Chapter 21: Wolf and Fox

Chapter 21: Wolf and Fox

I could definitely land the landlady if I tried hard enough, I tell Flaminia with the tone of a seasoned warrior who knows which battles to pick.

Yeah, and I could convince Clodia to give everyone double their salary and even a kiss on the cheek, Flaminia snorts while rolling some dough.

Ye of little faith, I said with extreme disgust. Im repelled by the inexistent trust you put in my wondrous means.

You claim to be a great baker, but all I see is someone behind on his new bread-schedule, she smiles wickedly at me.

I pout.

Yeah, yeah.

Im not five but I pout.

Clodia likes productivity and has upped mine and Flaminias quota, since we both appear to be too good at our jobs. So good that we chat until she has to pull us by the ear.

I could seduce anyone, Flaminia, my dear. I could seduce even Clodia if I wanted to. Its called the magic stick, and Im the love doctor, I say with my signature wink.

Her expression suddenly goes slack. A second later, Flaminias now fighting back the tears while she seemingly looks over my shoulders.

Oh, God.

Shes behind me, isnt she?

Good evening, love doctor, I hear a flat tone coming from behind my shoulders.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Hey, boss, I say with a smile so high my cheekbones are probably going to break or something.

Thinking of trying the magic stick on me? Id be curious to see if it bends or breaks, Clodia says, squeezing one of my shoulders.

I cross my legs, feeling the phantom pain in my nether region.

Sorry, boss, we were having a laugh, I say to save myself from whatever punishment shes devising for me. My voice goes a bit higher than normal; its not surprising if you consider the fear Im currently harboring in my heart.

As you always do, she replies with an icy smile, her hand still squeezing my shoulder.

Another person would feel betrayed, maybe. I am a sucker for deception and drama, and I truly have to commend their play. I mean, not that I was attentive or anything like that. But they did well and they treated me fairly.

So, now Im off to being tortured by two beautiful Elves until I spit out everything I know? I say with a smile and only half joking.

Flaminia suddenly assumes the betrayed expression that should have been my prerogative.

What?! How can you even think something like that?!

Clodia puts up a hand in front of her and looks at me dead-right in the eyes.

Im going to offer you a magical contract that will

WOAH! Im not signing any magical contract! I put up my hands.

I assure you; we can go along with whatever terms you are thinking, just dont dismiss Clodia tries to say with the most reasonable tone shes ever used since I met her.

No, no, no. To hell with contracts. Im not signing it, I cross my arms.

So, he is really afraid of clerks and paperwork, Clodia looks at Flaminia, whos looking back with an I told you expression hanging on her face.

Joey, what if I call Lucinda to be your approved legal representative in this transaction? We can make sure she will make enough money she will not even think of saying no.

And we can make this as quick as possible, Clodia says with a sincere smile.

No, no! Flaminia, for a second time, puts her hand in front of the chef. This is going to take a long time. The negotiation will be long and drawn out. You will need to spend a lot of time with your legal representative. Hours, maybe even burning the midnight oil together to figure out the best solution for your deal.

Clodia stares at her, not yet catching up.

I, instead, have caught up really well.

And my hand is so stretched out it could fall off at any moment.

Oh, Flaminia, you truly know this old heart, I say with a wolfish grin.

Oh yeah, baby, she replies with eyes sharper than a fox, games on.