Page 61 of Troy
We have called a meeting with our latest team member. At long last, we have Griff Broderick, after a court case cleared his name but also changed his life. Taking himself out of the limelight, and the tabloids, the ex-world champion MotoGP rider disappeared. Until now. Nico has been talking with him and he has finally agreed to at least a meeting; we may not get him to sign the contract today, but he is a high profile, beautiful man and we want him as one of our top models. Corrie has gone from strength to strength: his photographs are so sought after, Raff constantly updates his brother’s portfolio. It’s not purely the army vet survivor that brings him to the forefront of magazines—often taking the cover—he isn’t simply being targeted for being an amputee, but for the stunningly handsome man he is.
I call him to remind him of our meeting but it goes straight to message; maybe he’s on his way. I believe the two men together will bring much interest to us as a brand. Raff knocks on my door and walks in, his smile sets my heart beating faster. And, taking one glance at him as he swaggers towards me, I think he knows it, too.
“What’s up, love?” I query as he steps up. I rise to greet him and he wraps his hands around my waist, clutching me against him.
“I’ve missed you, I want to go back to Italy. I don’t want to work anymore.” I laugh as Raff pouts.
“Oh, poor baby, I promise to make it up to you later.” I purr in his ear, a shudder running through me as his teeth graze my neck.
“Oh, I think that’s the least you can do,” Raff chuckles before biting down and sucking hard on my skin, making a bruise I know he won’t be able to take his eyes off throughout the meeting. Letting his tongue soothe the tender flesh, he drops a kiss on my neck.
“Okay, you two, pack it in. Jeez, you’ve been away a month. Haven’t you had enough of each other?” Nico smiles and pats Raff on the back before pulling me in for a hug. “Shit, Troy!” Nico jumps back and glares at my groin.
Raff laughs his head off, “That’ll teach you, you bastard.”
I go bright red as my dick deflates and Nico strides away grimacing, shaking his head.
“Is he here?” I ask, suddenly excited at the thought of nearly a year’s work ultimately coming together.
“He is, and it’s a good job you’ve got a ring on his finger, Raff, because this motherfucker is stunning.”
“Fuck off, Angeles, go and make coffee or whatever it is you do around here.” Raff bites back. The way they rile each other up has newcomers struggling to work out if they like each other or not. Mercifully, they do, and the friendship that has grown is one for life.
Ryan—Nico’s sensible and much better half—walks in and takes one look at the three of us and turns on Nico, smiling. “What have you done to piss them off this time?”
Nico eyes him and smiles ruefully, “I walked in and they were getting all loved up, and then I hugged my bro Troy, and he was… Well, y’know…”
“Okay, enough.” Ryan shakes his head and, as Nico bends down, whispers. “Leave it, Nicky. Right, Broderick is here, so it’s time to put on the charm, I want him with us, tied to our label.” Ryan looks around, “Where’s Corrie?”
“I called him but he didn’t answer, so I’m hoping he’s on his way.” I answer.
“Have you told him why we want him here?” Ryan asks.
“Not really, he wasn’t too keen when I mentioned it to him before, so I’ve left it.” I reply but check my watch anyway.
“He’d better fucking turn up.” Raff growls.
“Have you told him who he’s going to be working with?” I ask.
“Nope, I wanted it to be a surprise. He’s always been a huge fan of Griff’s, so I’m sure he’ll be stoked.”
Right then, Corrie opens the door and we all visibly relax. “Why are you all looking at me like that?”
“We weren’t sure if you’d remembered and you didn’t answer your cell.” Raff answers.
“You’re such a dick, Raff, why would I miss a meeting? Who’ve you got coming in, the fucking lord himself?” Corrie grumbles and takes a seat on the black, leather sofa.
“He might be yours!” Raff smirks back at him.
We are interrupted by a knock on the door and my assistant walks in. “Mr. Broderick is here, Troy.” Standing aside she lets him enter the room.
His face lights up as he looks at me and then shakes my hand. “It’s great to be here, I’m looking forward to working with you all.”
“You too, Griff. You drove a hard bargain.” I laugh, turning to face the others to introduce him but stop short when I see the expression on Corrie’s features.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” He stands up, “I’m outta here.”
“What the fuck? Raff pushes away from the window and goes to catch up with him. “Corrie! Wait up!”