Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

“Guest?” she sputtered on the wine. “A guest who can never leave? A guest who didn’t accept an invitation?”

She saw the look that transpired between them.

“We don’t have that level of trust yet,” Cole explained. “The terms of the arrangement are that you are to remain in Deacon’s custody for thirty days. I don’t see why as time goes by you can start to have more freedom to come and go. That has to be earned of course.”

Her eyes darted to Deacon. “This is your debt Cal has to pay? You wanted a prisoner?”

He nodded. He didn’t bother to hide his smile. “The best game of poker I’ve ever won.”

“Poker? I’m here because of poker? A stupid game of poker,” she muttered under her breath.

Cole shook his head. “Jesus, Deac. Do you have to be an ass from the get-go?” He traded seats so he could sit next to Abby. Cole seemed to be the more level-headed one between the two.

“Deacon and I are business partners. Co-CEOs to be exact.”

“I know all about HiTech Global. I hate to admit it, but I used to study your graphic arts department.” She bit her tongue. She had studied more than their graphics, but that was a secret she had to keep.

“Really?”

Abby nodded. “I said I used to.” That was in the past.

Cole bit the inside of his cheek and turned toward Deacon. “What’s your background Abby?”

“Are you saying you didn’t get a bid sheet on me?” she mocked.

“I was hoping for something more personal than that.”

“I’m Cal Mantelli’s cousin,” she answered reluctantly.

“No, not that. What are you interests? Skills? Did you go to college? Tell us something about yourself.”

The wine made her feel fiercer than she actually was. The adrenaline had started to fade and she was nervous. She didn’t know if she could handle these two tycoons.

“Yes I graduated the top of my class with a visual arts degree. Why? Are you trying to figure out if that deducts points because I might have operating brain cells? Does that intimidate you?”

Cole pressed his lips together. “No. I like a smart woman.” He rubbed his chin. “I thought you might be interested in a job while you are here.”

Deacon leaned forward. “Cole, we haven’t discussed this. What did you have in mind?”

The men turned toward each other. “We need an artist to design the logo and complete interface for the Rockans Foundation,” Cole answered.

“But that’s a high-level campaign. I’ve been considering candidates for weeks. It’s the pinnacle of the Vegas launch.”

Abby leaned back in her chair while they discussed her. It was no different than Cal.

“She’s here. She has a degree. I think we could use a fresh take on the art,” Cole argued.

“This isn’t the type of project that can be completed in thirty days. It’s our cornerstone.”

Cole smiled. “Perhaps, she’s the type of artist who would like the challenge and would stay beyond the requirement.”

His sapphire eyes landed on hers and her heart stilled. As much as she had tried to be unaffected by them, it wasn’t working.

“I never agreed to any of this.”

Cole exhaled. “I’m trying to make this worth your while. Deacon is right. The art director for this campaign should be a seasoned expert. Someone with years of experience in the industry. Honestly, I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone without those credentials. Why not take the job for the next month and see what you can do with it?”

“Are you serious?” She cocked her head sidewise. “You’re trying to sugarcoat this with a job offer?”