A Secret Between Us Three [COMPLETED]

2. Damn those boys

It’s true what they say; the right outfit can make you feel like a badass.

I’m a dress for comfort kind of girl and after that night I haven’t worn anything too revealing.

I don’t want anyone touching my skin, a fear I’ve had ever since.

Usually smart joggers would have been my daily choice but today I had to make an impression. I meant business. I went for the black tailored suit with a top made of pearls. The heels were killing me but totally worth it as they gave me the height I lacked and the sunglasses well they just looked damn cool.

Nanna had left me in the capable hands of Ashley and Theo; two of our best. They were to lead the meeting I was just there to try and throw the enemy off their game.

We pulled up outside The Dasher building. I had forgotten how big it was. It was a fortress to be feared by everyone. Around here you either worked for The Dashers or were an enemy.

We walked into the black marbled foyer and check in with the front desk. The three of us got our visitor badges and were escorted to the lift where we rode up to the 16th floor.

The doors opened.

This was it.

No backing out.

A secretary came to greet us and escorted us to the main office. Thanks to the glass walls I could see him first and my breath hitched, my heart rate speeding up.

Curtis Dasher was a walking magnet. He attracted attention from both girls and boys and he knew it. He could flirt with his eyes and undress you with the wave of his hand. Everyone wanted him.

And so did I, I thought.

A long time ago, I remind myself.

I took a deep breath as the door was opened and the secretary left us alone with him.

Curtis stood up as we came into the room. He shook hands with Ashley and Theo. There was no smile on his face, this was strictly business for him and then his eyes fell on me.

I took my sunglasses off and spared him a glance.

The look of shock on his face was priceless.

“Angel?”

“Miss Dawson,” I corrected.

He shook it off. “ I wasn’t expecting anyone extra.” He said, referring to the lack of chairs.

I leaned on the glass wall with ease. “That’s ok. I don’t intend on this lasting too long.”

Ashley and Theo got the meeting underway and I listened but couldn’t face looking up at Curtis who hadn’t taken his eyes off of me. It was uncomfortable.

I opened my phone and started typing a message.

HEY SWEETIE,

BACK IN THE CITY.

IF YOU HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN ABOUT ME I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU. SENDING YOU MY NEW ADDRESS.

“Perhaps this is a conversation I should be having with someone higher up,” I hear Curtis say.

I look away from my phone. “Let’s end this chase, Mr Dasher.”

His eyebrows raise at my tone and I almost forget that he’s never seen this side of me.

“You made a deal that you would remain silent as long as our company paid you back what had been stolen. I’m not sure what makes you think you can raise the price, but all deals are off the table. You made a deal with the old boss but now I’m in charge.” I walk closer so I’m standing in front of him. “You have my word that my company will pay you back by the end of next season and if we don’t...”

“I go to the cops?” He finishes.

“You could, but no one would believe you. You made a mistake Mr Dasher when you entered this meeting on your own. I have witnesses, but you don’t. Ashley, Theo did you hear Mr Dasher try and blackmail us.”

Curtis looked at me in shock.

“Yes, Miss.” Both Theo and Ashley responded.

“ I would like to remind you that the thief happened to work for you first, MR Dasher

Curtis smirked as he stood up.

My confidence dropped when I realised my fatal mistake.

I shouldn’t have stood so close.

When he stood up there was no space between us at all.

I could smell the mint on his breath as he leaned closer.

It was intoxicating.

“I like this new version of you, Angel.” He whispered seductively. “It’s very bossy.”

His hand ran over mine on the table and I yanked it away.

“You’re playing with fire, Miss Dawson,” he warned so Theo and Ashley could hear.

“I’m not afraid of getting burnt.” I hissed back.

Curtis sat back down and wriggled under my stare. It felt good to make him squirm “ You have yourself a deal.” He finally said.

I smiled in triumph and turned my back on his as he got out his phone. We had almost made it to the door when he looked up from his phone.

“Wait.” He said, drawing our attention. He looked at me. “May I have a private word”

“I’m afraid not. Our interaction is solely business, Mr Dasher. Have a good day.”

I thought that would have sent him the right message.

I was wrong.

He followed us out and even got in the elevator with us. At that point I couldn’t have been happier that I wasn’t alone. I made sure to stand on the opposite side of him.

He was following us as we got to the front of the building and waited for the car to come around. “Where to, Miss?” Ashley asked.

“Drop me off at the apartment first and then I’ll drop by the studio later.”

The car pulled up at the same time as a motorbike. I froze watching as the man got off the bike and removed his helmet.

I knew that body anywhere before I could see the thick brown curls and piercing blue eyes.

Ben.

My cold exterior was melting away quickly at the sight of his torn face. “Angel?”

I forgot how my name sounded on his lips and it was luring me closer.

“Miss, do you know him?”

Ashley’s words cut through the trance like a knife and I was able to collect myself.

“No,” I replied and got into the car.

Damn those boys.

I couldn’t think straight. Their faces, their bodies, their scent was stuck in my head and it felt like I was suffocating.

I was glad for the fresh air when the car finally stopped and headed inside.

Nanna was waiting for me in the new apartment. “How did it go?” She asked.

Before I could reply I felt it suddenly. A swirl in my stomach and rushed to the door on my right, hoping it was the toilet. Fortunately it was as I fell to my knees before throwing up in the toilet.

Nanna rushed in and held my hair back, smoothing my back.

“Let it out my dear. It will get easier, I promise.” She consoled me as I said goodbye to my lunch.

There was a knock at the door and Nanna excused herself to see who it was. I cleaned myself up and checked in the mirror before heading back outside.

“You b***h!”