“Indeed. Allow me to say I have no interest in sharing in the monetary profits from the sale of the book or the film rights. None at all.”
Her face registers her suspicion. “Go on.”
“Nor do I wish to see the book pulled from the shelves; I’m rather flattered that it’s so popular, as a matter of fact.”
“So, then, I don’t understand. What’s the purpose of the lawsuit, Ian?”
“Very simple, Ariel: I want you to accept my original offer to you to become my submissive. The only difference is in the length of time. I’m extending the trial period from six weeks to six months. Should you satisfy the terms of our agreement, I will relieve you of all liability now and in the future for this specific book.”
“Six months? You’ve got to be kidding.”
“I’m afraid not, Ariel. Six months. And I want your definitive answer before we leave the restaurant this evening.” He peers at her, his face now devoid of any amusement. “In fact, I’d like to begin the arrangement tonight.”
Words apparently fail her. Instead, she turns a full-on glare at him, her eyes never wavering in their focus or intensity. Their verbal exchange has now evolved into a stare down. Neither wants to be the first one to look away. He knows his eyes are daring her to challenge him, reflecting confidence, arrogance, even expectation. Hers are blazing with disbelief and outrage. Either it would become a showdown or she’d capitulate—though he wouldn’t bet on the latter based on her body language at the moment.
Pushing her chair back from the table, she practically spits at him. “Excuse me, please.”
He rises with her, as ever polite, noting she leaves her sweater draped on the chair back. Good, he thinks, she’s not planning on ditching me, but still . . .
“May I ask where you’re going?”
“Not that it’s any of your damn business but I assured my attorney that I wouldn’t agree to anything without his prior approval. Since you demand an answer tonight, I need to speak to him first,” and with that announcement, she flounces out of the room, her spiky heels clicking furiously on the marble floor. Worried he may have overplayed his hand, he watches her hips swing back and forth, and pulls out his own phone.
“How did it go, Ian?” Delacroix answers on the first ring.
“I’m not sure, Jackson, but not as good as I’d hoped or anticipated either. She was a lot more malleable when she was fresh out of college and without resources, and, more to the point, had no attorney to help fight her battles. What do we know about this Stephen Buchanan person? He’s advised her not to commit to anything until he gives his okay.”
“Buchanan? He’s known to be a bit of a shark in protecting his clients’ rights to their intellectual property. In other words, he’s usually sitting on the other side of the courtroom—his clients are mostly victims of copyright infringement. Other than that? Nice guy. Late thirties, handsome, comes from an old family, tennis aficionado.”
“Married?”
“I’m not sure—he was at one time. Is it material?”
“Hmmm… I’m sorry?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Oh, just wondering if he has more than her legal interests at stake. He wants her to get his approval first—I realize, of course, that she engaged him for legal counsel but after hearing my proposal, it’s become more of a personal matter at this point, hasn’t it?”
“Yes and no. First, he doesn’t know about your intentions or didn’t until now. At the very least, he’ll expect to draw up papers for you to sign, relieving Ms. Strong of all liability if she satisfies your requirements, so you might as well disabuse yourself of the notion that you’ll have company for breakfast tomorrow morning.”
He laughs. “Well, I can always invite you.”
Chuckling, Jackson disconnects the call, leaving Ian alone with his thoughts, to contemplate what he should do in either case. Ariel struts back into the room before he expects her return. He leaps to his feet as she approaches the table but she makes no move to sit down. This doesn’t look good, Ian thinks, but he waits patiently for her next move.
“I accept your offer, Ian, with limits, naturally. I’d like you to draw up a list of all the… obligations… you’ll require of me—everything; I want no surprises. Also, I need to know where I’ll live while we’re engaged in this relationship. My attorney will draw up a waiver for you to sign, relieving me of any legal liability for the specific book, as you put it.”
“Very good. Shall I assume these conditions must be met before we begin? Or is it possible that we may start tonight before the paperwork is signed?”