4. A Dinner Party

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…