LIES THAT BOUND US

THE DINNER

CHAPTER FOUR -

Scarlett’s POV

My door bell rang. It was the deliveryman. The bouquet of flowers was the first thing I saw in his arms when I pushed open my door.

“These are for you ma’am” He said, handing them over to me.He left before I could ask any further questions.I picked up the card that was between its petals. “Scarlett, tonight can’t come soon enough - G.C”It read.My lips curled into a smile. Gordon Campbell didn’t look or seem like a man that does flowers, but here they were. For a split second, I thought of how life would be without the strings connecting to Ryker. Without me being in his shadow.The thought barely had time to take root inside of me before I felt that I was being watched.Someone was here.I sprinted back inside and locked the door.“Well, nice flowers you have there,” a voice sliced through the silence from behind me.

My heart pounded like a drum. I turned slowly.Xavier.He leaned in on my kitchen counter like he owned the place.“How did you…”“Don’t bother asking,” he cut in, “if I can’t get into your apartment, then I can’t do my job right.”I tightened my grip. I grabbed a vase and put the flowers into it, “You could’ve called me”“And ruin the dramatic effect? Nah… that’s how I roll. I was assigned to keep a close eye on you and I must do that.”His fingers circled my case and he slowly looked at me. A smirk cut through his lips, “so you’re getting flowers now, huh? You were supposed to focus on him or dig something up, but you’re being all lovey dovey with him.”I clenched my jaw, not from guilt but from the audacity, “I’m doing what Ryker asked. These flowers have nothing to do with…”He interrupted, “Don’t insult me,” he moved closer to me, close enough for me to hear his heartbeat, “ Ryker may be obsessed, but I’m not blind.

I see the way you look at Campbell. The way you conversed with him. It was so obvious. You’re forgetting the game you’re playing, Scarlett. You’re forgetting he’s the enemy, don’t convince yourself otherwise.”I swallowed.He moved away from me, towards the door, “ I’ll make this simple for you to understand. If you keep thinking with your heart and not your head, Ryker won’t be the one pulling the trigger.”He left. The threat echoed in my head.Tonight I will be seeing Gordon again. I wasn’t sure which danger I was in, the one I’m running from or the one I’m running to.********Dinner with Gordon was like stepping into another universe entirely.He had booked the whole restaurant just for the both of us to have some alone time. He sat across me, relaxed but still commanding. His tie was loosened around his neck and he looked more like a man than a CEO.

“I see you were serious about the ‘just you and I’ part” I teased.He chuckled softly, “I prioritize privacy, sweetheart.”Everytime he called me ‘sweetheart’, I felt butterflies.“I hoped the flowers didn’t seem too forward of me,” he said, sipping his wine.“They were unexpected but…beautiful.” I replied.“I’m glad you like them.” He said.My mind slipped to the threat Xavier had leafy earlier.“Hey Sweetheart,” he waved in my face, “ Tonight is for us ok? Not work, not interviews, just us. So you can relax and enjoy your food too.”Us?I laughed softly, “ You don’t even know if I’m good company.”“I already know.” His eyes were warm and confident.

He looked certain. It ignited something in me that tugged me harder than any threat Xavier made.“What kind of man are you?” I said slowly, I didn’t have control over my words.He just looked at me and said nothing. The smile on his face grew bigger.The server came by our table, “Would you like more wine, sir?”“Sure.” He replied“What about you, ma’am?”I shook my head. I’ve had enough to drink for the night, and I wasn’t a wine fan.“Ok…. Would you like dessert then?” The server asked.“Sure.” I replied“I’ll be right back with the menu.” We ordered dessert.

We started telling stories about our childhood.“…..and that’s why I was called Gordon the Destroyer” he concluded while laughing. I laughed too.Course after course came, but I hardly tasted any of it. Gordon’s voice was smooth and the stories he told were magnetic. “…..and that’s why I was called Gordon the Destroyer” he concluded while laughing. I laughed too.The assignment was to get close enough to him and destroy him, but instead, I found myself wanting more than that, wanting something that I could get killed for.When the dessert plates were cleared away, Gordon looked at me and his eyes wandered on every part. He smiled softly.“Thank you for tonight, I….had a good time.” I said.“Come back with me. This night could be longer. I don’t want it to end yet.”I should’ve said no. I should’ve remembered Xavier’s warning. I should’ve remembered my deal with Ryker. I should’ve remembered my ambition, my goal. Gordon brushed my hands slightly.“Yes.”*********We arrived at his penthouse. It captured a stunning view of the city.Gordon moved around freely and confidently, making me feel more comfortable.We climbed the stairs that led to his room. His room was large with a minimalist interior.

I ran my hand along the edge of his dresser, pretending to admire the space while secretly looking for clues.“You’re quiet,” he said, leaning against the doorframe, loosening his watch. “Not what I expected.”I turned back to him. “What did you expect?”“A journalist who never stops asking questions.” His lips curved into a knowing smile.“Oh, I can still ask questions,” I said carefully, moving closer. “Just depends if you’re ready for them.”“Go ahead, sweetheart. Let’s see what you’ve got.” He said.I sat, my nerves bulging, but forced my voice steady. “What do you do when someone close to you betrays you?”The warmth in his eyes cooled a little bit.

He sat across from me, leaning forward. “That’s a weird question to ask.”“So?” I said.He traced the tip of the glass before answering. “Betrayal isn’t always about someone stabbing you in the back. Sometimes it’s them standing too close to your enemy, and sometimes it’s their silence when you need the truth the most.” His jaw clenched together, “And when that happens, you should never give them another chance to burn you again. You just shut the door and never let them back in.”Chills ran down my spine.

His words carried a weight I couldn’t define. Maybe Ryker was wrong about him. Or maybe Gordon had his own shadows I hadn’t seen yet.“You sound like you speak from experience,” I said softly, trying to push something out of him.“I do,” he admitted, gaze fixed on me. “Family taught me that lesson better than anyone.”That word, ‘family’ made my stomach twist.He stood up and took off his shirt, “I hope you don’t mind.”

His abs were damp and perfect.I forced a smile, “No, I don’t”“I wanna take a shower now, sweetheart. I’ll be right back.” He said, his gaze lingered and he slightly bit his lip.“Don’t drown.” I teased While the water ran in the bathroom, I looked around.

Something caught my eye.A picture frame. It was a family picture. A man, a woman and two boys were standing. I figured one of them was Gordon but I couldn’t figure out who the second boy was.Gordon came out of the shower. I walked toward the frame slowly, my voice tight. “Who’s this?”Gordon came up behind me.

His tone was casual, but I caught the shadow that crossed his face. “My stepbrother. Ryker.”My mind raced.“Ryker? Like Ryker Grey?” I asked.“Yes, I’m sure you know him.”Then it clicked. This wasn’t about the deal. It was a family feud.

And I was merely a pawn in their games.“Is there something wrong?” Gordon asked.