Page 14 of Unleash Hades
“You’ll need to watch out for Remus,” Gavin frowned. “He’s got a lot of his father in him.”
That wasn’t a compliment.
“I know,” I said, coming to my feet. And like clockwork, the corner office on the floor opened.
In a crisp, bespoke navy suit, Richard Davenport left his office, his leather briefcase in hand. His cold eyes scanned the room until they landed on me. It was like the terminator acquiring its target.
It felt like a red laser dot from a sniper rifle, heating the center of my forehead. One flinch, and it would kill.
Richard didn’t walk - he strode – towards me as he checked his custom Parmigiani Fleurier watch.
“Darling,” Richard’s voice floated like a poisonous cloud. “Are you ready for dinner?”
He was very proud of his corner office and had fought tooth and nail for it after my father’s death. He had done a victory lap, celebrating his acquisition, all the while ignoring that I had lost my father.
He drew power to him and sucked me dry.
The shares that came to me, naturally, became his. Because my sister never voted and couldn’t care less about Laurent Media, he was always unopposed. I suppose that was my fault, too. I had sent her away.
It was for her own good, even though I couldn’t tell her. I still hadn’t told her. But she’d forgive me, one day…
Un espoir encore plus stupide? More stupid hope, huh?
Shut up.
Goosebumps prickled up my arm, and at the nape of my neck. I was like a dog sensing danger.
Gavin gave him a nod in greeting, which Richard did not return. He was too good to see anyone who was not a shareholder or on the executive level. He still called his current secretary by the last secretary’s name.
It wasn’t a power move like in The Devil Wears Prada. He simply could not be bothered.
“Going somewhere nice?” Gavin asked, tilting his head and staringrightat Richard.
It was a game he liked to play - a means of irritating my husband. Talking to him, even as Richard refused to see him.
I hid my smile.
“Yes,” I answered after an uncomfortable silence. “Dinner with some investors at Le Bisous.”
“Fancy!” Gavin slapped his hand on his thigh in approval. “You’ll need to tell me how it is. I’ve been meaning to–”
“Darling, we must get going,” Richard said, looking at his watch.
“Of course, my love,” I said, giving Gavin an apologetic look.
I came to my feet, grabbed my purse, and turned towards the elevators.
My husband would not be questioned or delayed. He had no patience for such things. And I had become very good at not making him angry.
“Ahem?” Richard coughed behind me, and when I turned, he had a lifted brow.
I remained stone-faced and didn’t shut my eyes with dread or roll them with irritation, though I felt both things in equal measure. I didn’t grimace when I stepped to him, placing a hand on his shoulder and coming to my tiptoes to lay a kiss on his smooth cheek.
I was his wife. I had to “kiss the ring”, or the cheek, so to speak.
He looked at me up and down, and I knew he found me wanting.
In an office where many women vied for his attention in pencil skirts and heels, I looked like a bohemian in leather boots, cotton blouse, and loose wool trousers.
