Dirty Bad Boys Box Set: Forbidden Romance Collection

I contain my laughter, looking across the table at Larry, a scrawny geek with glasses that rivals Harry Potter. He knows he’s embarrassed himself, retreating behind his notebook, pretending none of us know about his stripping abilities.

The boardroom begins to fill when Presley enters, carrying a large folder.

Karina leans in and whispers, “This book is costing us a fortune. John, head of finance, said we need a lot of sales to profit, and if—”

She doesn’t finish her sentence as Presley calls for attention. I click on my screen, unlocking my program when I hear, “Miss Winters and Ms. Bentley will be attending this meeting.”

My eyes dart to Presley.

Morgan’s standing beside her. Despite our late night, she looks gorgeous. Her shiny black hair is pulled into a sleek ponytail, accentuating her cheekbones. She’s wearing a suit, navy with a very low button-up blouse. I can’t peel my eyes away from her until the people in the room gasp as Scarlett walks in.

Scarlett introduces herself, leaving the entire room—aside from myself—star struck. Like I said, she knows how to charm anyone. And between her dazzling smile and entertaining monologue, she’s left the room speechless.

She’s quick to notice me, grinning with her winning smile. I cannot for the life of me argue she’s not stunning. But I don’t know her. And my mind is preoccupied with the beautiful creature sitting alongside her.

“And so, let’s begin with any concerns,” Presley begins.

Morgan’s gaze lingers on mine, a mischievous grin closely following.

John fires questions about budget restrictions, all of which Morgan takes in stride, answering on Scarlett’s behalf. Haden, being a level-headed businessman, puts the kibosh on John’s tirade.

I never understand how finance people can get their pants in such a twist.

Karina raises her hand, just like in school.

“Miss Winters?” she asks nervously.

“Please, call me Scarlett,” she corrects her gracefully.

“Scarlett,” she repeats. “Given the worldwide success of your latest movies. Plus, the fact that you have the highest fan base on social media, I personally follow you everywhere, how do you think your fans will react to this book?”

Scarlett coyly brushes her curls to the side, her diamond ring almost blinding us. “I think they’ll enjoy it. Understand that life is not always what you see splashed all over the tabloids. That, and the fact I’m really just another human being like them.”

Haden joins the conversation. “I have no doubt in my mind that it’ll be a number one bestseller. We expect preorders to go up in a month. The cover shoot is happening end of this week, and we have the printers ready to go end of next month for the first print run.”

“That’s a fast plan of action, Mr. Cooper,” Presley questions, her eyes disagreeing with his projected timeline.

“Yes. I believe we discussed this last night,” he seethes, trying his best to remain calm.

“Excuse my husband, everyone. His version of discussion is him talking and me biting my tongue,” she says, half joking.

The room laughs, and across the table my eyes meet Morgan’s, playfully flirting until Karina’s hand touches my arm and she leans in to whisper, “Do you think I can get Scarlett to follow me on social media?”

Jesus.

I whisper back in her ear, “If it’s important to you, just ask.”

My focus moves back to Morgan. Her smile has disappeared and she’s no longer eye-fucking me. Instead, looking at the opposite end of the table with a stern glare. With all the questions flying around the room, one is directed at me, by Morgan herself. “The success of this project lies heavily with the marketing strategy. Since Mr. Mason is in charge of this project, perhaps we should direct any concerns to him.” Her tone is condescending, drawing everyone’s attention to me.

Did she seriously just do that?

I want to pull her over this desk, bend her over, and fuck the living daylights out of her to prove I can take charge. But of course, I answer the million questions that have been thrown my way instead. When the firing line is almost over, I pick up my cell and type a quick text to her.

Me: You are so going to pay for that.

She picks up her cell, and thankfully, no one seems to notice as John begins to talk about profit margins. The corner of her lips rise, hiding the smile wanting to escape. She taps on the cell, then places it down and turns her attention to John, blatantly ignoring me. I give it a few moments, not wanting to draw attention to myself.

Morgan: All talk, no action.