Sins of Mine - Mary E. Twomey Page 0,34
this.”
I can tell Gray is absorbing the highlights. His serious expression doesn’t lighten as he fixes me with his challenging gaze. “Can you do this?”
I pause, considering his question. It’s the same one I’ve been wrestling with all morning.
Finally, I nod. “I have to do this. If they let me join their team not just as a model, but also being involved in the creative side and the marketing plans, that’s a job that will stay with me for as long as it takes for the campers to get on their feet. I need this.”
Gray grips my chin, getting in my face with his determination beaming into me, filling me with power I’d forgotten I have. “Then take what’s yours.”
I straighten, and finally, I remember who I am. I nod once, the steel in his eyes strengthening mine.
Paxton grins, and I can tell he’s proud of me. “Brilliant, Princess. Absolutely brilliant. Anyone you endorse will do far better than they would without you. All eyes will turn from Natalia’s Secret to the brand they see you wearing.”
I try to hold his confidence in me tight in my heart. “If they don’t like my offer, then I’ll find a company with true vision who can see what a fantastic deal this could be.” I bristle, my spine straightening as I remember all the things about myself that I used to understand without effort.
Gray tucks his finger under my chin, examining the boldness I used to have on tap, but now have to summon into fruition. “That’s better. You are doing them a favor by meeting with them. Remember that, and you’ll be fine.”
My smile crooks to the side. “This is the pep talk Sloan would have given me. Thank you.” I peck Gray’s lips as he helps me out of the car.
Gray frowns. “You can’t do that out here. Remember, you’re Paxton’s girlfriend in public, not mine. I still can’t believe no one in the commune has leaked our relationship to the press.”
Paxton scoffs. “I think most everyone in the commune has a sense of ‘us versus them’ regarding anyone who didn’t serve time.” His hand covers mine. “This is what’s best. One step at a time, darlyss.”
I cannot help the sigh that escapes me. “I don’t like it.”
A roguish grin overtakes Gray’s stern demeanor. “Then I’ll have to make it up to you tonight.”
That sends a thrill through my legs.
Leaving the three in the polished lobby, I make my way up to what I hope is the start of something incredible for us all.
Royal Criminal
Paxton
Arlanna gave me her phone with the explicit instructions that if Sloan called, I was to answer it immediately. Though we’re already living together and are solidly in our relationship, holding someone’s phone requires a level of trust I’m determined not to break.
Jen smirks at me as we sit together in the lobby. “It’s cute, watching you clutch a pink phone with gold glitter on the cover.”
Just to make her laugh, I hold it to my earlobe, pretending it’s a sparkly earring.
The meeting goes on for an entire hour, then another, and another, and though I’m accustomed to waiting around to fulfill the needs of an itinerary I did not plan, Gray is not. He started fidgeting in his leather seat after the first half hour, and there’s no end in sight.
“You alright, brother?”
Gray tugs at his collar. “I’m not used to sitting still for this long. They always had us moving at Prigham’s. Plus, I’ve been on the move since we got out. I want to get back to the camp to see what help I should’ve been offering this whole time.”
I tilt my head in his direction. “No one’s cross with you, Gray. Loads of campers are still finding their way. Adjusting. Everyone’s different. Some of us needed to keep ourselves busy, and others needed time to figure out this new life.” I cross my right ankle over my left knee. “Though I will say, I did miss having you around.”
Gray pauses his fidgeting and trades my smile for his. “Cheers, brother.” His eyes flick toward the elevator. “You think she’s okay up there? It’s been three hours. How long are these things supposed to take?”
I shrug as Arlanna’s phone rings. “I would have more perspective on that if I knew anything about her industry.” My nose scrunches as I check the caller ID before I answer her phone.
I’m supposed to pick up only if it’s Sloan, but the name that greets me stills