Chapter Twenty-One. #2
Cain moved into my direct line of sight and captured my gaze.
Those ice-green eyes were as hard as stone as he bent his head.
“After your announcement, you’re mine,” he murmured.
Anyone else would have taken that as a threat, not me.
Cain would never hurt me; I was one hundred and ten per cent certain of that.
I nodded as my mouth dried at his closeness, and his gaze softened briefly as I swallowed.
Cain raised a hand and moved a strand of hair out of the way. “You know I’d never harm you.”
For a moment I relaxed into his words, and then my eyes widened in alarm. Had Cain guessed who I was? A slight, knowing smile crossed his lips.
“Mystique, are you ready?” Devon asked, approaching. His gaze flicked between Cain and me with puzzlement. Devon clearly wondered what Cain was doing here. “Mr Russell, I’m Devon Harrison.”
“I’m aware of who you are. Congratulations on what you’ve achieved so far. This is my business card; if you require any help, please call. I believe we have a certain person in common who we both wish to see… put in his place,” Cain stated.
Did Cain mean Oliver? Was Cain annoyed at Oliver too?
“Appreciate that,” Devon replied. “Are you ready, Mystique?”
Cain looked between us, and awareness crossed his face. “Allow me,” he said. He picked his glass up and tapped on it. “May I have everyone’s attention?”
Everyone stopped talking and turned towards us. Even flanked by Cain, Aaron, Oceane, Zinnia, Ryder, and Devon, I wanted to flee. Oliver’s eyes bored into me, and there was a clear threat in them. A hand landed on my back, and I knew without a doubt it was Cain. He was offering silent support.
“I’d like to make an announcement,” Devon said with a smile. “Zade has signed Mystique exclusively to our line stores, beginning with the twenty-twenty-six spring range.”
Voices and exclamations broke out as I heard a loud, angry snarl. Oliver.
I dared not look in his direction.
“Wonderful news. I’m sure you’ll treat Mystique with the respect and adoration she deserves,” Zinnia exclaimed.
“Well, congratulations, Devon. Once again taking my cast-offs,” Oliver sneered loudly.
Zinnia, Oceane, and I gasped. But Oliver wasn’t done. He had to make his message clear to everyone.
“First my ex-wife and now a designer who is on the outs. There’s no end to your desperation, is there? You were the same in high school.” I felt the slap, absorbed it, and rolled with it. But Devon attacked.
“Mystique is washed up?” Devon laughed. “Your insecurity and jealously know no bounds. If she’s on the outs, why not release her now?”
Oliver paused, and I saw the fear and panic in his eyes just before I attacked.
“Why were you begging and ordering me to sign the next contract if I’m out of touch? Don’t deny it, Oliver, I have it on camera! Most women here are dressed in a Mystique original. What’s that whore wearing? An eighties reject? Which charity shop did you get that antique from?” I retorted.
Cain made a small noise of approval.
“Seems someone’s out of date, and it’s not Zade. Eliganz are about to crash and burn,” Aaron laughed. “Fool.” He kissed his fingers and flicked them at Oliver in derision.
“Guess Eliganz is no longer elegant if that’s the level of crap they’re replacing Mystique with.” Zinnia chuckled.
“Well, looks like Jude and I won’t need to destroy him; he’s fully capable of doing that himself,” Ryder said. The whispering rose in volume. Ryder had just made a statement. With that, my friends turned their backs on Oliver.
“Enjoy my sloppy seconds,” Oliver sneered at Devon, who turned red.
“You’re calling Alicia sloppy seconds when you’ve that hoe who’s had more pricks than a pincushion?” he snapped.
“Don’t!” I murmured. “This is what he wants.”
Devon glanced down at me and nodded. “I can’t help it.
He’s the biggest piece of shit I’ve ever come across.
” “Yes, and Oliver will get his downfall. Just don’t get into a bitching match with him.
That way Oliver draws you down to his level.
That’s how Oliver shames and blacklists people,” I explained.
“You’ll throw the first punch and he’ll call the cops. I know him.”
“True. Clever as well as gorgeous. Come on, Mystique, let’s enjoy the night,” Devon said.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like a word with Mystique,” Cain asked, quietly approaching.
Devon sent me a quick glance, and I nodded at him.
“Perhaps a dance,” Cain suggested, and I looked at him.
Everything was screaming at me that Cain had guessed.
I placed my hand on his arm, and Cain led me to the dance floor.
People were staring, and not for the usual reason.
It wasn’t because of Cain, but because of what Devon and I had just announced.
I melted into Cain’s arms and he grunted. “I knew it,” he murmured in my ear after a few moments.
“What?” I gasped as he pulled me close to his body.
“You. What a secret to keep! You’re magnificent. Tomorrow, Alicia, you’re meeting me for lunch at one at our restaurant. Understand?”
I nodded. Somehow, I wasn’t frightened Cain knew who I was. Instead, I was intrigued and turned on that he did. Was that wrong of me? I didn’t care. Cain drew me in like no one had in forever. Not even Oliver.