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“Shall we sit?” Mr. Collins, the youngest, gestures to the table.

“With pleasure.” I force a smile and take my seat.

Mr. Stanton moves his chair closer to mine, and his thick cologne invades my space, suffocating me with its muskiness. “Shall we order some wine? The Bordeaux is exquisite.”

“Whatever you think is best, Mr. Stanton.”

His gnarled hand pats my arm. “No need for formalities, Mary. You always seem to forget.”

Bile rises in my throat, but I swallow it down, forcing myself to remain composed as the waiter approaches. The men rattle off their own orders and are so nice ordering for me as well, without even asking. I shift uncomfortably in my seat as Mr. Stanton’s hand remains on my arm, his grip tightening every so often. It makes my skin crawl.

“So, Mary, how’s that father of yours doing?” Mr. Fort asks. “I heard he’s been a bit preoccupied lately.”

I clench my jaw, struggling against the need to wrench free from Mr. Stanton’s grasp. “He’s doing well. Thank you for asking.”

“Good, good.” Mr. Fort nods, a sly grin spreading across his face. “And how about you, my dear? Any special man in your life?”

My eyes narrow. “I’m afraid that’s none of your business.”

Mr. Stanton chuckles, his breath tickling my neck. “Aw, come on. You can tell us. We’re all friends here, remember?”

Friends. Right.

I’ll have to scrub my skin raw in the shower later just to feel clean again. “I’d rather not discuss my personal life, if you don’t mind.”

The waiter arrives with our drinks, providing a much-needed distraction. I gratefully take a large gulp of my wine.

“Well, in that case,” Mr. Collins says, “how about we discuss the latest merger your father’s company is working on? I’m sure you must be quite involved in the process.”

I inwardly groan. Of course, they want to talk about that. “I’m afraid I don’t have much to share on that front. My father handles the majority of the negotiations.”

Mr. Stanton’s hand slides down to my knee, and I flinch. “Surely, you must have some insight into the deal. You are his daughter, after all. Who is he talking with?”

I move my leg, trying to dislodge Stanton’s hand. “I really don’t know.”

“Hmm… Why don’t we skip the dinner and get somewhere more private? For a Drink or two.” His fingers dig deeper into my flesh.

This is different. Did they drink too much? “Thank you, but I think I should get home.”

“You just arrived,” Mr. Fort says.

“Perhaps another time,” I say. “I have an early morning tomorrow.”

“A hot-blooded young woman like you must get... lonely at times,” Collins says. “We’d be happy to keep you company.”

Mr. Stanton’s hand moves higher, and I jerk my leg away, pulse racing.

They all study me.

Remember, you’re doing this for the good of the company. You can handle this. No, I can't. Is it too late to write Lil for an emergency call? Signal for the waiter that this is a hostage situation?

“Evening, gentlemen.”

Chapter 15

Mary

“Evening, gentlemen.” The smooth, familiar voice startles me.

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