Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 147733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
“Did you hear the part where I said 'never?'” I flare.
“Dracula was also a force of nature when it came to getting what he wanted,” he says firmly. “An admirable quality, and awfully relevant here.”
“Yeah, no, this conversation is over.” My finger hovers over the red icon to disconnect.
“Fine. If you’re still not selling, have you considered my other offer?”
I bite my lip.
“I don’t date undead guys without reflections.” I know that’s not what he wants to hear, but it shuts him up for a second and gives me some control over this conversation again.
He laughs like it’s the most ridiculous thing in the world. “You know I wasn’t asking you on a date. I need you to work with me.”
The grit in his voice tells me he’s actually serious.
Exactly what I’m afraid of.
“I’m gainfully self-employed. But thanks for the offer,” I lie.
“That’s why I said with, not for.”
“Do you even know what I do?”
“I’m well aware you’re a free agent. I wouldn’t be asking to purchase some of your Odd Little Bee magic otherwise,” he says matter-of-factly.
“...what the hell do you want with a one-woman show? You own a whole media empire that has its own marketing department, right? I looked you up. You must have entire creative teams. There’s no way you put out the amount of content you do without one. Don’t play me.”
There’s an icy pause like he’s amused with me calling him out.
“Always so feisty. For some unholy reason, I like it.” His voice is a low purr, almost obscene. A chill sweeps up my back. “I have a strong creative backbone, Miss Landers. They’re good at what they do, but like any company my size, they adapt to new developments at the pace of a giant sloth. Marketing has changed by leaps and bounds the past couple years, as you’re aware. We can’t ignore it forever. You specialize in Instagram and TikTok, don’t you?”
“I’m pretty well versed in all major platforms, yeah. But I expect my clients to pick one and stick with it. Not that it matters. You aren’t a client.”
“I’ve been pushing my people for a bigger TikTok footprint for a while. They’re still just reuploading the same content and flailing for influencers, and it isn’t working out. The seal sanctuary series was the first thing that didn’t bomb there—”
“Because they can’t be good at everything,” I cut in. “You’re overwhelming them. That’s why I recommend a platform focus.”
“Regrettably, I don’t have a single team who handles video shorts well. Past consultants have overpromised and underdelivered. That’s why I’m trying to hire you, but you’re making that so difficult.”
“I’m making it impossible, you mean. And why does this feel like some weird tit for tat game? Does taking your money mean I’m on the hook to sell my place to you?”
He’s too quiet.
“If I were really that devious, wouldn’t your grandmother have warned you?”
“Leave Gram out of this!” I hiss.
But I’ve been wondering the same thing.
“Think about it. Surely, she would have mentioned living next door to a scheming bloodsucker, right?”
“She was a sweet old lady. She tried to see the best in everyone. Maybe she just didn’t realize who you were.”
“She knew me better than anyone else in town,” he says cryptically. “Frankly, you’re nothing like the late Lottie Risa.”
Ouch.
Low blow.
I’m not even sure why it hurts.
“You did not just say that to me,” I throw back.
“Miss Landers, I didn’t call to bicker, and perhaps that was too harsh. Your grandmother brought my driver honey from her bees twice a week. She was practically the only person in town I opened the gates for. You have my apologies.”
“No need to pretend you have a heart. You don’t.”
We’re locked in cold silence again until he clears his throat.
“Regardless, will you consider my offer? I pay generously and I’ll make you a proper contractor, so you can work on your terms. If you want benefits, they’re yours.”
“I should go,” I say, shaking my head sharply.
“So you can call your friend and tell her how the big bad vampire tried to give you a job when I suspect a cash infusion would do you a world of good?”
My hand clenches.
I hate this man with the force of a thousand suns.
“My life is none of your business. Neither are my problems.”
“No, but there’s one thing you should know.”
“What?”
“I’m not walking away until you agree to at least consider the offer. Give me a goddamned ’maybe,’ Miss Landers, and mull it over.”
“...I think I’ll just hang up instead.”
“I’ll call back,” he throws back.
“And I’ll block your number.”
“You remember I live next door, right?” he snarls.
“And I can get a restraining order.”
Sweet silence. He makes a strangled sound before he says, “You wouldn’t dare. Nothing I’ve done resembles harassment.”
“You think so, huh? You don’t know me.”
“I do know I’m ‘flipping hot’ and I can buy you some precious time. For fuck’s sake, I’m offering to help you keep that place against my own best interests.”