003
1104 Words
DAMON.
I slid back into my seat, my eyes lingering on the untouched wine across from me. Women fascinated me. One second they demanded your attention, the next they vanished without so much as a goodbye.
I leaned back, wondering if she'd actually gotten nervous. I shook my head. She'd claimed she was trying to seduce me, but when I pressed her for an explanation, she'd fled. She wasn't nervous; she'd run away. I had been certain she was enjoying herself. Matter of fact… I was enjoying myself, too.
A shame. I probably wouldn't see her again to get an answer on what she meant by "seduce you."
“Your bill, sir.”
The waiter placed the leather folder in front of me. I didn't bother opening it; I just slipped my black card inside and handed it back.
“Thank you, sir.”
He disappeared. A minute later, he returned wearing a professional smile that looked forced.
“I’m terribly sorry, sir.”
“Hm?”
“Your card was declined.”
I stared at him, stunned. There was no damn way. “I’m sorry?”
“Your card was declined.”
I let out a short laugh. “No, that’s impossible.”
“I’m afraid so, sir.”
“Try it again.”
He nodded politely. A few seconds later, he returned. “I’m very sorry, but this one declined as well.”
I sighed, irritation beginning to prick at the back of my neck. “That’s new.”
I reached into my wallet and handed him a different card. “Use this one.”
Off he went again, and when he returned, his expression told me the answer before he opened his mouth.
“Declined,” I finished for him, my voice flat.
Now, my patience was fraying. I clenched my jaw and pulled out my platinum card, the heavy-hitter. “Try this one.”
The waiter took it, but within minutes, he was back. Declined.
I looked down at the six cards spread across the table. What the hell? I had enough money to buy this restaurant and probably the building next door. I stood up, moved away from the dining area, and pulled out my phone. The call connected to the second ring.
“Mr. Blackwood. Good evening, sir.”
“David. Explain to me why every single one of my cards is f*****g declining.”
Silence stretched across the line. I glanced at my screen to ensure the call hadn't dropped, but it was active. “David?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Have you suddenly become mute?”
He cleared his throat. “Your accounts have been frozen.”
I frowned. “What?”
“All your personal and business accounts, sir.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“I’m afraid it’s true.”
“Who authorized that?” I snapped.
“Your father did.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes. I only ever used my father's government name when I was angry. Victor Blackwood wasn't a "father" to me, just a man who provided a comfortable life.
“For what reason?” I asked.
“I’m… not at liberty to say.”
“You’re my bank manager! What the f**k do you mean you’re not at liberty?”
“Your father is the Chairman of the bank, sir.”
Right. Of course.
“So, you’re telling me,” I said, measuring my words, “that I don't have access to a single dollar in my own business accounts?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“When was this done?”
“Earlier this morning.”
“And nobody thought to notify me?”
“I sincerely apologize, Mr. Blackwood. Your father instructed us not to.”
I ended the call before I said something that would get the poor man fired. I slipped my phone into my pocket, vibrating with a mix of embarrassment and pure rage. That controlling old man had finally lost his mind.
“You look like you’re planning a murder.”
I turned. Ethan stood there, hands in his pockets, a grin on his face. Perfect timing…I’d been waiting for him before my "seductress" had derailed the night.
“What happened?” Ethan asked, his smile faltering as he saw my face.
“My father,” I said, pausing. It was too humiliating to admit out loud.
“What about him?”
“He froze every one of my accounts.”
His smile vanished. “You’re joking.”
“I wish I was.”
“Damon… that’s insane. Why?”
“I can’t even pay for my damn dinner. All my cards were declined.”
“Oh,” Ethan said, a smirk returning. “Is that why the waiter looks like he’s about to punch you?”
There was a beat of silence. I didn't find the joke funny, but Ethan burst into laughter.
“So you’re broke?”
“Shut up.”
“I can’t.” He collapsed onto the VIP couch, howling. “I’ve known you for fifteen years, and this is the first time I’ve ever seen Damon Blackwood unable to pay a bill.”
“Thrilled I could provide some entertainment for you.”
“Oh, this is priceless.” He pulled out his wallet. “Give me the bill.”
The waiter sighed, relieved, as he handed it over.
“Don't worry, my card won't decline,” Ethan quipped.
“Shut the f**k up, man,” I rolled my eyes.
A few minutes later, the bill was settled, but my head was still spiraling. What could possibly warrant such madness?
“Are you going to storm into his office tomorrow?” Ethan asked.
“I’m not waiting until tomorrow.” I adjusted my cuff. “I’m going first thing in the morning.”
We headed for the exit, but something caught my eye…a pink purse resting on the bench where the girl had been sitting. She’d been carrying it when she walked in.
“You had a woman in our spot? Who is she?” Ethan asked, noticing the purse too.
A smile spread across my face. “A seductress.”
I turned it over in my hands. So, this was her game? I chuckled. Was this her way of forcing me to reach out?
I slipped the purse under my arm. Whether she’d left it on purpose or by accident, it didn't matter. It only meant one thing: I was going to see her again. And this time, she was going to explain exactly what she meant by "seduce you."
- Writer
