Dane
Three Days had passed since my dinner with Dahlia, or should I say the spoilt princess. She was partially a mystery to me; at times she didn’t seem to care that her husband had cheated on her and then at other times I thought I saw the sadness behind those alluring grey eyes.
I frowned, stopping my train of thought. She was nothing more to me than a stepping stool to get to where I wanted.
I stepped out of the bedroom of my small apartment in the busy city, it wasn’t too big but it was well kept and decorated with a modern interior. I had only recently moved out of my family’s small apartment and if I was going to do this then I didn’t want to draw too much attention to who my parents were.
Tonight was the party in my honour, celebrating my new status as CEO of the multi-billionaire company. I looked in the mirror, the suit I wore was well-tailored in a dark navy shade, underneath it I wore a red shirt, a few buttons left open showing off the three necklaces I always wore.
I adjusted my suit jacket and looked at my reflection with sharp criticism. My hair was styled back sleekly in a quiff. No one would think I grew up in the most dangerous parts of the city.
I glanced at my watch, it was time to go. Soon I’d have them all eating out of my hands, starting with the grey-eyed princess. I left my apartment locking up after me and headed down to my car. I drove towards the grand hotel that had been booked out for the event. It was one of the El Nazari’s own venues.
Just then my phone rang, and I answered it hands-free.
“Hello mom.” I said.
“Dane… are you sure about this?” Her quiet voice came. I sighed, she needed to get that I wasn’t going to back out. Not when I had come so far.
“Yes, and nothing you say will talk me out of this. It’s the only way to get answers mom… there’s more to it than we know… and I need to find out exactly what it was.” I said coldly, my voice dripping with venom.
“I understand son, but I don’t want to lose someone else… not again.” Her whispery voice held fear, fear of a past that still haunted her. A frown crossed my face.
“Mom history will not repeat itself, I know what I'm doing. Now please don’t bring this up again.” I said with finality, she sighed.
“Ok son I love you. Be careful, no matter how innocent they may look they are not.” She said.
“Hm, I know that mom.” I said before I ended the call. My mood now much darker than it was before…
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Reaching the venue, a member of security opened my car door for me. I stepped out, slipping some shades on. Ignoring the flashing cameras or the reporters trying to ask me questions. I walked past them swiftly, an arrogance to my posture, and made my way inside.
Reaching the hall all eyes turned to me. I knew what they were thinking, that someone like me who had no fancy background had made it to the position of CEO of one of the largest companies in the world. I had a certain princess to thank for that. I didn’t bother with any of the curious stares and motioned a waiter over, taking a glass of wine from his tray.
The hall was lavishly decorated in a theme of red, black and gold. Soft classical music played in the background and the buzz of talking was a low hum beyond that.
Scanning the room from behind my shades I saw most of the men who were our business rivals. Many who had tried to get me out of the picture when I came to the business world, and others who wanted me on their side.
My intention wasn’t to take such a position, the plan was to work from the shadows and get the answers I seek. But why deny something when it would lead me to my ultimate goal?
Something seemed to have caught everyone’s attention and I turned, following their gaze. Only to see the princess herself walk down the steps. She wore a strapless red gown that reached the floor, a slit from mid-thigh went all the way down, revealing her smooth leg.
She was tall with all the curves one could wish for, I had to admit any man would desire her. Her long hair was now left open with only a small quiff at the top, I wonder if it's even her real hair. It reached her hips and was styled in loose curls. Her heart-shaped face with plump lips that were now coloured a deep red looked perfect, making me remember that kiss we shared. My frown deepened and I looked away from them.
I wonder how long it took her to practice that enticing walk, her hips swayed with every step, yet it wasn’t forced and was as natural as the faint smile that graced her beautiful face. I had to admit she looked breath-taking. I wondered why her husband had even cheated on her, perhaps she was a prude in bed? I smirked at this thought, it would kind of fit, no one wants a boring woman.
I now removed my shades, tucking them into the front of my shirt. An older man I knew to be the Hadid El Nazari, the billionaire himself, took her hand and she met him with a kiss on the cheek.
I hated rich women, spoilt, arrogant and stupid. I wasn’t happy I was going to have to put up with her now that I was practically working for her. That was another thing I disliked. I never planned to work for anyone for long… I’ve always wanted my own company. Maybe someday.
Speaking of the lady in red, she was making her way over to me with her father and another young woman.
“Baba, meet Dane Altaire, our new CEO.” She said, smiling at me as she held her hand out. I took it, giving it a quick shake before letting go. Knowing that many people were watching us I couldn't ignore it.
I then turned to the man I realised he was a little taller than me, but that didn’t stop me from exuding power. It was rather comical actually; the man was a billionaire but to me, he was just scum.
“Hmm. I hope my daughter has not made the wrong mistake in appointing you, I look forward to seeing what you do for this company.” He said, his sharp grey eyes boring into mine. Oh, she had definitely made a mistake…
“Only time will tell.” I said arrogantly. Hadid simply frowned and introduced the woman next to him.
“My wife Amal.” He said. Amal gave me an obvious attempt at a coquettish smile, one she had mastered but I wasn’t really interested in trash.
“It’s lovely to meet you Mr. Altaire. I hope we get to see you more often as we do business with you.” She said, her eyes trailing over me. I frowned, rich women were indeed of loose morals.
“I will leave you two to mingle, I am retired in a way.” Hadid said, Dahlia gave her father a nod before the couple walked off. “Shall we dance Amal?” I heard him ask his wife.
The tinkling laughter from Amal was enough to take as a yes, she cast one last look towards Dahlia and me, I didn’t miss the look of jealousy that flickered in her eyes. I couldn't wait for today to be over.
“Would you like a drink?” Dahlia’s soft melodic voice came.
“Are you blind Ms. El Nazari, or are you simply dumb? What does this look like?” I said mockingly, holding up my glass, not missing how she tried not to frown at me.
“I was being polite Mr. Altaire. Well then, let's go meet the board of directors.” She offered, turning to scan the crowd. The glittering strings of pearls across the back of her dress caught my attention, teasing her smooth skin that was all on show right down to her lower back. I looked away frowning, not wanting to get distracted. Women were nothing but trouble.
“They can come to me, Ms. El Nazari.” I said. She sighed looking at me with those large doe eyes. She wasn’t innocent and I knew I was grating away her patience, it was rather fun to push her buttons and I could see she was getting annoyed as she struggled to remain calm. How long would her façade last?
About to say something, the sudden sound of shattering glass filled the room making us both turn - seeing a very drunk and angry-looking Warren surrounded by broken glass and spilt wine, his burning glare trained upon the woman next to me…
DAHLIA My heart thumped in my chest, which rose and fell erratically. Stepping back I looked at the clearly drunk and dishevelled Warren. It was the first time I was seeing him since that day and although I had invited him to show him that I didn’t need him, I did not expect him to be in such a state. “Dahlia! So is this the bastard who you left me for?” He spat coldly as he staggered towards me. “Security!” I heard father thunder. Warren was ruining their relationship as much as he was his own. Warren glared at me; I could see the anger he felt as he looked me over. He had spent the last 2 weeks pleading, begging and promising to do better through texts, emails and every other way possible. I refused to listen. Once a cheater, always a cheater. The only interaction from my side had been when I sent him the divorce papers. Papers he would never sign without a fight. “Mark my words! I will destroy the both of you!” He hissed, keeping his voice
DANE “Would you like to come inside for a coffee?” I looked at her, trying not to look at the way water trickled down her collar bones and into her cleavage. This was not a good idea… I glanced at the mansion hesitating. Should I agree? “Sure, I guess I could use a hot drink.” I said quietly, not missing her eyes widened in surprise. I raised an eyebrow. “Why ask if you didn’t want me to agree?” I asked. She shook her head vigorously, a tendril of hair falling in front of her face. My fingers itched to brush it aside. “No, no that’s not it. I owe you, come on in.” She said getting out of the car as she hurried to the door, my jacket around her shoulders. She reached inside her purse and took her keys out. Unlocking the door, she stepped aside allowing me to pass. I looked around the entrance hall that was dimly lit by the rectangular wall lamps that glowed warmly spread across the soft brown panelled walls. The floor was marble and the
DAHLIA The following morning dawned rather cold; I was sitting in the car with Aria. We would drop her at school before I headed to work. When Warren was around, he forced me to stay home from work more often than not. At the time I didn’t mind, loving to spend more time with Aria. Ever since baba became ill, I had worked a lot more. I wondered if Warren's reason was so he could mess around at work. Were there other women at work he had been sleeping with? Just the thought sent a pang of pain through me. I was annoyed at the same time. I sighed until I felt someone watching me and looked at Aria who was watching me thoughtfully. “Is everything ok darling?” I asked her, caressing her hair that was in two pigtails. “Is mama sad because daddy left us?” She said. I froze, my smile vanishing. “Who said daddy left us?” “Kids at school, and Mrs Riddle was telling the other teacher…” Aria mumbled. I frowned, feeling anger spike inside.
DANE I looked up at her not missing the anger and pain she was fighting and closed my laptop. “Don’t be foolish.” I said now standing up. I looked down at her. She was still a few inches shorter than me even with her heels. She wore a red silk blouse and a black skirt that hugged her figure perfectly. “Excuse me?” She said glaring at me, I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. “Don’t be stupid. If you fire those women they’ll just realise you really are affected by it all. Let them carry on, they're not worth it.” “This is my company Mr. Altaire!” She snapped. I raised an eyebrow. This woman really did know how to give someone a headache. I frowned. “Look. This company is already at a very rocky point. So, tell me what do you want? To fire a few women for having an affair with your ex. Or to stabilise it? Your ex-husband is mostly to blame. He’s the one who cheated on you.” I said coldly. She looked away but I knew that had hit home.
DAHLIA I turned away from him, I had no idea why I even told him that. The fear of something happening to Aria ate at me like maggots ate the flesh of a dead body. I felt sick and the anxiety was building. I made to run down the steps but I had only taken two steps when he grabbed my wrist making me gasp as I almost stumbled. If he had not been holding me, I would have fallen. I turned and saw him frowning deeply as if struggling with himself. “I’ll take you.” He said curtly, walking past me and down the stairs still holding me. My heart skipped a beat as I looked at his back. He was helping me? We had just reached his car and drove out of the parking lot when my phone rang. The name Markus flashing on the screen. “Ma’am! The school CCTV showed that it was Master Warren who took her!” He said, it was clear he was rather panicked. At least Markus was one of the rare ones I trusted and knew he took care of Aria with genuine care. “Thanks
WARREN I looked at my reflection. That bastard! How dare he strike me! Middle-class scum! I slammed my hand into the mirror. This wasn’t going to work. I had seen the look in Dahlia’s eyes when he dragged her out! Jealousy reared its ugly head and I felt it spread through me. She was mine. She couldn't leave me. I frowned thinking back to our time married. She had been the perfect wife… but a man couldn't just be tied to one woman. Why couldn't she see that? I took my phone and looked at the hundreds of miscalls from Kendra. Maybe it was high time I used her. An hour later, I had stopped the bleeding and had my nose set back in place. I was fuming. Kendra had just arrived, and she was more than happy that I called her. She ran into my arms and I simply caressed her hair. Now noticing all the differences between Dahlia and her. Her hair wasn’t as thick or silky as Dahlia’s. She smelt of strong perfume whilst Dahlia’s was always subtle yet seductive… Ev
DAHLIA The following day had dawned cold and wet. I had just dropped Aria at school before heading to work. Last night consumed my mind. I had awoken hours later in the hall. Glass shattered and a few embedded into my skin. All I remember is that voice that instilled fear within me. I wanted to put it down to just a prank call, but the words still rang in my head, like a chilling chant of dread. I had removed the glass and made sure to cover up well so no one saw the cuts on my arm. I was wearing a blush pink silk blouse and black fitted pants paired with some pink heels. I walked into work so lost in thought I didn’t even realise where I was walking until I knocked straight into someone. I gasped stumbling back until an arm wrapped around my waist catching me before I hit the ground. My eyes widened when I looked into a pair of piercing hazel eyes that were becoming so very familiar. Not to mention the arrogant cocking of his brow. “Are you naturally
DAHLIA He smirked irritatingly at me and I glared back before composing myself. “What did you want to talk to me about?” “I just wanted to ask how long Cook’s been in this company and about the shopping centre that the El Nazari wanted to make a few years ago. A process that seems to be put on hold.” I walked around the table looking at the computer file he had just opened and perched on his desk. “He’s been on the board for years, nearly two decades if memory serves.” “With your age, I’m wondering if I can trust in your memory. Anyhow, I do think he’s been having some odd involvements. I want to visit that building.” He said, not giving me a chance to even say anything. “But that building is…why?” I asked. He stood up, leaning down and looked into my eyes. “I just have something I want to confirm.” He said making me move back. His seductive scent filled my nose. The man wasn’t only handsome and well dressed but somethi