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I’d rather she found out from me, so my plan was to tell her in the most casual way possible. Something like, ‘Oh! By the way, seeing as you brought up the Rorik + Stimis event…’ or, ‘Nuni and I are going for dinner tonight—you know, Mr var Rorik of Rorik + Stimis? Yes, we’re actually dating. Yes, it is wonderful news! Oh, a promotion? Why, I’m flattered, thank you, Corva. And my own office? Yes, that does sound like a good idea.’

Okay, maybe that last bit was unlikely. Stomach jittery with apprehension, I sent Nuni another text.

I know, but I’d feel better telling her.

Okay, Nuni sent back a few seconds later. I understand. I’ve already booked us a table at Le Champignon Noir for tonight. If it doesn’t go well with Corva, we’ll order every dessert on the menu.

My mouth twitched into an affectionate smile as I stared down at my phone. Thanks, I typed back. Sounds lovely.

And then I’ll eat your pussy when we get back to my place, he replied. Now I can’t concentrate in this fucking call because I’m thinking about it.

I smothered a chuckle, tapping out a response. Thinking about dessert or my pussy?

Both, he replied. I would say it’s been a while since I ate dessert but I actually consumed an entire ice cream cake a few weeks ago.

My brows twitched. You did?

Yeah , Nuni replied. I got all freaked because I liked you more than I should’ve and talking to Laki didn’t really help so I ate a whole ice cream cake in one sitting. It was a moment of weakness.

Jesus, a whole ice cream cake? In one sitting?

Not weakness, I sent back. You should’ve just talked to me then!

Dude, come on, Nuni replied. You can be kind of intimidating, even to someone who’s had his tongue all up in your business.

When a snort escaped me, I glanced up with a wave of self-consciousness and saw Hustin shooting me a smirk. But I couldn’t just sit here all morning texting Nuni. I had work to do.

I sent him one final text before setting down my phone. Ok, going to tell her soon. I’ll text you after to let you know how it went.

I fired off a few emails, sent Lipa the latest round of RSVPs, confirmed one of the entertainers for the event, then finally looked over at Corva’s office to see her leaning back in her chair and typing on her phone. Her face looked relaxed, and her coffee cup was now in the trash.

Steeling my nerves, I pushed back my chair and stood. I heard Hustin give me a murmured “good luck” as I made my way to Corva’s office, smiling briefly at Moly, who beamed back.

“Corva?” I asked after knocking on her door and opening it a crack. “Are you busy?”

“Hi, darling.” She set her phone down. “No, not busy.”

“Have a minute to talk?” I stepped into the room and shut the door behind me.

When I turned back and made my way over to the seat in front of Corva’s desk, I realised she was staring at me with a stricken expression. I managed to give her a tiny smile as I sat, wiping my palms anxiously down my thighs.

“Of course, darling,” she said belatedly, sitting upright in her chair and fixing me with her piercing yellow eyes.

“Okay, well…” I forced myself to sit up straight too, looking her square in the face. “I just thought I’d let you know that I’m in a relationship with Mr var Rorik. From Rorik + Stimis. But it hasn’t and won’t affect my work or my planning of the event. I just thought I should let you know, seeing as he’s a client.”

I forced myself to stop talking, my heart beating a little faster than normal and my palms clammy. There was silence as Corva stared at me blankly.

Then she said, “What?”

I blinked, staring back at her. “Um… what?”

“Oh thank fuck.” Corva exhaled heavily and slumped back in her seat. “I thought you were going to quit.”

I was still somewhat tense, so I let out a bark of tight laughter. “No, not quitting.”

“Good. That’s good.” After a moment, Corva’s brows furrowed and she frowned at me again. “Hold on. You’re dating Mr var Rorik from Rorik + Stimis?”

I swallowed. “Yes.”