Chapter Seven. #2
“Winona, I enjoyed the last film. When is the new one out?” Cain asked.
“In a few months. I won’t do more than two a year now, and starting from next year, I’ll probably drop to one,” Winona answered, and Cain nodded.
“That is a shame; you’ve a true talent.”
“Yes, but I want more time with Aaron. We’ve worked hard, and Aaron has maintained a healthy work-life balance for years. He’s recently bought a yacht, so we’re planning on having some fun on that,” Winona responded warmly.
Eyes were fixed in our direction, and I kept my gaze down. I could feel them burning into me, and I was growing steadily uncomfortable. No doubt people were staring at Cain and Aaron and not at me, but even so. Two super-powerful businessmen, both handsome as hell.
The waitress came over for our drink orders. I ordered apple juice, amusing everyone, but it was what I wanted. If I had to be on display, then it would be on my terms.
“What do you do, Alicia?” Cain asked.
“Oh, I’m just a simple housewife,” I murmured, looking up. “My husband is Oliver Kensignton, who owns the Eliganz clothing chain store.”
Those green orbs bored into me, framed by long, thick lashes. A woman would kill for those.
“Somehow, I doubt you’re anything but simple,” Cain drawled smoothly.
“Nothing interesting here,” I muttered.
Quickly, I averted my gaze from those eyes that saw too much and stiffened in my seat.
Disbelief followed by confusion washed over me as I held Oliver’s furious gaze.
Seated opposite him was a woman who was glowering.
I vaguely recognised her as Eve, Oliver’s assistant.
Why on earth was Oliver lunching here, in this expensive restaurant, with Eve?
“Is everything okay?” Cain murmured as the waitress returned with the drinks. Oliver’s stare narrowed even further as he saw the glass of apple juice placed in front of me. The drink lacked sophistication, so I never drank it outside the house unless I was with my friends. Crap!
“Alicia?” Aaron asked, concerned. In turmoil, I shook myself and plastered on a smile.
“Sorry, I thought I’d forgotten someone’s birthday.
Did Winona tell you about the dress? As usual, she looked stunning,” I said to distract everyone.
My thoughts were racing. Did I point out Oliver was here?
Ask Aaron to invite him to our table? Why was Oliver here with Eve?
This wasn’t exactly suitable for an employee.
Plus, why had they appeared so angry to see me?
“Can I take your food order?” the waiter asked.
Winona and I both fancied the stuffed mushroom starter; Aaron chose scallops, while Cain had stuffed mushrooms. For our mains, Winona and I both picked the cracked black pepper salmon, while Aaron and Cain ordered Bluefin tuna and roasted venison, respectively, accompanied by foraged greens.
We were making small talk when a shadow fell over our table.
“Alicia,” Oliver said warmly, but there was a coldness in his eyes. He moved around to my chair and bent and kissed me. Smoothly, Oliver shook hands with Aaron.
“Oliver,” Aaron greeted, while Winona offered a head tilt in his direction.
“Cain.” With a smooth smile, Oliver held a hand out to Cain, who stared at it but didn’t move to take it.
I shifted uncomfortably as Oliver finally lowered his hand with a fixed expression.
“I’m Oliver Kensington, Alicia’s husband. Imagine my surprise to see her here when I thought she was at home today. So kind of you to include her, Winona,” Oliver stated. I flinched at the rebuke in Oliver’s voice.
“Alicia is always welcome at my table,” Aaron replied. I heard the warning, but wondered if Oliver did.
“Again, appreciated. Alicia is too shy and needs to expand her circle. We’re lucky you showed an interest,” Oliver responded, resting his hand on my shoulder.
By the expressions on their faces, everyone had understood the slap I’d just received.
Oliver tightened his grip, and it was all I could do not to cry out and wince.
I bit my lip, and Cain noticed. His eyes narrowed on me.
I smiled tightly, and Cain’s gaze deepened.
Cain glanced at Oliver’s hand. “Perhaps you ought to release your hold; it appears to be hurting Alicia. And Alicia was conversing perfectly; maybe it’s you who intimidates her.”
Winona gasped as Oliver abruptly let go. Oliver sent Cain a brief, hate-filled glance before clearing his expression. Cain caught it; I knew he had. I stiffened and held Cain’s gaze, terrified there would be a scene.
“Darling, sorry, did I hurt you?” Oliver asked with all fake solicitousness. “Perhaps I should order you an Uber home? We understand how you loathe being out in crowds without me.” Was Oliver angling for an invitation to join us? After what Cain had just said?
“Alicia is fine, right here, or she was until you interrupted us. Let me reassure you, Alicia is among friends,” Cain stated icily.
“Oliver?” a woman muttered, and I stiffened. Eve.
“This is my assistant, Eve,” Oliver introduced, and his voice changed. Did Oliver realise he was doing that? Winona caught my eye, and puzzlement crossed her face.
“I don’t care,” Cain retorted, and Winona barked out a laugh. Aaron allowed a small smile as Oliver turned puce.
“There’s no need for rudeness, Cain—” “It’s Mr Russell.
You weren’t invited to call me by name, and below me.
You interrupted a private luncheon and inserted yourself into the conversation.
Your wife was included, not you. And you add insult to injury by bringing this…
creature over. Christ, I barely speak to my own staff.
Why would I talk to yours? Go away before I have you removed. ”
Oliver went stiff, and anger and hate flashed over him. Eve gasped in shock as her hand moved to her throat.
The blood drained from my face. Oliver would be livid at being dismissed so rudely.
“Alicia, I’ll call the Uber,” he ground out.
“No, you won’t,” Cain challenged. “Alicia’s eating lunch with friends. Go back to your… whatever it is with your employee.”
“Alicia is my wife, and I’m telling her to leave,” Oliver snapped. I began to get up, and Cain placed a hand out and stopped me.
“No, Alicia stays.”
I almost choked as Winona lit up with glee. Aaron was barely holding back a laugh and hid a smile as he sipped his whiskey.
“I’ll see you at home,” Oliver said stiffly and walked away with Eve trailing him. Oh no, I would catch hell.
“God, what an asshole. He’s lunching with that while I dine with a pair of priceless diamonds. What a damn fool!” Cain threw out, and I knew Oliver had heard because, if possible, his back stiffened even further.
Cain turned and offered a cool smile. “Would you like another drink?”
Holy shit.