Mr. Winters is guaranteed to deliver plenty of punches this morning.”
“I don’t understand why he’s so rude,” she comments.
“Me either. I’ve been dissecting the possibilities for longer than he deserves.” I wrinkle my nose at that terrible truth.
“The man is seriously loaded. Maybe he should buy some manners.”
I smack my hands together. “He could definitely use some. I don’t get how anyone becomes that successful being a jerk.”
“He was born into a large fortune,” she reminds. Clea did her due diligence by Googling his name.
“Then he can afford to pay nice people to do his bidding. Why is he wasting time looking at properties?” Or insisting on making this deal difficult. Now more than ever, I find myself certain of being cursed. I still find myself wondering how it’s possible for him to be the client my job relies on. Karma has some explaining to do. Landon Winters is capable of ruining this for me, but I’m not going to let him.
“He’s probably bored and lonely.”
A gagging noise squeezes the back of my throat. “Ah, yes. Being a royal pain in my ass is very thrilling.”
She nods with enthusiasm. “Without question, Van. There’s no doubt he expects everyone to bend until they break. His entire staff must be shrinking violets. You fight back, which is probably sexy for a man used to getting whatever he wants.”
“Well, he’s in for a rude awakening. I’m not going to make this easy for him. He could’ve been decent and kind. Maybe learn to apologize. He thinks I’ll be a pawn after that horrific introduction?” I laugh at the mockery. “The idea is ludicrous.”
She’s quiet for a moment. “Uh, Van? It kinda seems you’re playing into his game.”
“No, I’m making the rules. He won’t understand what’s happening until it’s too late. This is my chance to get revenge.” I pound a fist against my open palm.
“I’m afraid to ask how.”
“By getting him to fall in love with me, of course.”
Her laughter borders on hysterical, tapering off as she realizes I’m not joining in the amusement. “You’re serious?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Clinking metal cuts into our conversation as she digs in her makeup kit. “This guy sounds like a tyrant.”
“Worse,” I correct.
“Yet you’re planning to meet him in thirty minutes?”
“It’s my job.”
“You’re not being forced into anything, which leads me to believe there’s more to the story.” Clea finishes applying her lipstick and blows a kiss at the camera. “Is this about how he treated you at Ashlee’s wedding?”
I blindly swat in her direction. “Talk about ancient history. I’ve moved on to more current events. He deserves a lesson on how to treat a lady.”
“And you’re the lucky gal to dole out this education?”
I whip out my own red gloss and pucker at the mirror. “It seems only fitting, since I’ve been conveniently dropped in his path. Another chance is unlikely. I’m not just going to idly sit by while he wreaks havoc on the female population. He shouldn’t get away with being a bully. Consider this a good deed for all women—or people in general—who’ve fallen into his trap.”
Deceit and revenge don’t come naturally to me. Snark and taking bold chances? Absolutely. It’s not my typical jam to find joy in lashing out at someone. If only that were enough to score me a slot on even ground with this ball-buster.
I’ve just entered a whole new league and necessary adjustments are required to remain competitive. There’s a thrill to be had when it comes to taunting Landon. Plotting against him is giving me sheer pleasure, if only to take the rude bastard down a notch or two.
“So, you’re representing everyone as a whole?” More monotone suspicion ricochets from her direction. It’s almost as though our connection is spotty. Or she’s not comprehending my conviction on purpose.
I stare at my reflection, watching as a slow grin tilts my ruby lips. “I’m acting on behalf of all those he’s done wrong.”
“How courageous of you.”
“Thanks, boo. Glad you’re seeing my vision.” I wink at her before stepping out of sight to put on my battle gear. This getup is sure to render him speechless.
Her sigh rattles from the speaker. “I wouldn’t go that far. There’s still hope for me talking you out of this mess.”
“Not possible.” I slide the slinky material over my head with an exaggerated moan. Nothing beats a little black dress. “What are my alternatives? Surrender the promotion without even trying? Not gonna happen.”
“Let Vince handle him.”
“That’s admitting defeat to my boss. I might as