species.”
The way her acolytes nodded made me feel like this was some sort of cult. But she wasn’t done yet and there was something about the way they all tensed that let me know she was about to drop the bomb. That I had to prepare myself for total annihilation.
“Finally, and most importantly...” She paused, making sure she had everyone’s attention. Her eyes bored into me as she said, “We want a legally binding commitment that no future development will ever be undertaken on this protected land. Not by your company, not by any subsidiary, not by any other entity you may work with or sell to down the line. This land must be permanently preserved and maintained as a frog sanctuary in perpetuity.”
Fuck me. I’ll admit, I was a little stunned by the audacity of that one. To essentially take that prime real estate completely off the table forever? It was a huge ask. Even for her. I thought Bob was about to pass out.
“Mr. Rivers. Mr. Miller. Would you like some time to discuss your response?”
Bob shot me a questioning look, but I just shook my head slightly, never taking my eyes from Scarlett. The fire in her eyes was unmistakable, a challenge burning bright and daring me to refuse her demands.
My gaze flicked to the others gathered around the table - the Alliance members practically vibrating with self-righteous indignation, Bob Miller sweating bullets as he frantically scribbled notes. This was Scarlett’s show, no doubt about it.
But that final concession? Giving up all future development rights in perpetuity? That was clearly a step too far, meant to provoke me rather than reach any kind of reasonable compromise. A power play, pure and simple.
The smart move would be to agree to the first few points. Expand the habitat area, oversee the relocation efforts, contribute to conservation - all reasonable asks that I could swallow without too much difficulty. Of course, I’d outright refuse her last demand, but the rest was more than doable.
Once we dealt with the final demand, which I obviously wouldn’t be granting, I could have this all wrapped up in ten minutes. Just imagine. Full approval for the project in no time at all would have my father believing the sun shone out of my ass.
An end to all this nonsense would mean…not baiting Scarlett anymore.
I wasn’t ready to give that up just yet. Not when this was so damn entertaining. Not when I wanted to see what she’d do next. Not when I wanted to keep her in my life for just a little while longer.
Should I risk my father’s fury and all the consequences of pushing this case to litigation when I could so easily end it here? Fuck yes, I should.
So, I gave her a lazy smile and said, “I’m sorry, Ms. Wright. I’m afraid these amendments would impact the project to such a degree that it would be untenable. I cannot accept them.”
The way her eyes flashed, the way her chest rose and fell as she took a breath. She was pissed. Good. Let her be pissed. It made this whole thing so much more fun. Plus, it made her look hotter than ever.
“Very well, Mr. Rivers. If that’s your final decision, we’ll proceed to court. I’m sure a judge will see the merit in our case and rule in our favor.”
Judge Donald called an end to proceedings and Scarlett and her tree-hugging cult filed out of the room. Honestly, they looked like they were preparing for the apocalypse when they stopped just outside the door and talked to Scarlett in urgent, panicked whispers.
Bob turned to me with panic in his eyes. “Was that really the best move, sir?” He mopped his brow with a handkerchief, like an overheated old woman at church. “Refusing all their terms means this goes to court now. Your father is not going to be pleased.”
I couldn’t take my eyes off Scarlett as she reassured them. The woman was pure sin in a pencil skirt. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, Bob.”
He sputtered beside me. “B-But the costs! The delays! We were so close to an agreement!”
“Were we, though?” I drawled, finally tearing my gaze away to look at him. “She would never have accepted anything less than total capitulation. This fight was inevitable.”
Bob opened and closed his mouth like a gasping fish. I almost felt bad for the guy. Almost. He just didn’t understand that some things were more important than profits or pleasing my father.
Like the opportunity to go a few more rounds with Scarlett Wright.
The thrill of the chase, of trying to throw her off her game. The chance to see that fire in her eyes and the pulse pounding in her throat. To have her full, undivided attention focused solely on me as we went head-to-head. Oh Jesus, don’t think about head.
No, this was exactly the result I wanted. Let the game continue. I was just getting started with Ms. Wright.
“Don’t worry, Bob. We’ll get what we want in the end.” My lips curved into a wolfish grin. “I’m counting on it.”
I couldn’t resist following after Scarlett when I saw her storming out ahead of her little cult. The fury rolling off her in waves was like a siren’s call and I was powerless to resist. I hurried to catch up, lengthening my stride to reach the antique elevator just as the gate was closing.
“Hold up,” I called out, grabbing the ornate metal grate and pulling it back open. Scarlett whirled to face me. Oh yeah, she was pissed. I loved it.
Without a word, I stepped into the elevator car, pulling the gate closed behind me. The small space seemed to shrink even further with the two of us trapped inside, bodies mere inches apart. I could smell her perfume, something light and floral, but with an undercurrent of musk that did crazy things to me.
Her chest rose and fell with angry breaths as she glared up at me. “If you had no fucking intention of settling today, you could have skipped this whole part of the process and gone straight to court. You wasted everyone’s time, asshole.”
Scarlett’s words were like daggers, but they barely even grazed me. I was too busy admiring the flush on her cheeks, the way her eyes were practically spitting fire. She was pissed, and it was hot.
“I don’t know, sweetheart,” I drawled, taking a step closer until I was crowding her against the elevator wall. She held her ground, tilting her head back defiantly to maintain eye contact. “Seems to me this whole song and dance was very much worth it.”
A muscle ticked in her jaw, and I knew she was holding back a storm of words. Smart girl. Wonder what else she might be holding back?
The thought had me reaching out to toy with a loose strand of her hair, letting it slide through my fingers. She tensed, but didn’t pull away. I took that as a win.
“You see, Scarlett,” I murmured, dipping my head until my lips were a hairsbreadth from her ear. She shuddered. I smirked. “I’m a gambling man. And I’d much rather gamble on the chance of us going a few more rounds together before this is all over.”
I pulled back just enough to meet her widened gaze, letting my eyes roam over her flushed features appreciatively.
“You’re one hell of an adversary, my girl. Brilliant, passionate, a real spitfire in the courtroom. I have to admit, I’m looking forward to squaring off against you again. It’s been... invigorating.”
Scarlett stared up at me, lips parting on a surprised exhale. Her eyes dropped briefly to my mouth before flicking back up and holy fuck, I wanted to devour her right then and there.
But I settled for trailing a fingertip along the delicate line of her jaw, smirking when her pulse jumped wildly beneath my touch.
“That’s what I wanted out of today,” I told her frankly. “A chance to go another round with you. To see that fierce passion of yours ignited again before we settle this thing once and for all.”
Her breath hitched and her eyes darkened to a smoky indigo, raking over me. I felt a surge of heat, imagining her pushing me against the wall and have her way with me.
Which... yeah, I was totally on board with that plan.
The elevator jolted to a stop, shattering the heated tension between us. Scarlett blinked rapidly and took a stumbling step back, putting some space between us.
Pity. I was just starting to enjoy myself.
The gate rattled open, and Scarlett brushed past me without a word, those high heels clicking rapidly across the tile. I stood there for a moment, letting out a slow breath and checking out her ass one more time as she hurried away.
This game between us was just getting started. And I had no intention of backing down anytime soon.
A wolfish grin curved my lips as I turned to follow her out. Oh yes, Scarlett Wright was going to be one hell of a fun adversary.
I couldn’t wait to see what she did next.