The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"Thinking what?" Sasha asked, clearly intrigued by his words.

"I bet Jenny will come up with some story about me hooking up with you behind

her back when we were still together. Of course, she'd stick to the tactic that works." Shane shrugged.

Sasha was at a loss for words. Shane added, "Like I dumped her once we started something, you know."

Sasha rubbed her chin. "I already know how to shut that down if that's all she's got."

Shane was surprised. "When did you get so sharp?"

Sasha lowered her head and slowed her speech. "Sharp? Nah. When she dumped you, one of my friends caught it on video. She sent it to me, and I kept it.

"You don't get to watch someone you hate get what's coming to them every day, right? So, yeah, I wasn't about to miss that. Makes sense, doesn't it?" She looked up and met Shane's gaze.

Shane forced a smile. "Lucky for me, you're so nosy. Otherwise, I'd be screwed if Jenny tried to drag my name through the mud."

"Exactly," Sasha replied, then sent him the video.

bother glancing at it. "So, what's up? What brings

when Sasha remembered why she'd

They think our business is only heading one way right now. So, we're going to

pulled a pile of proposals from her bag and handed them to

them quickly, then glanced at Sasha, clearly impressed. "Damn, you really hit the jackpot with friends who have your back

proposals with her pen. "They went through every project and picked the ones that suited us best. They think

have our parents take a look and give us

all in. "Why wait? Let's go for

already pumped about the chance to make money

jumped to her feet, too. "Let's

...

outside, chatting with a reporter. "Did you see them walking out

eyes lit up. "I never saw this coming. I thought you were just making it

pleased with herself,

lying. They've probably been seeing each other

time.

use me as their