Darling, Thanks For Stabbing Me

Chapter 29

The red court shoes made noise as I walked into the ‘Reider Groups’ lobby besides Derek. My clammy hands automatically finding their place repeatedly on my black mini skirt’s sides that was paired with a white shirt bordering the sleeves and collars with red. I was happy to step again in this familiar place after some two years. Nothing changed!

‘Who am I kidding?’ I was nervous and it was a painful memory to walk here knowing everybody’s ignorance towards what happened to me back few months ago.

I had to keep that smile plastered which Aiden and Derek said ‘couldn’t match with Iris’ bright and contagious smile.’

I rolled my eyes still thinking about it. Only if I could have told them why!

I felt a hand on my wrist as Derek gave me an assuring smile with a slight nod in his head.

Sighing heavily, I looked straight while yanking my hand off from his grip. I don’t need his advice.

I was here thrice since that day but it wasn’t that big of a deal. I am glad for now that all the welcome and people’s warm greeting were long done when I first stepped in this building. Grandpa’s portrait still adorned the front walls to the left of the receptionist desk.

It was cleverly designed. The back wall decorated with the tag line at its sides ‘We Are Family’ on the gray paint. It was my suggestion and seeing it warms my heart.

The desk with a huge glass etched upon white marble had the receptionist name engrossed on it- Hailey.

I winked at the lady who was smiling shyly at me and I swear I saw her blush. Even if it was for a minute, I calmed down a bit.

A man rushed towards me as Derek blocked his path with a frown.

“Good morning Miss Reider and Mr. Reider. I am Alan Williams; your designated secretary for Miss Iris Reider.” He extended his hands to us as I forced to look at him.

He must be of same age as Derek and Aiden between 24 and 28, I guess. He had soft features and looked calm and easy going. He was handsome for sure and looked cute. I accepted his hand gladly with a nod. I have no strength to say a word because it might come in a squeak and I really don’t want to embarrass myself in front of these men.

“Who appointed you?” Derek asked harshly.

“Uh… sir, the board has approved me for her. Please give me a chance to prove them right.” He went serious and I can bet he would be sweating soon.

“Welcome Alan. I hope you can handle me well.” I replied teasingly.

I know Derek had been watching me. We continued walking to auditorium at the second topmost floor.

Yes, it was today that the international consignment was happening. Initially it was decided as a tender but then they opt to go for its auction which according to me was a little suspicious.

Everybody is keen to win this because they have high worth in providing access to continental transportation. Who wouldn’t want that?

Access to it would mean free access all around the world. I sighed remembering it was this way when grandpa was alive. Basically it all came to dad but taking advantage of his soft heart, the access providers withdrew eventually making us pay for every transport facility and at times higher than the others.

It was one liability we are facing today. I had interpreted this from the files sent by Mr. Scott and comparative study between us and the Johnson’s House.

The moment we entered the auditorium, silence fell around us. I could hear murmuring and whispers from them. They had their eyes fixed on me. Some showed appreciation look, some disdain, sympathy and others judging me from my looks.  The room was heavily loaded with manly perfume.

I gasted to the sudden attention. I felt someone walking towards me when again Derek came closer to me while guiding me to the allotted chair.

“Hello beautiful!” I heard Aiden’s voice as he kissed my cheeks in acknowledgement earning gasps from others.

I heard Derek growl.

I turned around to see the already packed room and there wasn’t any lady except few who were secretaries and made to leave later towards the adjacent room.

I smiled weakly taking my seat and felt them take seats beside me. I heard Aiden exchange his seat with the other in order to sit beside me and it was really embarrassing. I couldn’t help but focus at the man on the stage. The CEO of the ‘Hoover’ and noticed the gleam in his eyes. He actually had those twinkling eyes.

The auction started after few more minutes with his speech along with the significance of his agency. I had been listening intently just to avoid the gaze from Aiden. A week ago, I asked him if he did felt it suspicious about this sudden auction but he wasn’t. I tried to convince him to re-think and conduct an investigation but according to him we were talking about the well established and renounced firm from ages. I guess he was looking at the superficial facts so I conducted my own with Dylan and Grayson’s help.

The bid started from $50,000 and within next five minutes it reached $100,000. It was impressive.

“$200,000” Derek smirked as I gaped at him.

Didn’t I say that it would be me?

“$250,000” Aiden interrupted.

“$300,000” someone from the audience interjected.

I saw how the both men clenched their fists. It was growing me furious.

“$350,000” Derek was the one who voiced out loud.

I noticed that every eye was on us. Others have given up long back now and it’s just these four or five gentlemen that were participating.

“Woah! Mr. Reider has raised the bar high. Anybody else here who can jump this bar?” Mr. Hoover said.

“1… 2…”

I already held Derek’s wrist shaking my head. He huffed knowing what I want to say and was frustrated.

 “$450,000” Another man called out.

I turned to my left and saw Aiden lean forward about to raise his hand as his lips twitched to open. I quickly took this chance and threw my handbag casually at him while acting surprised. That surely pulled his attention towards me as he bent down to pick it up.

I bent simultaneously and gestured him to stop. He had his eyes fixed on me. I picked up my bag and let it go when I was getting up so that it landed on his lap. I was quick to pick it again intentionally grazing my fingers on his lap. I felt him take a deep intake of breath and could feel heat rushing my cheeks due to embarrassment of my own act.

I heard the hammer strike concluding the auction as Aiden followed my gaze. I turned to face him and saw him clench his jaw in disapproval when I smirked at him. Winking at him, I laughed and stood followed by Derek who seemed to be upset.

***

“What was that?” Derek hissed.

“I would like to know as well. What was that?” Aiden grumbled.

I shrugged leisurely taking my seat in my floor’s lounge. They followed my lead along with the MD and assistant manager.

“Miss Reider, I don’t know what you are doing but that consignment was of utmost importance. Why didn’t you bid well?” MD asked with disappointment.

I sighed.

“I have already decided our export access agency and even though it is a young firm I still believe in its capacity.” I frowned at their weird look.

They were already looking down upon me.

“You can’t decide anything for yourself Iris. You must discuss it first with the board members and me.” Derek’s harsh voice did trigger my anger.

“What makes you think that way? I am the CEO and have every right to work the way I want.” I smirked at his annoyance.

They all stared at me with disbelief.

“FYI, you’ll know why I chose not to buy it within next week or following week.” I answered and got up ready to leave.

“Wait! One more thing.” I turned around beaming at their stunned expressions.

“The ‘White Movers’ are our new partners. Hope you’ll cooperate well. It’s finalized already from my side.” I wanted to laugh out loud when Derek’s jaw dropped.

Aiden was stupefied as well but his eyebrows furrowed.

‘See this is what you get when you think to use a person for your selfishness. Didn’t see it coming huh?’

I happily left them there to head to Aiden’s apartment. My things were moved just three days ago and I was at ease with one thought. I had four houses here now where I can crash at night and today I chose Aiden’s place because it was closer.

I threw myself on the couch calling my best friend Dylan.

“Congratulations Dee. I had finalized your agency for our orders.” I chirped excitedly recalling their faces.

“Woah, did you actually? What you do?” He asked interestingly as I narrated everything in detail.

We were laughing when I saw the door open and Aiden walked in eyeing me from sideways.

“I’ll call you back.” I whispered before hanging up.

He sexily made his way towards me while studying me from head to toe. I lowered my head to avoid the blush I am sure he could see. I felt him lean down and dangerously close to me. My heart raced in anticipation of his warmth.

“I am wondering to continue what you started at the auction. Couldn’t help but drift back to it.” His breath fanned the crook of my neck as I shuddered.

He kissed there and I felt him smirk.

My eyes shot open and I realized that my traitorous heart was enjoying these familiar sensations until now. He was trying to get back to me.

‘Damn you’.

I sneered inwardly as I clutched his blazer and pulled him closer. He pulled back to watch my face as I licked my lips intentionally and saw him gulp hard eyeing my action. With shaky knees, I leaned forward and tilted my head slowly leaning down before kissing his long neck. I heard him groan in pleasure.

I felt weird sensations rising in my stomach as I started peppering his sexy neck kisses till I reached his earlobe nibbling it before licking it achingly slow. His grip tightened on my shoulders as his head fell back and right to provide access to me.

I breathed deeply letting it go on purpose to make his skin feel hot then seductively whispered in his ear, “Don’t mess with me darling.”

I licked his neck again before biting him on the neck earning a yelp and jolt from him. He pulled back rubbing that place as I laughed hard watching him.

“What the f**k Sunny?” Aiden cursed as I blew him a flying kiss seeing him walk away from me murmuring something under his breath.

‘Try to mess with me now; I will prove that girls aren’t just to toy with.’