Lila
Lila raised an eyebrow at Dane Daniels, who glared right back.
"I have a signed contract and a new apartment in your staff building that says otherwise," she said through her teeth.
His face went a shade closer to purple and a vein began to pop on his forehead as he turned back to his brother, snarling. "What?"
Christian opened his mouth, but it was clear these two did nothing but get on each other's nerves. And it was doubly clear that, as Christian had already said, they needed her. More than they realized.
"Mr. Daniels," she snapped. "I understand that you're under stress and that there is some very difficult publicity echoing across the internet right now that could have a significant impact on your business. That's why I'm here. But if you have a question about me, or my contracts, I'd appreciate it if you'd address them to me—and without shouting. We're all professionals here."
Christian smirked and, eyes locked with Dane, tipped his head toward Lila. Dane seemed to stifle a shudder, but slowly turned his body back to face her, his breath coming faster. Despite his huge height, she stared him down.
When a big dog challenges you, if you back down, you're dead, she thought. But inside her heart pounded against her ribs. He was still a few feet away, but so tall, her head didn't even reach his shoulder. One of those hands could probably circle her neck. And he was furious. But she knew people like him. Man, or woman, it didn't matter. What mattered was that they saw no sign of weakness. Otherwise they'd eat you alive.
So she did what she did best. She took control and told him how to view the problem.
As she spoke, she ticked the points off each of her fingers. "You have a client who is telling the world you put her life at risk. You have a staff member," she cut her eyes to Christian who gave a lazy grin, "who was involved, and you have public questions—unanswered questions—bouncing around on social media and the nightly news--and that's on top of the rumors that have floated around you for years. Your company just got stabbed, Dane, and if you don't close the wound, you'll bleed out." Not exactly the kind of picture she usually painted for a new client.
His aggression must be rubbing off on me, she thought.
"I can spin the stories that are out there, teach you how to close the wound, and help you turn this disaster into an asset for your business—as long as you stop staring at me like I'm a steaming pile of something you just stood in."
She hadn't realized she was leaning towards him, one finger pointed at his chest. But he had. His lips pinched as he stepped closer until her finger almost brushed his chest. He leaned down so they were almost nose-to-nose and muttered, "Why should I listen to a word you say? What makes you so special?"
She tipped her head and didn't look away. "I've been dealing with this crap since I could walk. My father was Richard Farris."
Dane blinked and she caught the first hint of what he must look like when he wasn't angry. If he smiled, the clouds would part. The man was heavenly. Her knees wanted to tremble.
He cleared his throat. "Your father was—?"
"Yes, so trust me when I say I learned to manipulate journalists before I learned to talk. And your brother is right—you need me. And you need me right now. Otherwise you can wave goodbye to your millions, and your company, and all those New York and Los Angeles clients. If you don't clean this mess up—and soon—your image will be corrupted permanently and no one will trust you anymore. Or give you their money."
"My image is already corrupted," he sneered.
"Not like this," she shot back.
His eyes narrowed, but he straightened. Next to him, Christian shifted on his feet like he was getting ready to step between them. But then a slow, wicked smile crept up on Dane's features that made Lila swallow. She hoped he didn't notice.
"Well, okay, Miss Daughter-of-Richard-Farris," Dane sneered. "Since you're already here, I guess we'll have to keep you. But prove your worth quickly. I didn't get filthy rich by throwing money at empty-headed socialites. So figure your shit out and get us a plan of action by five pm, or I'll have that contract voided. And as you know, employment is a condition of residency in our building, so..."
Her jaw dropped—the nerve of the man!—but she caught herself and pressed her lips together, nodding once. "No problem. I'd be happy to do that. Just as soon as you apologize for frightening your Assistant. As you know, someone of my stature couldn't possibly work in a toxic office environment. I'd have to report them to the Consumer Board."
Christian coughed like he was covering a laugh.
The red on Dane's face deepened until he looked almost purple. Lila would have sworn he shook with rage. But before he could open his mouth, Christian took his arm and pulled him in to murmur something in his ear.
Dane's jaw twitched again, and his eyes cut to her sharply, but in the end, he turned on his heels back towards them and snarled, "Tish, I'm very sorry if I startled you." Then he shoved past his brother and stalked back to his office, slamming the door behind him.
A few seconds later, when they could be sure he was gone. Tish let out a nervous giggle, and even Christian looked relieved.
Lila finally let go of the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Then she grabbed the strap of her laptop bag and held it tightly.
She couldn't let anyone see that her hands were trembling.
What have I gotten myself into? She wondered.