Page 14 of Gluttony

Naturally, I mimic his position, crossing my legs in a veryBasic Instinctmove, knowing that the small, round table between us would hide nothing. I expect him to scowl, or at the very least be shocked by my unprofessional move. Instead, Hadley grins, showing off all of his straight, white teeth.

Must admit, for just a second, he looked like a fucking psychopath. Worse, I think I liked it.

“…understaffed so if by any chance this doesn’t work out, make sure to give me a call.” I miss half of what Jon tells me because I’m too distracted by Hadley’s response to me. The fact that his change in attitude is the opposite of what any other boss would have makes me curious.

I wonder how far I can push him?

Forcing myself to look away, I turn my torso to the side and give my full attention to Jon. Well, at least I pretend to do so with my elbow on the arm rest and my chin pressed to my closed fist. Only problem is that Orion is now in my line of sight, just to the right. I do my best to ignore him, too, but contrary to Hadley, he’s not amused at my antics. In fact, he scootches closer, takes my glass of blackberry vodka, and hands it back to the waitress.

“We need you to take notes,Bella.”

Pretty sure that’s the definition of the gauntlet being thrown down. Also, something about the way Orion says my name makes the hairs at the back of my neck tingle. And not in that sexy, he’s going to eat me alive and make me scream through itkind of way, but more in the he’s going to eat me alive…period, kind of way.

“Right, yes. Sorry. I was so taken by Jon’s stories”—I didn’t hear a damn thing—“that I forgot I was working.” I wonder if I get overtime?

With a smirk that says plenty about his evil intentions, Hadley hands me his cocktail napkin. Seconds later, just as our waitress is walking past our table, he swipes the pen tucked into her apron.

“Here, thought you might need this.” Evil twin number one is amused, quite proud of himself, I’d say.

“That’s very thoughtful of you,Sir. Thank you.” Sarcasm is dripping from my tongue and everyone within hearing distance picks up on it, except for Jon who’s too busy staring at my tits.

At least someone is appreciating the effort I put in tonight.

“So, Jon, tell us about your plans and how we can help you implement them.” Orion takes control of the conversation, and like the good executive assistant that I am, I take notes.

I note that Hayes is exceptionally scowly tonight. That Hadley is two leg-crossings away from fucking me orgy-style. And Orion is working really fucking hard at getting this contract yet can’t help throwing amused glances my way.

Those are my notes and none of them are helpful to H2O but they are perfect for our con job.

For about an hour, I do my job and I do it well considering I’ve got a small square with the hotel’s logo taking up one whole side and still manage to scribble down pertinent information. I’ve gone to the bathroom twice already but that can’t be helped. Without any alcohol, I’ve been reduced to drinking water this whole time and well, the heated—not always sexy—gazes from my three bosses alone is dehydrating me.

“Excuse me, I’ll be right back.” I smile, flicking my hair back over my shoulder and rising to my full height with elegance and poise. At least, I hope I do.

Taking a quick peek at my watch, I cringe at the time and wonder what mood I’ll find Mickey in tonight.

The restroom isn’t empty when I walk in, which is annoying but not surprising. When I glance over their way, I notice the sheer beauty of them. One has long black hair that reaches almost to her waist like a curtain of silk, while the other has it cut short, showing off the slender lines of her neck.

Damn.

I smile when they look my way, then head straight for the stall to relieve what feels like my weight floating in my bladder. Problem is, I get performance anxiety in public places and I’m just hoping these two ladies are good friends and will start chatting soon.

“I’m so glad you guys made it back to The City and I love that you’re staying for a while. You look absolutely stunning.” I’m not sure who’s talking but she sounds like a great friend. I miss a part of the conversation because it’s Niagara Falls down here, but I catch the name Marco and something about being very busy these last couple of months.

I feel ya, sister.

“I’ve barely seen him. Enzo and Tyler wanted to talk shop with him but he’s been going in early and coming back to the house late.” Now, it’s the other woman talking, her voice not as gravelly as the first.

“Yes, I’m so sorry about that, Lina. I promise I’ll talk to him.” I wipe, I flush, I put all my bits back into my pantyhose and rearrange my dress, making sure everything is the way it should be. There’s no fun in walking out of a bathroom with the skirt stuck in the back, showing off your nylon-covered ass. No fun at all.

Stepping out, I smile at the women and wash my hands before going to the towel dispenser. Fuck me, these women are gorgeous.

“Hi.” Short Hair is looking at me, talking to me.

“Uh, hi?” Oh, I was staring. Of course I was. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stare but you are both so incredibly stunning, it’s making me self-conscious.” Kill. Me. Now.

“Oh, you are so kind. Thank you.” I’m blinded a little by their smiles. “But I have to say, people pay a lot of money for hair like yours, trust me.” I have no idea why she winks at me but I feel like I’ve been invited into a secret society of women empowering other women.

“Yeah, so I’ve been told. Thank you. I’m Bowie.” Fuck. Ohmyfuckinggod.

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