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And now, we were locked into a battle of wills, silently daring the other one to look away first. I didn’t waver and neither did he, not even when his new boss stepped towards the man next to him, his consigliere.
The Don’s pregnant wife stood in, wrapping the black ribbon around the consigliere’s wrist, since he hadn't claimed a woman for his own.
Of the group, Knight was the charming one. The one who opened doors and bought flowers, sweet talking his way through countless Vegas panties.
But now, his creek-brown eyes were as hard as stone.
His acerbity was reserved for me, and me alone.
A trail of sweat trickled down my back and my jaw was beginning to ache, I was clenching it so tight, but I didn't,wouldn’t,look away. After the consigliere, Knight was next. Soon Knight wouldhaveto look away and I would win the battle of wills between us.
Except, the vibration in my bra made me falter.
Shit, shit.
That wasthephone, the one I couldn't ignore. Still staring at him, I stealthily reached into my bra, sliding the thin, flip phone out.
Opening it with one hand, I glanced down.
unknown number: Next Friday. Ten pm, sharp.
Goddamn it. The fucker. I looked back up at Knight, seamlessly slipping the cell back into my bra. He was still looking at me and, by the cocky smirk on his face, knew exactly what had happened.
The text was a reminder for what I needed to do, and I glanced at the clock to my right. I had two minutes to slip out of the room.
The new Don now moved towards Knight and I knew now was my chance.
I stepped backwards and into the shadows, ready to slide through the throng of people like an eel, when I heard my name.
I stilled, frozen in shock. After a shallow breath, and silence, letting me know they were waiting for something,someone, I swiveled on my six inch stilettos. Both Knight and the new Don were staring at me.
Had Knight just announced my name in a room full of powerful men?
By the way everyone was staring at me, he had.
Digging my fingers into my palms in anger, I held my head high, staring at Knight, letting all of the rage and hatred I felt for the man to show in my eyes.
This. Motherfucker.
Now everyone would think there was something between us.
The crowd of bodies parted as I made my way to the center aisle, passing rows of white, vased flowers and lit candles, towards the front of the room. Internally, I was shaking, but I wouldn't let them see it.
Never show weakness.
And yet, now I was going to miss my meeting, and thenhewas going to be disappointed.
Shit. Shit. Fuck.
My smile froze on my face as I made my way to the front. No one had any idea that this was the worst possible thing that could happen to me.
Although on one hand, my business would sky rocket and my prices would quadruple. Having the eye of one of the richest and most powerful men in the industry would do that to you.
Men wanted what they thought they couldn't have, and would pay handsomely for it.
But I preferred to conduct my business in the shadows, especially when it came to Knight. Plus, I didn’t need the money; I’d made certain in the last five years of my life that I would never want for money again.
As I stood at the front of the room, I shot daggers at Knight before turning to face the new Don.