SELENE WOODS

CHAPTER 16

" I want to meet your boss."

The hunky bodyguard stared down at me with condescending eyes. "And what's your purpose for meeting him?"

" I have something important that your boss might like to see". I spoke gently, keeping my expression calm and composed.

He leaned in, whispering a few things into his colleague's ears before turning to me. "Wait a moment".

I hmm'ed, watching as his colleague went in. I stood by, waiting some minutes before he returned.

He gave a faint nod, stretching his hand into the dimly, red lit room. "You can go in."

"Thanks - "

"Without your crutches.", he added, his eyes stern as he nudged at my clutches.

I stared at his huge figure, stunned.

"No weapons are allowed inside. I'm sorry ma'am, but it's protocol."

I listened, letting out a small disbelieving laugh.

" And how am i supposed to walk without them?". I asked, unable to contain my surprise.

"I'll aid you in."

I nodded, it sounded like a fair solution,it wasn't like i had that many options. Turning,i handed the clutches over to his colleague. My hands resting in his as he led me in.

The room was filled with sensual music, cigarette smoke almost choking the air out of my lungs. I coughed, waving my free arm around as i tried creating a,clear air pathway.

"Sir, here's the lady". The bodyguard nudged me forward, quietly making an exit.

I sat down, locking eyes the director's familiar frame. A middle aged man sitting on a sofa with a glass of scotch in hand. Identifying him was a piece of cake, as it so happens, he's the only man in this room.

He chuckled, his lewd eyes lingering on a blonde's boobs as he attempted to grope them. I sighed pitifully, was this man really worth dying for?.

He was so caught up in his acts, he didn't seem to notice that i was here. Like i was nothing but air - invisible,unseen.

I leaned backwards, watching him indulge himself in women. "Mr Mendes, you certainly have a way of indulging yourself.", I paused.

"Though i wonder...does your wife even know about your extra curricular activities?"

He froze, eyes searching the crowd before landing on my seated figure. "What did you say...?", he gradually pushed the blonde away. His voice going dreadfully low.

"I said - Does your wife knows that you like groping young girls' boobs?. Does she know about your lustfully inspirated hobbies?"

Color drained from his face and for the first time since i got here, i truly had his undivided attention.

" What do you want?". He spoke sternly, trying to mask the fear in his eyes.

" A trade."

He looked at me with his brows raised, a condescending look scrawning over his features. "A trade?!"

"Yes, i'm here to make a trade so irresistible. I'm certain that you wouldn't want to turn it down". I waved a thin file, placing it on the table between us both.

He picked it up, curiously flipping through the pages. His palette turned pale, his lower lips trembling in fright. "Where did you get these?"

"With these materials, if taken to the media would make a pretty good gig". I paused, putting on a cheerful tone. " I can picture it already - Top tier director caught in a web of deceit and adultery."

" It would be a hit. Though i doubt your timid wife can take the blow, your marriage would crumble and would your career". I gave a cold smirk, watching fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Fear crept into his eyes, his lips quivering as he stumbled around what to say. Just the thought of his scandals being exposed to the internet was enough to give him the scares.

"What do you want?", he asked. This time, it wasn't a threat. Just a desperate move to save his own neck.

"Not much". I parted my arms, "Just a role in your upcoming drama."

He sighed, clasping his hands over his face. He dismissed the ladies, his eyes focusing solely on me.

"I can't give you the lead role, the actress has already been decided", he ran his hands through his hair in desperation.

"I'm not after the lead role. What i want is the second lead role."

He raised his head, stating at me in surprise. " Just that!!"

He sighed in relief, his tensed muscles relaxing for a bit. "I thought since you came in with those photos, you'd request for the lead's role or a huge amount of cash. Glad it isn't what i feared..."

I scoffed, "Even if i did ask for those things, you and i both know that you can't afford any of it."

His faint smile faltered. He bowed his head, bewildered by my sudden verbatim.

"The second lead's role is well written and more in depth than that of the main lead's. You know that well as i do."

He stared at me in awe, his eyes holding a hint of appreciation.

That role was the main pillar holding up the plot, with it's ideas resonating through it's large fan base. Easily blurring the line between good and evil.

" Will you get rid of the file afterwards?"

" Be rest assured. Once you stick to your own end of the bargain, i'll get rid of these for good. Do we have an accord?", i stretched out my hand for a handshake.

"It's a deal, i'll have the script mailed to you by tomorrow." He took my hands and we shook for a while.

I stood up, leaning against the sofa as i tried limping away. Then i glanced over my shoulders, seeing the director's dumbstruck face.

"What?!, have you never seen a one legged woman before?". I curled my lips coldly, a sharp glint flashing through my eyes.

He averted his gaze, absolutely speechless. I got my clutches, walking back into my designated car.

Lowering my gaze, i stared down at my amputated leg. A bitter taste rising in my mouth as i clenched my fist.