‘But we can work up to all that,’ I say hastily. ‘As far as I can see, the most important things are that we’ve both filled out our questionnaires, and that you give me your safeword, and that we use this evening to test the waters. Basically, tonight’s about you taking me for a test drive so you can see if you can bear to work for me.’

She takes a large slug of her wine before staring at me over the rim of the wineglass. ‘This is supposed to be my audition, not yours.’

I give her an easy laugh. ‘I think we both know that’s not true. I’d hire you on the spot without getting any further than this.’ I keep my thumb brushing over the skin of her thigh. ‘Nope, tonight is for you.’

The line has the desired effect—her shoulders drop a fraction, the death grip on her wineglass loosening slightly. It's a move I've perfected over the years—the art of appearing generous, self-deprecating, while getting exactly what I want.

Classic Sullivan negotiation tactic.

But there's something about Marlowe that has me second-guessing my usual playbook. That first meeting at the RA, when my brain completely short-circuited... I can't afford a repeat performance of that epic fail. If she walks away tonight, I'm back to Plain Elaine and my right hand for company.

She holds far more power here than she realises, so I’d better make my “pitch” count.

I jerk my head in the direction of the tinted glass overlooking the main bar. ‘Why don’t we head on over there so I can kick my audition off in style?’

CHAPTER 10

Marlowe

Ican already tell Brendan is not a man who’s used to asking twice, just as I can tell that wasn’t really a suggestion.

It was a charming, casually delivered order.

And, to be honest, I’m so nervous, so out of my depth after years and years of deliberately not flirting, that following orders is about all I’m good for.

I give him what I hope is a vaguely coquettish smile and stand, holding onto my wineglass for dear life. This excellent Chablis is my liferaft this evening. He grins back, a sign that I’ve just passed my first test, and stands up to join me, shrugging off his blazer as he does and giving me the opportunity to check him out properly.

He really is disgustingly attractive, and it feels beyond surreal to be here in this opulent, glass-fronted prison with him. The space is generous, but he’s so big, so sure of himself, that he dominates it. I couldn’t be more hyper-aware than I am that it’s just us in here.