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“No, Jasmine.” He smirked. “You’re playing with fire when you yell out empty threats. They don’t scare me. I just become more interested. No one else has the audacity to talk to me this way. I love it.”
I hesitated. “This is inappropriate and aggravating. Did you hire me for my ability to be your assistant or for the possibility of having sex with me?”
“Both,” he said with clear certainty.
Underneath the table, I twirled my copper ring until the skin itched.
Here I assumed I’d impressed him with my intelligence and superb performance in school, when in the end my body got me the job.
In Pyramid, I’d figured he just thought he could take advantage of me because I was poor and had no powerful support. When all along he’d planned this.
“Before you become upset, let me explain.” Chase touched the crystal salt shaker next to him. He traced the edge with his thumb. “When I’m done, you don’t have to quit. We can return to working together and pretend like I never propositioned you. Additionally, you can decide to work in another company of mine, of your choosing, and receive the same salary.”
I struggled to maintain a neutral mask on my face. “Go ahead.”
“Do you remember me from Equinox’s Garden Party?”
“No.”
The party was at least three months ago.
Vivian and I had gone with her dad. It was Benny’s attempt to have us network with rich people who had connections. Additionally, I believe he was hoping Vivian would meet a nice guy there. Benny hated Vivian’s choices in men as much as I did.
Chase watched me. “At the party, I sat across from you.”
“I didn’t realize that.”
“I know. You ignored me the whole time and disregarded all of my attempts at conversation. You pretty much giggled, pointed at the food, and whispered with your friend.”
“The food was garbage.”
He rested his head in his hands and chuckled. “I also own Equinox, the company that catered the event.”
I shrugged. “The food sucked worse than Bag and Brew. The chicken was dry. Rice had no seasoning. Buns were as hard as bricks. The vegetables were cold and soggy—”
He laughed and shook his head.
“I was blown away that an expensive event like that would serve such bad food.”
“Jasmine, promise me you’ll help me revamp all of my food businesses next month.”
“If I’m still with you.” I stopped speaking when the waiter brought two small bowls.
“This is the soup course,” the waiter said. “Here we have ravioli filled with blood sausage and covered in a truffle butter sauce.”
“Thank you so much.” I yanked up the spoon the waiter placed next to the bowl.
Chase smiled. “Should I wait for you to taste that before hitting you with my offer?”
Probably. I’m sure I’ll lose my appetite.
“Yes.” I pierced the ravioli with the tip of my spoon. Red blood spilled from the pasta and merged with the butter sauce.
Just perfect.
I scooped up a small morsel and tasted it. So many sensual tasting experiences charged in my mouth at once—the truffles’ earthy flavor tickled my tongue, the succulent blood sausage nipped at my taste buds, and the thick texture of the pasta merged with the taunting cream.
“Lord have mercy, this is the best dish I’ve ever had in my life.” I groaned and noticed Chase hadn’t even lifted his spoon. “What do you think?”
