MADISON

I think I blacked out. I don't remember what happened. Did I fuck Jace? I'm laying down. Does that mean we went to bed? I can't remember what happened. My eyes open sluggishly. The Eiffel Tower is the first thing I see. It's about three blocks away. The impressive monument compliments the balcony, where white linen tables and plants rest. The noise of a harp travels from below. The pure white blanket around me holds rose petals. I beam at the sight. Aww! This is so romantic. Did he really do this for me??! This is too sweet! I sit up and reach for my phone:

JACE: I'll see you tonight, Honey Bunny 🤍

I gather up rose petals and bring my hand to my mouth. I press record and video myself blowing them toward the camera. My skin has this afterglow I've never seen before. It's as if my soul has awakened a light within me. Once the video is sent, I hop out of bed and walk to the balcony.

There's a hint of fresh bread and strawberries. I take a big whiff. Trees and bushes scatter the courtyard below. The hotel's building is made of cream bricks and grand pillars. The blue sky has little clouds. I lean over to stare down at a harp player, a woman in a flowy white dress.

"Bon après-midi madame." An airy voice comes from behind me. I turn and find a super-tall woman in an all-white suit. Her ruby hair reach past her hips. I swear she's a statue come to life; her body is perfection.

"Bon après-midi madame." I mimic her French accent perfectly.

"Monsieur Harrison m'a ordonné de vous faire visiter le Shangri-La."

"Désolé, mon français n'est pas bon." I cringe. "All I understood was Harrison and Shangri-La."

"No apologies needed; you could have fooled me, American. Most of you pronounce our words very poorly. I'll translate, since you are a prized guest. Monsieur Harrison ordered me to show you around the Shangri-La."

"I would love that, thank you."

"De rien." The porcelain-skinned woman smiles slightly. "Come, Mademoiselle."

I'm escorted to a white brick corridor. The floors are checkered white and brown. "The palace was built in 1896 for the grandnephew of Napoleon, Prince Roland Bonaparte. Now it is a part of history for all to enjoy. There are 100 rooms and 37 suites, which are always occupied by tourists and businessmen." The tour guide leads the way down the spiraling staircase.

I adore the black banisters and gigantic chandelier. "The theme is so dynamic."

"Yes, it is. It was rather plain in taste before renovations, which required four years. Architect Richard Martinet and interior designer Pierre Rochin gifted the palace with charm."

We pass the last step into the foyer. The golden lights resemble candles, and the vases and lamps are aesthetically pleasing. I know Jace will see me tonight, but I would have loved to take this tour with him. To hold his hand while in awe. But he's busy. I have to deal with having this experience alone. I'm sure he's planned much more than roses on the bed.

JACE

I keep checking the time on my Grandmaster Chime watch. It's ticking so slowly, which is odd because meetings usually eat up time. I miss my baby. I gaze back at the table of businessmen and push my longing away. "Yes, the conversion will be swift."

"But not overpowering, I hope." A man in the head seat asks with a thick accent.

"No, sir, Orbe Industries will remain as is. It will only gain a partner."

"A powerful partner indeed."

A calculating woman observes me. "Are we going to acquire unwanted baggage?"

"No, Mademoiselle, not at all. Orbe will not absorb any of Strygent's American business. This is a two-way street."

The woman looks to the head seat with an urgent glance. She, just like the rest, is dressed smartly. Suit, tie, handkerchief pocket, and glasses. They're all uniformed...even how their spines are straight up from the back of their chairs.

"What Madam Cavill is referring to is your little blonde. We noted how low your stocks dropped from her...tendencies. Orbe cannot afford to ping pong so drastically."

My blood boils, I want to snap, but I can't allow such unprofessionalism. I exhale instead. "Last I checked, this is business."

"Yes, that is why the subject has come up. Appearance is vital for business, don't you agree?"

"Of course." I kill him with kindness to steer from gritting my teeth. "My appearance has never negatively impacted any company. I suggest you look into the data. Traction and ROI has stayed intact, even with that incident."

"What about the Grand Park incident? Maybe a 35 drop is small in America, but here it is not."

"Even with that incident, sir. Strygent recovered. The climate of America is very influential. Mistakes and misunderstandings are met with wildfire. I doubt your investors will judge as irrationally as my country has."

Cavill surveys the head guy...then focuses on me. "And If our investors' rally, what then?"

"I guarantee you there will be no unnecessary drama."

She laughs harshly. "American women breed drama...they have too much freedom and no class."

"Cavill is correct. If our stock were to dwindle after signing, it will be a bad investment."

My irritation steams to the limit. How many times do I have to assure their investors will not be impacted?? "This expansion doesn't concern Ms. Hart. When I offer a deal, there's always a solid outcome. You all have my word; our merge will bring nothing but prosperity." I scoot back the chair before I stand. "If you have any hesitation, please study Strygent's track record. Bonjour, mesdames et messieurs." I bid farewell.

I don't show my true annoyance until I'm in the back of a limousine. I scowl and huff out. Why did they keep poking? I don't like repeating myself. They're joining business with me, not Madison. She shouldn't have been mentioned. I thought foreigners knew Americans overreact. They mock and make fun of us all the time for this, yet this issue is taken seriously. The irony.

I'm aware of the baggage that comes along with Madison, and I trust her enough to know it's all in the past. I'm glad I said my say and stepped away. There's no need to go in a circle. All of my business relations are backed by data. Choosing to decline the merge will be their loss. It looks like I'm heading back to the hotel earlier than I expected. Before I do...I need to buy my bunny a dress.

I press a speaker button so the chauffeur can hear me. "Anne Elisabeth Boutique." An SUV follows behind the limo. Three bodyguards occupy it. The same amount is posted outside the hotel for Madi's safety. On the way to the dress boutique, I still can't let the conversation drop.

The fact that Orbe investigated my private relations is a red flag. Do I really want to merge with such a petty company? I get mentioning the issue once. I answered their concern. The rest of the conversation was tedious and immature. I wouldn't want to share my resources with such a judgy industry. If Orbe decides to decline my offer, one they will never attain again, that's fine. I'll find another enterprise to affiliate. 

The dress boutique is very clean and bright. The receptionist wears a tiny black dress. She cheeses my way. "Oh, mon dieu, Jace Harrison!" She exclaims. She's a fan, I presume. "Pus-je avoir votre autographe?" The worker asks for an autograph, hastily yanking a pen and paper from the checkout desk.

"Bien sur Mademoiselle," I accept her request in a flawless accent, signing the paper using the same cursive font on my advertisements.

"Merci! Merci!" She thanks me, swooning like a teen girl.

"De rien," I respond politely.

She giggles nervously. "Comment puis-je vous aider?" Hmmm...that's a good question. How may she help me? I haven't even thought about the dress type. I know Madi looks great in bright colors...so I go with that. "Une robe lumineuse, élégante et courte." I also ask for the dress to be stylish and short.

"Bien sur, monsieur. Suis-moi." I follow her to a rack of shiny gowns. "These are cocktail dresses." Her English is rough yet understandable. "Which would you prefer?"

"Well...something suited for a blonde."

"Ah, a romantic gesture?"

"Yes."

"I suggest the style PS22053 by Manhattan Dress. It's very light and glamorous." The receptionist plucks out a nude and silver cocktail. It's longer than I wanted...but I could get her a second one. This is the dress she'll wear for the first night. "Don't you agree?"

"Yes, it's stunning. Are there any accessories included?"

"Yes." The woman place the dress on the check counter; then rushes to the shoe section for silver pumps, then to the jewelry counter. The earrings are quarter sized. The necklace is collar-length.

"Great, that'll be it for the first order."

"And the second order?"

"A sexy black dress."

Her brown eyes glimmer. "Like the one I'm wearing?" She flirts, batting her lashes.

I analyze the dress; it's simple yet form-fitting. It's too safe for a fun night. "Something a bit more revealing."

"I have the perfect option." The woman catwalks to the back of the store. "This is our best seller." She unhooks a black halter dress with mesh gloves that act as off-the-shoulder sleeves. There's a choker necklace attached to the dress. It stops above the knees.

"Perfect. I'm ready to buy."

"Would you like if I try it on for you?" She begins to unzip the side of her dress.

"No, thank you. I'll like to pay now."

"I can be one of your toys...I'm much more skilled than your American girls." The woman slips out of her dress. She's completely naked underneath.

I usually would find this hot...but it's desperate and low. It shows a woman's self-respect. This one has none. Madison isn't as easy. I love how she values herself for more than a hot body. I haven't even seen her naked, and still, she's sexier than any woman. My eyes don't even wander down. I retain eye contact, showing no interest.

"I'll wire the funds." I grab the dresses and the accessories from the counter. "Enjoy your day, Mademoiselle." As soon as I get into the limo, I check my phone. My bunny sent a video. I guess she loved the roses. Madi blows the petals at the camera. She's so elated...so grateful. I text:

ME: You look wonderful 😘 I'll be there soon.

MADI: Oh...I thought you'd be back later.

ME: The meeting ended early.

MADI: Yay! Let's have fun 😃

ME: Riverboat ride or horse ride?

She calls. "OH MY GOD, I ALWAYS WANTED TO GO HORSE RIDING!" I adore the hyper-ness in her voice.

"Really? I don't believe you." I joke. "You need to sell me on this desire."

"When will we go?!" she shrieks happily.

"After I give you my surprise."

"Oh...your surprise? Are you trying to knock me up?"

"That's possible."

"Or is this surprise the big surprise?"

"You'll see soon, bye bunny."