Chapter 35 The Price of Negotiation
Chapter 35 The Price of Negotiation
“Claudia.”
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Alan pressed closer, the bridge of his sharp nose brushing against her cheek as he whispered, his breath hot against her car.
“Have I been too soft with you lately? You dare show up tonight making threats, mouthing off… looks like you’ve grown bold.”
“Ah–hurts-”
Claudia flinched with a gasp as his teeth clamped down hard on her ear, pain and sensitivity sparking through her.
“Come on,” he murmured. “You know what to do if you want to make me happy.”
He didn’t move further, only looked down at her–disheveled, trembling–his fox–like eyes hazy, lips curved in a mocking smile. “Isn’t this what you came here for?”
Claudia bit down on her lip, frozen.
She knew what he meant. Tonight she had come to beg him to spare her friend–and he expected her to beg on his terms.
It was a transaction.
She understood that, but the humiliation burned deep.
And in that moment she realized more than ever–seven years of marriage meant nothing to him. Not even a shred of affection.
To Alan, those years were nothing but proof of his weakness back then, the marriage forced on him. A stain.
She swallowed her pride, lifted her trembling arms, and wrapped them around his tense, heated neck. Ignoring the stab of pain in her back, she arched slightly, her eyes reddening as her lashes lowered, dimming the last light in her gaze.
She had just resolved to lift her face toward him when a knock sounded at the door.
“Sir, Ms. Summer is asking for you in the next room. She says it’s important.”
Nathan’s steady voice carried inside.
Summer. Again..
Claudia froze mid–motion, lashes trembling as she opened her eyes to Alan’s sweat–dampened face above
her.
“Keep going,” he rasped, as if he hadn’t heard a word outside.
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Chapter 35 The Price of Negotiation
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Claudia had no choice. She leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss against the corner of his lips. She hadn’t moved further before he clicked his tongue impatiently.
The next instant, his mouth crashed down on hers, teeth biting hard, stealing every breath.
Only after a long moment did he release her.
Claudia panted, weak and limp against him, her body supported only by his arm. Dizzy, she barely caught the low murmur at her ear.
“After all these years, you still haven’t learned a thing. You’d better practice.”
Then, without warning, he shoved her back onto the crystal table. Standing tall, he straightened his expensive black suit, smoothing away the disorder. The haze in his eyes vanished, replaced once more by cold, fathomless depths.
Within seconds, it was as if nothing had happened.
He turned for the door.
Claudia braced herself against the icy crystal surface and grabbed his arm.
She couldn’t let him leave–not after all this. She needed an answer.
“My friend…”
Her words were cut short as he twisted her wrist, yanking her forward until she collided with his chest.
“Claudia,” his voice dropped like steel, “that’s not how negotiations work. This isn’t nearly enough. If I don’t see you at home tonight, then this matter is over. Behave yourself. Understand?”
With that, he flung her aside and walked out.
Alan shut the door behind him, his eyes flicking coldly to Nathan, who stood like a statue outside. “She asked for me?”
Nathan lowered his gaze. “Yes, sir.”
Alan studied him for a moment, but Nathan’s expression never shifted–flat, unreadable, like a machine.
“Take her home. And make sure Andy behaves tonight.”
Tossing out the command, Alan pushed into the next room.
Nathan stood rigid, unmoving, until the other door closed behind him.
“Alan, finally.”
Before the door shut, Summer seized his arm, her tone laced with playful reproach and a hint of possessiveness.
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Chapter 35 The Price of Negotiation
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Her eyes darted across his face, searching, lingering on his lips–flushed deeper than usual. Her grip tightened. Claudia, that bitch…
“But here I am,” Alan said with a warm smile, seemingly oblivious. “Nathan said you needed me?”
“Oh, right.”
Summer forced down her irritation and lifted her phone, pride in her voice. “My professor just sent word -Earl’s genius protégé, that Al talent they call ‘Mountain, is confirmed to be returning with his team in a week. I’m already arranging a meeting. Since you’re so eager to work with him, I thought we should discuss it.”
Alan smiled faintly. “I see. Thank you, Summer.”
“Don’t say that. With us, there’s no need for thanks.”
Her cheeks colored as she laced her fingers with his, and under the rowdy cheers of the crowd around them, she whispered, “You know I’d do anything for you.”
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