Page 52 of Vendetta

The diamond nestles just above my cleavage and he smiles as he stares at it.

“This is too much.” I half stammer.

“No it’s not. And it’s the first of many. I want you covered in diamonds. Covered in jewels.”

I gulp. How the hell will I ever be able to show my gratitude to this man?

“Are you ready?” He asks bringing me out of my thoughts.

“I’m always ready for you.” I say and he laughs.

Him

We pull up outside the hotel. Paparazzi and photographers are everywhere. I can tell Eleri is nervous but when I look across at her she gives me a smile that’s so full of confidence I swear my cock jerks.

I get out first and she exits gracefully, taking my arm, letting me guide her. All around cameras are flashing but she doesn’t seem fazed. She just keeps her focus on me.

We walk the red carpet side by side.

I pull her to a stop at the very top of the stairs and she pauses, one leg outstretched through the split, her beautiful flesh on display and the cameras go wild snapping away at us. Snapping away at their king and queen.

And then we walk inside.

The place is already packed. The governor, politicians, even a few of Hollywood’s finest are here. But we’re the centre of attention.

Everyone’s focus is on us.

Eleri is the perfect date. She speaks when addressed but most of the time she stays quiet preferring to talk more to me and me alone. As if her words are only for my hearing. As if her voice is only for me too.

We take our table. I make sure to see she has a glass of champagne and we sit as the compare welcomes everyone.

And then I get up and make my speech. It’s short, to the point. Making clear that this is for charity. And they’re all here by virtue of my good grace. I won’t have them forget who feeds them, who provides their livelihoods.

When I sit back down there’s an auction. It’s tedious but necessary. I’ve thrown in a few items to look generous; a few paintings, some jewellery, they all sell and the proceeds will help build the illusion that I’m a philanthropist and not something more sinister.

When the bidding is done we get up. A band has started, people are dancing. I glance at Eleri and wonder whether to show off some moves while we’re here. Of course our dancing will have to be a little more highbrow than back at the club.

Preston walks up to us and murmurs something about the Governor wanting a word. I grunt in reply. Of course he wants a word, he’s running for office again and if the polls are anything to be believed he needs all the help he can get.

Eleri doesn’t react when I state this. It’s as if she understands now how much power I truly have. I wonder if I would have been more or less enthused with her if she was scared of me? Scared of how dangerous I am, of how much this entire world dances to my tune.

There’s a small scuffle, a drunken man falls over and a few of my men move quickly to escort him out. Eleri glances around nervously as if she’s on edge.

“Relax darling. My men are here.” I murmur to here and point out where Blaine and a few others are stood ensuring this night goes exactly as I planned and that there are no, how do I put it, incidences.

“Nico…” She says quietly and I look at her, more because of the tone of her voice than anything.

“What is it?”

“That man, over there…” She pauses turning her back so if the man she’s indicating looks he won’t be able to see her face. “He’s a cop.”

“What?” I say looking to where Lucas is stood talking to Blaine. “He’s not a cop Eleri.” I say dismissively.

She grabs my arm, squeezing it. “No he is. He stopped me when I was out earlier. He told me they were investigating you. He said they have enough to put you away for a long time.”

I narrow my eyes but she’s not done yet.

“He tried to offer me a deal, if I talked…” She states.

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