Free Initiate Me by Elle Raven Page B

what you and your brothers would do,” I pointed out.
    It was time to make a deal with the devil. “I’m thinking I have a solution on how to please everyone around here so we can work harmoniously.”
    Max drummed his fingers on the desk for several seconds before saying, “I’m listening.”
    “That Security and Information Technology Convention in Queensland is coming up,” I stated, referring to one of the biggest information technology conventions in the country. Businesses from all over the world attended to view new, cutting-edge security technologies for their businesses. It was only a week away. “Let me take Mia with me as my assistant. If at the end of the business trip, she’s still resisting my irresistible charms, I’ll back off. I’ll move on.”
    “This convention is in North Queensland, in Port Douglas. You and Mia alone for a week at a secluded Brunetti Resort? If you think I’ll agree to this, you’re insane. I don’t like it and I won’t allow it.”
    “Oh, come on, Max. I think you want Mia to be happy. Don’t you want harmony back in the office? Let me do it. I can cut it back to three days instead of the whole week. I promise it will make a difference.” Max got out of his chair and paced his office.
    From the look on Max’s face, I was almost afraid he’d fire my arse on the spot. He had every right to do it, too. So I was surprised when Max said, “If Mia wants to go, I won’t stop her. But it’s her choice, not yours. I won’t have you forcing her to go because you are her boss. You got it?”
    I said a silent prayer that she wouldn’t fight me and refuse to come with me. “Yes, I understand.”
    Max came around the desk and leaned against the edge. “Before we end this conversation, there is one more thing I need to add.”
    I stood, sensing a warning of some sort. “Yeah, I’m listening.”
    “Mia is and always will be my little sister. I want you to be very careful with her.”
    I nodded. “Look, I know how close the Brunetti family is and how close Mia is with Jada and Milan, but this is between me and her. No disrespect to you, Max, but I don’t want those two interfering, especially Milan.”
    Max crossed his arms over his chest. “I know, and it’s time I realise Mia is all grown up now and she can take care of herself. But that doesn’t mean I won’t kick your arse if you upset her or hurt her in any way. Remember that while you’re trying to cajole her into coming with you.”
    “You’ve already condemned me before you’ve even given me a chance.” I laughed. “Perhaps you’d better hold off loading your ammunition until we return? I wouldn’t want you to waste any of your energy.”
    Max shook his head. “It’s not going to be easy, convincing my sister to come with you. She is a hard-headed Sicilian when you try to tell her to do something she doesn’t want. You will need a bit of luck.”
    “We’ll see. That’s my problem, isn’t it?”
    “Yeah, it sure is. And don’t say I didn’t warn you. Mia may come across as Little Miss Innocent, but she can be a hothead.”
    “Really? Gee, I wonder who she took after in that department?” I joked.
    As I headed out of his office, Max called out my name. I stopped as I reached the door and turned to face him.
    “Yeah, now what?”
    “If I so much as hear you have tried any of those bondage things on my sister, I'll fucking kill you.”
    I laughed and slammed the door shut.
    Max knew me too well.

Chapter Seven
    MIA
    I sauntered back into my office, feeling better than I had in weeks. I had taken well over an hour and had lunch with Brandon. He was so sweet and we had been out together a couple of times in the last two weeks, but I made sure I told him they weren’t ‘dates’ and we were only friends. He understood, thank God.
    Having a long lunch was wonderful; I took my time sipping my latté and devouring a warm chicken salad. When I got back, I headed to the gym on the top floor so I