Two Proposals

Victor interlaced his fingers and observed Claire intently. "Your proposal isn't sudden at all. I think you decided to hire me the very first time we met."

The beauty smiled. "Well, nothing gets past you, it seems. But that should not matter. Just tell me, what do you say to my offer?"

"I have a lot of things to do."

Claire nodded. "Let me put it this way, and lay out the map for you. You need a job now that your company is sinking. At least for appearance's sake. If you work for me, your wife will think you got your life back in order. And finally, acting as my bodyguard will give you an excellent cover for whatever your true identity is… For whatever you do secretly..."

Victor's lips bent into a thin smile for the first time. "You seem to have thought this through. Impressive."

Claire shrugged and grinned. "I'll pay you fifty thousand per month, and many of my resources will be at your disposal. Does that sound like a good deal?"