Beyond Redemption

CHAPTER THREE

April walks into Lena's office. Smiling she said. "Good morning. I've got the wine orders here. I just need you to sign it. Should it be delivered to the house?"

April Cartwright was Lena's personal assistant. She's been working for two years now. She's beautiful with bright blue eyes, blonde hair and her freckles that Lena loves. She's loyal and respects Lena a lot as a person and a boss even though she's older by four years. Lena treats her right and equally respects her too notwithstanding that she's her boss.

Signing, she replied. "Um, no. Send it over to the event planner. Just let her know the wine’s on it's way."

"Will do."

"Thanks." Lena said handing over the paper. "April? The Parkers meeting?"

Smiling, she replied. "Already sent an email. Plus, I've sent the signed copy of the contract to Aurum Designs. That was a big deal you closed, Lena. You're amazing."

Lena smiles. "Awwn. Thank you.”

April said. "Sure. Oh! An email for a dinner business meeting came in. I don't think I'm supposed to receive those. They're supposed to come to yours direct."

"A what? What email?"

"It's a dinner reservation but it's formal for business. Dinner is a bit...personal?"

"Who's it from?

"Black Swan Holdings company." April saw the look of surprise on Lena's face. "From Kieran Saint. I mean I was surprised...The Kieran Saint, Lena."

"What is it with that guy?"

"Vegas most wanted bachelor." April said smiling softly.

"Righhhhht. Please just forward the email to me. Thank you."

"Alright."

Lena was obviously pissed when she read the mail. Its been a week after their meeting at Remi's gala and rather than make an appointment like everyone else he sends an email with dinner reservations to talk about the business proposal and it was tonight.

Who does this guy think he his? If he thinks she's coming he's got another thing coming. He will make an appointment to see her.

Of course she knew the Black Swan Holdings was a multinational conglomerate with interests in finance, real estate, casinos and five star hotels. The company has grown into a global powerhouse with a reputation for ruthless business tactics and innovative strategies plus she's heard of the Saints but she hasn't really bothered but he can shove his entire egoistic ass up his ass. If he wasn't going to make that appointment he can have his dinner by himself. She opens up to reply to his email.

Subject: Re: Dinner Invitation

Dear Kieran,

Wow, I'm impressed. You refuse to book a proper appointment to discuss your business proposal, but you think I'll drop everything for dinner?

I'm flattered, really. However, I don't mix business with pleasure. I prefer a conference room.

If you're serious about discussing your proposal, I suggest you schedule a proper meeting. Otherwise, I wish you the best of luck in finding someone who's willing to discuss business over dinner.

Best regards,

Lena Blackwood

And sent.

Lena was on the phone when Kieran barged into her office. He didn't bother to knock, coming in like he owned the damn building. But he was looking really good in his all black suit outfit and his hair were in waves this morning. He sits himself as he waits on her.

She ends her call and waves off a little shaken April who was about to explain how she tried to stop him.

"Miss Lena Blackwood. You finally forced me down here." He said looking round the office. "Nice office." He said looking at her.

Lena, sometimes gets shy and she tries to work on that aspect of herself. She's made positive changes but holding this man's eye contact was really hard. He was sexy as hell. He leaned forward a little and she caught a whiff of his cologne. The cologne he wore was a wicked temptation, its woody notes and subtle spice drawing her in with a sensual promise.

"Nice to meet you again, Kieran. Scotch?" She asked. Her voice a little bit above whispers.

He smirks. "Well, aren't you full of surprises, Miss Blackwood."

"Lena. Lena's fine." She said pulling out a bottle of scotch from her drawer down and pouring into a glass for him.

"Well, Lena..." The way her name sounds on this man lips, she could listen to him call her forever. "You have suprised me twice I think." He smirks. "And I'm excited. I haven't been this excited in a long time."

She clearly doesn't understand what he’s getting at. She clears her throat. She needed to sound confident. "You said I forced you down here. How, Kieran?"

"I sent you an email. You, so boldly sent a reply asking me to make an appointment which I clearly already told you was not happening." It was hard not melt when this man was looking at her. She tightened her legs discreetly. "You refused my invitation. Lena, I'll have you know that this business we're about to do is a big deal to me which makes it a bigger deal to you."

She finally finds her voice. "Kieran, things aren't done in that manner. But you're already here. We can have that meeting here. We just need to schedule a time."

"You recently closed a deal with Aurum Designs, right?"

Silence. Then, "How do you know that?" She asked confused.

He sighs, heavily. "I'm hungry, Lena. I've been busy all day. Let's have that meeting now. I already made reservations for 7pm"

He really wasn't going to make an appointment, Lena realized and it was pissing her off.

"My conference room is where I hold my business meetings."

"Your Aurum deal…." He says very slowly. “I hear it's a pretty massive deal." He whistles.

She scoffs. "Excuse me?"

He looks at his time. "Are we leaving or not?"

Who does this man think he is? Lena had a huge frown and met his question with silence.

Kieran leaned back in his chair, a sly smile spreading across his face as he dialed a number on his phone. He puts the phone on speaker. Lena's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with anticipation.

"Hello, Sophia," Kieran said, his voice dripping with charm. "How are you tonight?"

Lena's eyes widened as she realized who Kieran was talking to. Sophia Aurum, the daughter of the CEO of Aurum Designs. They were powerful players in the industry. Lena's seen her twice when they had meetings about the deal and all. She was remarkably beautiful and smart.

"I'm doing well, Kieran," Sophia's voice replied, her tone seductive. “Finally keeping to your promise of taking me out on a date?" She said giggling softly.

Lena's mouth went dry instantly, her hands were becoming sweaty.

Kieran chuckles. "Well, I'd love to take you out on that date but I'm in a very sour mood, Sophia. So where do I seize the opportunity to have a good time with you?" He said.

"What's wrong, baby?" Her voice switching to worry.

Baby? Lena screamed in her head. They're like that. Oh s**t!

"Lena Blackwood signed a contract with your company, right" Kieran said, his eyes locked on Lena's.

Lena felt a chill run down her spine as Sophia's voice turned cautious. "Yes, of course. I went with my dad to every meeting we had. Is something wrong, babe?"

"Please......Please, Kieran." Lena started saying.

Kieran's smile grew wider as Lena began begging "Well, I came for a business meet and Lena's...behavior has been less than professional." Out of reflex, she goes for the phone but Kieran was faster. "I'm not sure she's the right person to be representing your company's interests."

Lena's face burned with anger and humiliation and fear as Sophia's voice hesitated. "Oh! Really? Perhaps we should reconsider our partnership with Lena's company. I'll have to talk to my dad about it then."

Kieran's eyes glinted with triumph. "I think that would be wise, Sophia. But I'm sure Lena would be willing to...make it right." He covers the phone with his hand. "Wouldn't you, Lena?"

Lena knew she had no choice. She was on the verge of tears. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes. Please don't make them sign off the contract, please."

"Let's give Lena Blackwood another chance. I'll be sure to text you an address for that date. Wear little clothing." He said.

"Of course, babe."

Kieran's smile grew wider as he ended the call. He drinks the last of his scotch. "Excellent. That was good scotch. Let's go discuss the details of our...partnership."

April knocks just then and came in.

"Yeah?" Lena answered.

"Sorry to interrupt but I just wanted to remind you that the Parkers are on their way."

"Shit." Lena said looking at Kieran. "April, please you'd have to cancel."

"Cancel? They're literally already coming."

"I know. I know. But you'd have to cancel. Move the meeting and send them a fruit basket as an apology. Trust me."

April sighs. "Okay." And leaves.

Kieran suddenly leans towards her and it amused him how her eyes bulged. Her eyes. He liked her eyes. So green and he noticed they had specks of gold in them. He came closer and she didn't move. She couldn't. He always had that effect on women.

Fucking beautiful…Her eyes. He thought.

Then he spoke. "I don't like to repeat myself and I most especially don't appreciate being tested, Lena. Keep in mind, I can take that contract off your hands and I still wouldn't sweat a date with Sophia. So be smart. I'll give you five minutes to come down." He stands and leaves.

Lena breathes. She didn't realize she had been holding her breathe the moment he leaned into her. It felt like her whole body was on a pause. She couldn't escape that trance he held with his stare.

She calls April in.