Rose Blood by Jessica Miles Page A

afternoon. We could have a few private minutes together before the contracts are signed, does that sound ok?”
    “I need to be sure about all this Marcus, you understand that, don’t you?”
    “I do. I am already very sure about you though, I am so looking forward to having you around Rose.”
    There he goes being all charming again, Rose thought. She wondered if this was the real him.
    She’d surely find out soon enough.

Chapter 20
    Marcus arrived at the Cabot Square building at five minutes to 1. He liked to be punctual. He made his way to reception and asked for Clara Moore. The receptionist made a call and in less than a minute Clara arrived in the lift beaming at him.
    “My dear Marcus, how are you… we are so pleased you have decided to sign with Polygon Investments so soon. I gather Rose Porter has provided you with an excellent start to managing your fund. Do come with me, to my office… would you like something to drink?” Marcus DeVere always gave her a bit of a hot buzz… he was just so damned attractive! Lucky Rose, Clara thought…
    He followed her back into the lift to the third floor executive suite.
    “No, I’m fine I don’t need a drink… thank you anyway Clara. I’d like Miss Porter to join us soon if that’s possible, I want to have a small private word with her before we sign… could I use a meeting room for that please?”
    “Of course. I’ll call Rose now and have her come down.”
    She made the call.
    “She’s on her way. So Marcus, hopefully you are happy with all the details? Our legal team has read everything through and we are ready to sign when you are.” Clara was rather bemused over his strange little exclusive arrangement with Rose Porter, but still, if that’s what he needed to be content with the contract, that was fine with her.
    Rose entered the office and stood before him. Her smart grey short skirt suit and high heels were nothing like his first impression of her. She had obviously been playing a game with him. How strange that was…  But she certainly set his pulse racing whatever she wore and she looked more than beautiful today.
    “Hello Marcus, how are you?”
    “Just wonderful Rose… you?”
    “Slightly nervous at this moment”
    “Shall we go to the meeting room. I want to talk to you as I mentioned before.”
    “Yes Rose, off you go, use any of the rooms on the first floor. I’ll see you both in fifteen minutes in here. I have our independent witness arriving then.” Clara announced.
    They made their way along the corridor and down the stairs at the end, finally arriving in a small meeting room. Rose sat at the table looking very nervous. Marcus pulled up a chair next to her and took her hand.
    “So, tell me what’s worrying you about our arrangement?”
    “A few things… What is this exclusivity clause about?”
    “I can’t have you seeing anyone else Rose, not whilst you’re with me. That’s not such a lot to ask, is it? You told me you are single anyway.” He thought that was a good point to make.
    “Well I was single then … I am seeing someone now though”
    “I’m sorry but that part of the arrangement is not negotiable Rose. You can meet up with friends and family whenever you like, but no dating other men. As it is a very new relationship you seem to be having, it can’t be that big a deal to you anyway…” He wasn’t so sure about that as she didn’t look at all happy right now.
    “Why do I need to sign this NDA, what kind of things are you hiding Marcus? I’m already under legal contract to be silent about client activities here…”
    “This is a much more personal one Rose. You cannot talk about me or us to anyone at all and you can’t sell your story to the highest bidder…” he smiled at her. She didn’t look amused.
    “The full medical I had this morning was a bit thorough … and the doctor mentioned coming off the pill right away… why all that…?”
    “Just to make sure you are fit for me and the job,