Chapter 8
Eight
NICO
Regina will soon learn what being my woman involves. Nobody touches what’s mine and disrespects her. If they do, they will suffer the consequences, and the two people who flew onto my radar had a lucky escape tonight.
She hated the confrontation. I saw it in her eyes, and yet nothing would have stopped me from calling them out. She deserves respect, and I demand it. They got off lightly because of her, and they should be thankful for that.
We enter the ballroom, and it’s already crowded with more people than I can stand to be among.
I hate stuff like this, and as my guards move with us; they keep the public away from me.
I make for the private roped-off area I always demand, and as we enter, I note the booth set up with a huge magnum of champagne nestling in the bucket on the table.
Crystal champagne flutes are set, and a waitress is waiting to deliver whatever we demand.
“After you.” I guide Regina into the booth and take the seat beside her, my leg touching hers — a deliberate move on my part.
I am increasingly aware that I’m not immune to this woman’s charms, and it’s fortunate I have the penthouse reserved for my use at all times.
We will be utilizing the space tonight—both of us.
Trent sits opposite, and his companion, Alyssia Raven, slides in beside him. Trent and Alyssia have a mutually beneficial arrangement. She accompanies him to events as his plus one as a cover of sorts. She gets to enjoy fine living and a night with a guy who put the secret in front of service.
She gazes at Regina with interest and smiles. “Hi, I’m Alyssia. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“No, I’m Regina. I’m pleased to meet you.”
I say nothing because words are not needed now, and as the women chat shit about the venue, I tune out, accepting the champagne and mulling over the sheer tedious nature of this event.
One of the guards responsible for rope duty moves beside me and whispers, “Jonathan Benson would like a word, boss.”
My heart sinks. Great, just what I need, but I’m conscious tonight is all about securing contracts, so I nod. “Let him through.”
As Jonathan and his wife approach, I note their footsteps falter as I welcome them with my usual hard glare.
“Jonathan.”
I don’t stand because this guy deserves none of the respect I would usually offer my associates.
“Um, Mr. Ravera. It’s good of you to accept my request.”
The women stop their chatter, and I’m aware of Regina’s interest as she smiles sweetly at the couple, who are extremely on edge. She wouldn’t be smiling if she knew what a sleaze Jonathan is, or the way he screws half his staff and then fires them if they make a fuss.
“What is your business?” I ask, determined to get this over with.
“Um, the Chasen contract. I, um, learned today that it has been canceled.”
“That is correct.”
The Chasen contract is one between our two companies and pays Jonathan’s company twelve million dollars a year for distribution rights.
I’m aware that without it his business will possibly go under, and I pulled the plug knowing that when it does, I will make him an offer he can’t refuse and step in and take over myself.
Viper Holdings is good at that. Building up our competitors and then pulling the rug out from under them, catching the proceeds as they fall.
It’s why I am worth billions because I have no fucks to give, and this is just another deal that will reap dividends for me and my family.
“May I ask why?” He is sweating, and his wife appears puzzled, the enormity of their situation completely lost on her.
I settle back and drape my arm along the back of the seat, allowing it to rest on Regina’s shoulders, loving how her breath hitches as I stroke the back of her neck.
“I have found someone who charges less. Its simple economics and nothing personal.”
“I see.” His mind is working quickly. “But the bid was competitive.”
“Not competitive enough.”
I shrug, sipping my champagne as I gaze at the man who has just lost everything—to me.
“If I revise it, would that alter the situation?”
“Doubtful.” I shrug. “The company I am going with is new and hungry for business. Their bottom line is so far under yours you would never survive.”
I focus my attention on watching him squirm, which is always my favorite part of any takedown.
He mops at his brow with his handkerchief, his dress shirt straining against the bulge of his stomach that fine dining and no exercise delivers like a death sentence.
Jonathan has lost it all, and he knows it, and this is the perfect time to inflict the final blow and put him out of his misery.
“Unless.”
I throw the bait out on the line and notice his eyes light with interest where defeat was fully in charge mere seconds ago.
“Unless?” he repeats, hope in his voice, and I go in for the kill.
“Sell your company to me. Cut ties and retire to the Bahamas. Take your lovely wife on a world cruise, liquidate your assets and enjoy your retirement.”
I am particularly amused at the idea of that because it’s common knowledge they can’t stand one another and he would also lose access to his passion for screwing his staff.
“I–” He shifts nervously on the spot and I lean in, my gaze cutting any conversation stone dead.
“Give me your answer in the morning. I will send the contract over tonight, and if you agree, you can enjoy Christmas knowing you are set for life.”
I wave my hand toward my guard, who steers the hapless couple away, and as they leave, Regina leans in and whispers, “That was intense. I felt sorry for them.”
“Why?” I shrug, conscious I am still stroking her neck.
“They were uncomfortable. It’s obvious he hated every minute of that.”
Trent smirks as I grin.
“Well, I loved every minute of that, and they should be thanking me. I saved them from destitution because the amount I will pay for their company will keep his wife in diamonds until she dies. It’s an offer he won’t be able to refuse, and he’s only pissed because he won’t get to screw half of his staff in his office under threat of them losing their jobs. ”
“Are you serious?”
Regina’s shocked face almost makes me smile. She has definitely led a sheltered life.
“It’s common knowledge.”
“How is it?” She shakes her head. “I mean, who goes around telling everyone their boss is screwing them along with half of their colleagues? Did you even see the guy? I would be so ashamed and make certain the secret never saw the light of day. In fact–” She shivers.
“That guy was seriously cold as opposed to hot. You know, men like that are deluded if they believe that anyone would actually want to sleep with them.”
“I don’t believe sleeping was part of it.”
Regina looks at Alyssia for support. “My God, would you? I mean, gross, that man was sleaze on two legs.”
Alyssia laughs out loud. “Some girls will do anything to get ahead, even if it means giving it from time to time.”
“Oh my God?” Regina’s eyes widen and Alyssia giggles.
“I’ve seen it all the time. Wealth and power are the only attractions they see. The guy could be one foot in the grave and they’d still chance their luck.”
“I feel sick.”
Regina leans back and then jumps as she remembers my hand is still playing with her neck, and she sighs. “I’ve got a lot to learn, haven’t I?”
Trent smirks, and I can tell he likes her. Hell, I even like her because she’s like a breath of fresh air in what has been stale for a long time now.
The guard returns and whispers, “Benjamin James would like a word.”
I groan. Will this never end?
I nod, and Regina leans across and whispers, “If you don’t mind, I really could use the restroom. I won’t be long. Can I get you anything while I’m gone?”
For some reason, her question tugs at what was once my heart. I don’t recall any companion of mine ever asking that, and it disarms me a little.
“No, I’m good, thank you.”
She nods, grasping her purse. “I won’t be long.”
As she stands, my eyes connect with Trent’s, and he nods, beckoning over one of my guards. As Regina leaves, she is closely followed by Jax because if she has any ideas about not coming back, she will soon discover that she no longer has that choice.