"Because that's what happens during acquisitions," Ryker explains. "Some of the top executives of the newly acquired company get moved to the main headquarters of the parent company."
"I know that. But why her?"
"Because she's a top executive," I answer. "And because I was very impressed with her back in Zurich."
Asher looks at me. "Are you giving her my job?"
"Tempting," I tease him. "But no. She'll be working under you."
And I have a feeling that's going to make things in the Finance Department more interesting.
Asher seems to think so, too. He grins.
I lean forward so I can see my other brother. "Ryker, maybe you should ask Human Resources to put something in Violet's contract about not sleeping with Asher."
Asher's grin vanishes. "What?"
The look of horror on his face nearly makes me laugh.
He glares at me. "Maybe we should ask Human Resources to add something in Stella's contract about not sleeping with her boss."
That puts my humor out. I grit my teeth.
Asher...
"Maybe we should just have it include something about Violet not being allowed to sue us for sexual harassment if she starts sleeping with Asher and things go wrong," Ryker says.
Asher turns to him. "Are you jinxing me?"
"But in return, if she does get pregnant, Asher will take full responsibility," Ryker adds.
Asher finally falls silent as he brings his martini to his lips. Is he saying nothing because he approves of Ryker's suggestion?
I drink my Scotch.
Ryker's idea doesn't sound bad, actually. If Ryker makes a mistake, the company doesn't suffer. And neither does Violet. If she gets pregnant, he'll...
My thoughts stop in their tracks as an idea takes over.
What if I offer Stella a contract as well?
Marriage doesn't seem right for either of us, but what if I propose a different arrangement? She wants a child. I need one. What if I ask her to bear my child? I'll make sure she's exceptionally well compensated, of course. I'll even toss in a villa in Switzerland to sweeten the deal. And she can keep her job if she wants to, though I'll reduce her hours and workload, maybe take on another assistant to carry most of her burden so she can focus on raising a child. Needless to say, I'll make sure no one knows she's the mother of my child. That way, her reputation won't suffer and my child will have a more private, normal life.
Apart from bearing and raising my child, the only other thing she has to do is promise not to see anyone else for a while. I don't want another man hanging around my child until he's at least ten. Twenty if it's a daughter.
I'll never have to marry. My father's much more concerned about having a grandchild - or two - than about me having a wife. And I'll have at least one heir. As for Stella, she'll have a happy life. She'll be a mother, which is what she's always wanted. She can travel around the world with the money I give her. She can continue working for me if she loves her job that much, or she can be a writer or anything else she wants to be. And she doesn't have to end up getting married to a jerk.
She wins. I win, especially since the contract means I'll get to have sex with her again. And again. As many times as it takes to get her pregnant.
"You're grinning," Asher observes out loud. "Is it because you still think Violet isn't going to sleep with me?"
"Not everything is about you, Asher," I tell him.
This is about me and Stella. If she agrees to it, that is, though I can't see why she won't.
I can't wait to talk to her about it.
Chapter Seventeen
Stella
Where are we?
I follow Ethan past a pair of doors and find myself in a luxurious space with crystal chandeliers hanging from a high ceiling and red velvet curtains on the fringes of huge glass windows that look out into the city. The carpet that covers the floor is red as well, but a deeper shade.
At first, I think it's a restaurant because I spot a man in coattails and white gloves with a silver tray, but then I realize that the chairs are not arranged around tables like in a dining area. Rather, there are small round tables in between large, cozy armchairs, some with lamps perched on them. There are also low tables in front of divans and couches just like in a living room setting.