Chapter 7
The mysterious stranger disappeared, almost like he was never really there, yet the pulsing in my core tells me otherwise.
“Shit, I need to find Ellie.” Cursing to myself, my fuzzy vision scans the packed room to see if I can spot her flame hair.
I manage to locate her in the far corner of the room sitting at one of the tables with Jake and I set off in her direction, attempting to wrangle my way through the crowd, apologising continuously for bumping into people.
“Ana! Where have you been?! I’ve been worried.
One moment we were dancing, and then you were gone?
” Ellie’s panicked tone hits me straight in the chest like a sharp arrow.
I try to get my story straight before giving her an answer.
I feel the guilt tear at me for not wanting to give her the full truth, but I know she’ll have questions, questions I don’t even have the answers to.
“I went to the bathroom. I didn’t eat much today, so those cocktails really hit me, but I’m fine.
I’m sorry for making you worry.” She ponders on my fabricated story, but doesn’t question the answer I’ve given her.
I need time to think about what happened between me and the mystery figure.
How he made me feel, how I let a complete stranger touch me in front of a crowded dance floor, no less.
Taking a seat next to Ellie on the leather booths, the cold sensation is a welcoming gesture to my heated skin, but I can’t stop my eyes from scanning my surroundings for the mysterious phantom, what would I even be looking for?
I never saw his face. I just inhaled his rich cologne of cedar and bergamot, the rough baritone of his voice and his skilled fingers.
I’m brought back to the present when Jake slides an ice cold glass of water in front of me.
“Thanks, this place is incredible by the way. You’ve really smashed it out of the park.” I say, seeing Ellie beside me, bursting with pride. My mouth tips up to match her smile. It’s infectious.
“Cheers. I’m glad you guys are having a good time. The design element was all Ellie! She’s perfect.” Jake brings Ellie in to his side and places a tender kiss on her temple, his eyes shining with pure love.
I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness.
I’ve been single my whole life and I’m starting to think that there’s something wrong with me.
Maybe I’m just not enough for anyone? Or maybe I’m too out there.
Too loud sometimes. Too big. Just.. too much.
I bat away my sad thoughts, trying not to let them spoil my night and take a big gulp of ice water, instantly feeling a bit more refreshed.
“I think I’m gonna head home guys, I’m super tired and I can already feel an impending hangover coming my way.”
“Are you going to be okay getting home by yourself? We can come with you.” Ellie’s offer is sweet, but I don’t want to ruin their night, plus the way Jake’s eyes are travelling over her has me thinking I need to depart ASAP.
“I’ll grab an Uber, it’s no problem! I’ll send you a text once I’m home?” I say to Ellie, pulling her into a firm hug.
“Only if you’re sure? But yes, please let me know when you get home safe.” She kisses my cheek and releases me from the embrace. I nod once, saying goodbye to Jake and making my way through the club to the crisp, fresh air outside, filling my lungs to capacity with oxygen.
My ride arrives a couple of minutes later and I quickly climb into the back seat to escape the cold.
“Annabelle Murphy?” The driver questions.
“That’s me.” I reply tiredly, feeling more than ready to head home. The driver pulls away from the curb, the gentle rocking sensation of the car is enough to send me to sleep. My head rolls side to side on the headrest of the seat, my eyelids becoming heavy.
Before I know it, the Uber is pulling up in front of my apartment building.
I manage to keep my eyes open long enough to thank him and climb out of the car, then close the door softly behind me.
Hearing the car pull away, I carefully make my way across the grassy path whilst intoxicated, in killer heels, towards the steps of the main door.
My hand just reaches the metal handle as I feel a strange sensation run across my skin, the fine hairs along my arm standing to attention.
Almost like someone is watching me. Spinning on my heels, I scan the area to see if anyone stands out of place, but the street is quiet, not a single sound except for a street light that’s flickering on and off.
I shake my head and brush away the unease that I’m feeling.
I’m definitely very drunk. That’s the only explanation, right?
Moving forward, I open the glass door, and walk up the two flights of stairs, my feet screaming at me from the pain of my heels.
Seeing my door come into view is like seeing the pearly gates of heaven.
Digging around in my clutch for my keys, I unlock the faded wooden door, then close it behind me.
Placing my palm on the wall beside me, I lift my leg to unfasten the heel, before kicking it off and doing the same with the opposite foot.
I moan from the release, my feet automatically thanking me as I flex my toes into the carpet.
I heavily drag my tired limbs across the floor, down the hallway, and into the bedroom before shoving my hand into my clutch to locate my phone.
Somehow, I managed to send Ellie a quick text through my spinning vision to let her know that I’m home.
I don’t bother to wait for her reply before I’m falling face first into the plush bed, the arms of sleep taking me under instantly.
Three days later
“Annabelle, can you come into my office please?” Mr. Franklin’s voice crackles through the phone that’s sitting on my desk and I quickly press the button down to reply.
“Yes sir, I’m on my way.” Sliding the notebook and a pen from my desk, I start towards my boss’s office. My heels clicking along the polished floors. I bring my knuckles to the matte black double doors and knock twice before entering the office.
“You needed me sir?” I ask with a polite smile on my face.
Mr. Franklin’s office is everything you’d expect it to be.
Glass panels frame the entire room giving him a full, panoramic view of the city.
Rich, dark hardwood lining the floors. A huge desk that could seat a family of 10 sits right in front of the windows along with a black leather swivel chair with a high back and arm rests.
The rest of the walls are painted a cold grey, adorned with awards and certificates, clearly wanting you to notice his achievements.
It’s soulless and empty. Very fitting for Mr. Franklin.
“Yes, take a seat.” My boss doesn’t rise from his seat, but gestures to the brown matching chairs in front of the desk.
Walking over to them, I take a seat in front of the desk before crossing one leg over the other then rest my heavy notebook and pen on my knee, clasping my hands together in a tight grip.
“We have a very important client working with us. I want you to work closely with him, anything he needs, you do it. I want no fuck ups. Agreed?” His tone serious, knowing if I do fuck up it’ll be my head that’s served up on a silver platter.
I nod my head quickly, making a few notes.
The ball point pen, scraping across the paper.
“Of course sir, whatever needs to be done, I’ll do it.
” I try to make myself sound convincing.
I’ve only ever been just a run around for Mr. Franklin, never really being given full responsibility or the chance to show my worth.
Maybe I’m finally being noticed. Like I’m actually getting somewhere in this job.
Mr. Franklin’s eyes bore into me as he gives me a brief overview of what I’m needed for.
“The client owns a very prestigious casino and he needs us to represent him in a case.” I jot all this down so I don’t forget any details.
“The case is against a certain individual, the names are irrelevant at the moment.” His hand shoos the air away.
“Who owes our client quite a substantial amount of money. So, Annabelle. You need to be fully focused on this. I want everything you have to be put into this case. It’s very high profile and I intend to keep up my reputation.
” He scolds me like a petulant child, my eyes dip, but I nod my head anyway, agreeing to the terms.
“I understand, sir. When will I be meeting with our client? I can clear my schedule to suit his needs.” I offer, doing all I can to prove how serious I am about this.
Mr. Franklin leans over the desk to press the intercom button on the phone, the direct line taking him straight to the front desk of our floor.
The line crackles slightly before an answer comes through the speaker.
“Yes, Mr. Franklin, how can I help?” Sarah’s voice breaks through the crackle of the phone. I’ve never really spoken to Sarah much, she’s very quiet, likes to keep to herself, I don’t blame her. “Can you send our client into my office, Sarah.”
“Yes, sir. He’s on his way to you now.” My boss doesn’t bother to thank her, then sits back in his chair and interlaces his fingers over his round stomach, the small buttons barely holding his gut in.
After a couple of minutes one of the double doors of the office opens and I’m hit with an expensive aroma of cedar and bergamot, the scent hitting my nostrils and infiltrating my senses.
I’m stunned for a split second, my memory racing on overdrive trying to place where I’ve smelt it before.
Before I can think of an answer, a rich baritone sound makes its way through the office.
It can’t be, can it? This cannot be the same man who has been invading my thoughts for days since the night at Crimson.
“Thanks for having me Brandon.” So we’re already on a first name basis, I see. The mystery man makes his way into my periphery, extending his tanned hand to my boss, giving him a firm handshake. One that screams power.
“It’s my absolute pleasure, Ricky.” Mr. Franklin says, his tone completely different to how he just spoke to me, his ego fell down a peg. Ricky lifts his trouser legs at the knees before taking a seat in the opposite chair from me, crossing his ankle over his knee.
“Annabelle, this is Mr. Ricky De Rossi.” Mr. Franklin regards me, knocking me out of my daze.
I clear my throat and gather myself before turning to face our client.
Holy shit. This man has been sculpted by the gods above and sent down to torment our poor souls.
I shove that thought away instantly, gulp away the dry cotton ball that’s in my throat, and extend my hand to Mr. De Rossi.
His smooth, rich skin skates over my hand, taking it into a firm, but not hurtful grip.
Ricky shakes it once before letting go, gently running his slender fingers down mine before all contact is cut.
My skin sizzles from the connection and I grip my hand around my notebook again to give the appendage something to do.
His deep, blue eyes, almost like rough oceans, bore into mine.
I’m captured. Tangled in his trap. Unable to look away.
Mr. Franklin clears his throat before resuming our meeting.
“Annabelle here will assist you with everything you need. Nothing is off limits to get you the win you deserve in this case.” I feel Mr. De Rossi’s burning gaze at the side of my face before he turns to look at my boss.
“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be putting Annabelle to work in no time.
I’ve heard she’s an absolute pleasure to work with.
” A shiver works its way up my spine at the way he speaks, his voice is enthralling and full of authority.
I pluck up the courage to face the beautiful creature and give him my best smile.
“I’m glad to be of service, Mr. De Rossi.”
“Please, call me Ricky.” He says with a charming smile, his pearly teeth peeking between his full, plump lips. I bite the inside of my lip before replying.
“Ricky it is then.”
He chuckles to himself before rising from the chair, extending a hand to me.
I pause for a moment, a slight wariness washes over me, then quickly leaves, before I place my hand in his, the tingling sensation coming back tenfold as I stand up from the chair, drop Ricky’s hand, and tuck my arm around my notepad again.
Anything to keep me grounded at this moment.
Mr. Franklin circles his desk before opening the door for Ricky, gesturing him and myself out of his office.
“Annabelle will see you out, won’t you?” He turns to me and I simply nod, knowing he’s already decided for me.
“Right this way please.” I say to Ricky, exiting the office first and making my way across the polished floor to the elevator at the end of the hallway.
I feel his burning presence at my back as we make the short journey.
Like a heavy shadow that’s ready to consume me.
Turning on my feet to face Ricky, I lift my chin to meet his gaze.
He must stand at least a foot taller than me.
His pressed, black suit fitting him like a glove, not an inch is out of place.
The dirty blonde strands of his hair are styled with precision, the sides neatly shaved.
His strong jaw has a smattering of stubble across it, nothing too noticeable, but it’s definitely there if you look close enough, just like I am now.
Before I even find my voice to tell him goodbye, I’m pulled into his embrace, his rough jaw grazing my skin as his mouth reaches my ear.
I hold my breath for a moment, not really knowing where this situation is going to go.
Ricky’s unique scent takes over my senses, my synapses fire through my brain like a lightning storm.
“I’ll be in touch, sweetheart.” The pet name washes over me like a tidal wave that’s threatening to drown me.
Ricky releases me from his grasp, then steps into the elevator with ease, his presence alone takes up the metal box, like it has its own orbit and everything around it will be sucked into the black hole.
Never to be seen again. His dark gaze never leaves mine as the doors begin to close, severing the connection and I instantly release the breath I was holding in, my lungs screaming for air.
My palm finds the wall as I try to find my balance, using it as a lifeline.
This can’t be happening. This isn’t real.
The dark stranger from Crimson, is my new client.