One night with Mr Blackwell

Chapter 7

Deal with whom?

My father?

Was this guy crazy?

Anyone who looked into those eyes would tell right away, this man could kill without hesitation. And right now, his gaze was fixed on my dad.

How dare he destroy the career I’d fought so hard to protect, and then come here to act like I was the love of his life? The more I thought about it, the more my anger burned.

“I’m not a damsel in distress who needs saving,” I snapped, shoving him back.

For a brief second, I thought I saw surprise flicker across his face, but it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by that cold, unreadable expression that always made my chest tighten.

“Who are you, boy? One of my daughter’s playthings?” my father slurred, laughing harshly.

The air shifted.

Adrian’s jaw clenched, his posture straightened, and the playful glint in his eyes vanished completely. He took a step forward, slow and deliberate, like a storm about to break loose.

“You might want to rethink your next words,” he said softly.

Something in his tone made the laughter die in my father’s throat. The air between them vibrated with tension, raw, electric, dangerous.

“Adrian, stop,” I said quickly, grabbing his arm. “He’s drunk, it’s not worth it.”

He looked down at me, his gaze dark, almost pained. “Not worth it?” he repeated. “He hit you, Ava. Tell me again how that’s not worth it.”

The moment he said that, anger began to boil inside me.

Who did Adrian Blackwell think he was, shoving himself into my family and acting like I was his precious little thing after destroying me?

“You are both frustrating,” I snapped, turning to my so-called father.

“Mr. Collins, even on your brother’s birthday, you still manage to be the family disgrace.

And you, strange Mr. whoever you are, I’ll give you a word of advice: don’t butt into someone else’s family matters. You’re both lucky Uncle Ben hasn’t shown up yet.”

I spat the words out and turned to my mum.

“Let’s go enjoy the party.”

As Mum, Lily, and I walked away, I could feel Adrian’s hot gaze burning into my back, but I refused to look. Since I no longer worked for him, I owed no respect to the man who took my career from me.

“Ava, was that your boyfriend?” Lily asked, her tone half-shocked, half-curious.

I could tell she was stunned by the scene. Mum probably was too. I knew she’d be itching to talk about him, since “protection instead of humiliation” had always been her standard for men. After being humiliated herself so many times, she’d vowed her children would never experience the same. Thankfully, she kept quiet, because I had no words to give her.

“Lily, dear, let’s wait for Ava to calm down before we ask her,” Mum whispered behind me, and I couldn’t help smiling a little. At least not both my parents were assholes.

“My lovely nieces!”

Uncle Ben’s voice boomed as he stretched his hands toward us.

“Uncle! Aunt!” Lily and I called, hurrying into their warm hug.

“I’m so touched, Ava. You came all the way here for your uncle’s birthday! You should have been our daughter instead of Matilda, I can’t believe you two are the same age,” my aunt teased.

Mum laughed. “There’s no way you’re stealing my sunshine.”

“Very funny, Angela,” he said, addressing Mum. “Too bad, they’re my daughters too.” He held both Lily’s and my hands dramatically.

“Now Lily and I feel like the most important people here,” I said, making everyone laugh.

“Happy birthday, Uncle,” Lily said, handing him a small wrapped box.

“It’s not much, but I thought of you when I saw these cufflinks. They really suit your eyes.”

“Oh my, you didn’t have to, Lily,” he said, smiling as he accepted the gift. Then turning to his wife, he added, “It’s official, we’re kidnapping both of them tonight!”

“Thanks for the information, Ben,” Mum said, laughing. “We won’t be going home tonight.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Ava!” a voice called out joyfully from behind.

“Matilda!” I squealed, hugging her tight.

“Aunt, didn’t you say Matilda wasn’t coming?” I said, feigning a glare.

“Did my mum deny me again and start talking about kidnapping you both?” Matilda asked, already knowing the answer.

“That’s Aunt for you,” I said. “She’ll never give up.”

“Fine then,” Matilda joked, wrapping her arms around Mum and Uncle Ben. “I’ll just live with Aunt Angela and Dad.”

“No fair, Matilda! Your dad’s guilty too. He said he was going to kidnap them tonight!” her mum protested.

“Heartbroken!” Matilda gasped dramatically. “Aunt, it’s official, you’re my only family.”

She hugged Mum again, and we all laughed.

“Let’s get to our tables,” Uncle Ben said. “I have a lot of people to introduce you to.”

“I think Dad’s going to brag about us to his friends again,” Matilda whispered, rolling her eyes. I laughed, shaking my head.

I just wanted a seat already. I was so relieved Uncle Ben didn’t know about the earlier commotion. I didn’t want to see disappointment on his face, not today of all days.

When we finally sat down, I started tapping my feet under the table. These heels were killing me, but I couldn’t exactly take them off here.

“Just take them off. Why torture yourself like that?”

The voice came from behind me, a voice that both aroused and annoyed me.

“Look, Mr. Stranger,” I said, rolling my eyes, “I have no idea why you keep interfering in my life.”

His eyes darkened; I could see the anger flash there, but I didn’t care. He’d done worse to me.

“Rich of you to pretend not to know me here,” he whispered, smiling in that infuriating way of his.

I waved my hand pretending to swat a fly. “That’s strange, Uncle Ben always keeps this place spotless. So why are there so many flies around?”

“Ava…”

“Oh, Adrian Blackwell! So nice to see you,” Uncle Ben’s voice cut him off warmly, giving him a quick hug.

Adrian glared at me, but I only smirked.

“Everyone, meet Adrian, my business partner and one of the sharpest minds I know.”

Business partner?

Of course. Because the universe clearly wasn’t done mocking me yet.

I froze, my fake smile almost cracking. My uncle, my sweet, unsuspecting uncle, was partners with him?

“Mr. Blackwell, you never talk to anyone outside business circles at parties, so I’m surprised to see you chatting. Do you two perhaps know each other?” Uncle Ben asked, sounding far too cheerful. Sorry to burst your bubble, Uncle, That guy’s a bastard.

“Mr Collins…” Adrian started.

“No, we don't know each other. I am seeing him for the first time,” I shouted, shocking everyone in the room.

“Oh okay,” my uncle said nervously. There's no way I know a heartless bastard like that.

I looked at Adrian and he was smirking. I didn’t like that look on his face one bit, but it got me really nervous.

“Oh yeah, we don't know each other but twice now we…”

“Oh, it's so nice to Mr you, I am Ava Collins,” I interrupted, practically lunging across the table to extend my hand while staring at him angrily. What the hell was he about to say? Was he crazy?

“Looks like Ava was so eager to meet you, Mr Blackwell,” my uncle said, smiling. Eager to meet whom, as if i rolled my eyes.

Uncle Ben’s laughter echoed over the table, oblivious to the small war happening beside him. “Adrian, you must meet my wife, Angela. And these are my nieces, Lily, Ava and where’s that brother of mine?” Uncle asked, looking around for my dad.

“He must have gone off somewhere to drink,” I whispered in his ears.

“That brother of mine, when exactly will he grow up?” My uncle asked, shaking his head.

“Never,” I murmured to myself. Thankfully, Uncle Ben didn’t hear that, otherwise I would be receiving lectures on how he's my father and all.

“We’ve already met,” Adrian said smoothly, eyes never leaving mine.

“Oh, wonderful!” Uncle Ben said, completely unaware of the emotional bloodshed in progress. “You two should talk more often. Adrian’s been looking for someone sharp to help manage his new expansion.”

I nearly choked on my drink. “Oh, I think I’ve had enough of Mr. Blackwell’s expansions,” I said, smiling sweetly.

Adrian’s eyes flashed, but his tone remained cool. “Careful, Miss Collins. You never know when opportunity knocks.”

“Or when it breaks down your door,” I shot back.

Uncle Ben chuckled. “You two have such fiery chemistry! Are you sure you haven’t worked together before?”

Adrian’s smirk widened. “You have no idea.”

Mum looked between us suspiciously. Lily bit her lip to stop from laughing. And me? I wanted to throw my drink in his face and disappear.

Then Adrian leaned closer, his breath brushing my ear.

“Don't try too hard to avoid me, you can't escape me.”

The moment he said that, my mind flashed back to the night of the SUV. How dare he scare me and threaten me this way? I won't be giving him that satisfaction.

I turned to meet his gaze, refusing to flinch. “Watch me.”

Before he could reply, Uncle Ben clinked his glass to get everyone’s attention.

“Everyone, to the dance floor! It’s my birthday, and I’m not growing older sitting down!”

Laughter erupted around the room. I stood, forcing a smile, but as I stepped away, Adrian’s hand brushed mine, a light touch, deliberate, possessive.

My heart skipped. My body betrayed me.

I pulled my hand back quickly, whispering, “Don’t you dare.”

He smiled faintly. “You still react to me, Ava. That’s all I needed to know.”

And just like that, he walked away, leaving me furious, trembling, and silently praying that tonight wouldn’t end with me doing something I’d regret.