Chapter 6: Business First

Dimitri

It’s not a matter of having control. I need control just as I need air to breathe. I live and breathe control.

Domination runs through my veins. I’ve never shown any mercy when it comes to getting what I want. I always get what I want, no matter the cost because everything has a price, including people.

“But I will say your grandfather is a sneaky bastard,” Thomas said before downing the last of his scotch and signaling for another round. “There’s no way around it. This is ironclad and as your lawyer and best friend, looks like you need to say ‘I do’.”

“That’s the only way to take the company from my father?” I ask one last time as the waitress refills our glasses.

“Unless you have a wife out there you’ve been hiding, then no.”

I swirled my scotch as I contemplated my next move. It’s all about moves and counter moves.

“Your grandfather states in his will that the company was founded on two fundamental principles: family and integrity.”

He stretched his long legs, leisurely crossed them, swinging one as he picked up his glass. “The sexy, playboy lifestyle, you’ll need to give it up and find a wife.”

“You forgot philanthropist.”

“It doesn’t matter, it won’t get you the company. Your grandfather built this company for you, for his family, as his legacy, in hopes that you would follow in his footsteps.”

“I have followed in his footsteps. Just not the married or children part to make my life miserable. Honestly, what do I get out of marriage?”

“The company.” He said standing.

“The woman will gain everything.”

“Someone’s a cocky bastard.”

“You wouldn’t have me any other way.”

Thomas paid the tab and headed out while I stayed behind mulling everything over. Part of my planning consisted of me cursing my grandfather for the will he left behind. The other part was glass after glass of 23-year-old scotch.

“It doesn’t say how long I need to be married or how long I need to stay married,” I said aloud.

“Sir, would you like me to call someone? I can’t allow you to drive.”

I pulled my phone out and opened the last message I’d received. I texted Thomas back to let him know I would need him to get me home. No doubt I overdid it tonight.

My head was back in the chair when I saw a figure of a beautiful woman approaching me. When she stood in front of me, I wasn’t sure if I was hallucinating or if Seraphina was actually standing before me.

“Thanks for coming.” The waitress expressed her gratitude.

“Sure, no problem.” She said politely. “Did you drive here?” She inquired after the waitress was out of earshot.

“Yes, my keys are in my pocket.” I said throwing my head back into the plush chair.

I could feel her nerves even though we were about two feet from each other. I was sure she was going to ask me to grab them, but then she reached in slowly.

“That is not the key to my car, Ms. Fulton,” I said as I opened my eyes, catching her leaning over me.

“Sir, I need you to work with me. It’s almost 2 a.m. and I’m off the clock.”

I didn’t care for her tone, but I’d address that when I’m not seeing three of her. I placed my hand over hers to stop her from going any further while in public. The last thing I need is another headline.

“Thank you. Can you stand?”

“I think so.”

“OK, I’ll throw my arm around you and you do the same. That way we can get out of here in one piece and there’s nothing for anyone to report.”

I was surprised she knew that my reputation was blemished. We headed out of the bar and to onlookers, it looked as if we were a couple who’d had a good Friday night and were heading home to bring Saturday in with a bang. All pun intended.

“Slide on in and then you can tell me how to get you home.”

She leaned in and snapped my seatbelt in place. Her chest rubbed across mine and our eyes quickly connected. I saw something in her that I was used to seeing in women. There was a fire in her eyes and her cheeks heated as she apologized.

I watched her briskly walk to the driver’s side of the car. She sat attentively and waited for me to give her instructions. I couldn’t help my cock from jerking at how she waited for my command, but then again, I am paying her.

“Do you know how to drive?”

“I do, but I’ve never driven something so expensive.”

“Put the car in Drive, it practically drives itself.” I say as I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“What’s your address, Mr. Valor?”

“We’re past the formalities, Ms. Fulton. Call me Dimitri. Press the dash and when the screen appears, press the home button.”

Again, following instructions with ease. The ride was quiet and just what I was in the mood for. She was obedient and eager to please.

“Is there a doorman to help you up?”

“Follow the ramp and there’s a private elevator to my penthouse.”

She parked in my spot and placed the car in Park. I went for my seatbelt and our hands met, but only briefly. Was she afraid to touch me or was my touch doing something to her? Either way, I was intrigued. Most people jump at the opportunity to have me alone and get me incapacitated, but not her.

“Here, let me help you.” She said putting her arm under my own.

Once the door opened, the lights in the hall and den illuminated our way. She led me to the oversized chocolate sectional and I pulled her down with me.

Seraphina’s eyes closed and she exhaled slowly. I let my hands fall to her sides before stroking back up along her arms and over her shoulders.

“Mr. Valor.” She said, still with her eyes closed.

“What did I tell you to call me?” I growled.

“Dimitri.”

I could feel the heat of her body against mine and her warm breath caressed my skin as she exhaled slowly. She opened her eyes and through her lusty lashes, I could see the fire flickering.

“Is there anything else I can do for you before I go?”

“No, but is there something I can do for you?” I said with a raised brow.

“I-I need to go.” She said, pulling herself up and away from me. “I just need to get my laptop bag out of your car and call a Taxi.”

“How’d you get to me?” I pulled myself up onto my elbows.

“I took a Taxi, I don’t own a car.”

“Take my car and return it on Monday, consider it as a thank you for tonight.” Her eyes were wide and full of confusion. “Before you say anything, I can’t allow you to take a Taxi home at this hour. I would offer for you to stay, but I know you’ll protest. Take the car and have a good weekend.” I said throwing my forearm over my head and closing my eyes.

“Thank you, Mr-” she paused. “Dimitri.”

I could hear her tiptoe out of the room and then there was nothing. I faded.

The next morning, I woke up with a massive headache. I could hear my housekeeper, Leona, moving around, trying not to wake me. But at this point, a pin dropping would shatter my eardrums.

I stood up to go to my bedroom and rest this aching head of mine, but before I could, there was a note on the coffee table.

-Take two of these and drink this. You’ll feel better after you do. Have a good weekend. Seraphina xoxo

I grabbed my cell and texted Thomas.

-I need your guy to get all the info he can on Seraphina Fulton.