Page 16 of Watching Her

She didn’t notice me, her obvious tunnel vision keeping her on pace, yet the scent of her perfume assaulted my senses in the best way. She smelled of crushed velvet and midnight rain. The scent hung in the space between us like a dare, heavy enough to taste and intoxicating enough to make me forget what I was thinking.

Her attire was similar to the other convention goers, recreational instead of professional, complete with tennis shoes in a bright blue. Yet even in casual attire, there was a quiet elegance to her movements, a subtle yet powerful aura of confidence that commanded attention.

She had no idea a predator stood feet away, a man whose intentions for her were anything but appropriate.

Even as she disappeared, the fragrance lingered, filling my nostrils and painting my skin. I took a deep breath before heading into Jordan’s office. The meeting had obviously been terse, his head in his hands and his chest rising and falling rapidly.

“Mr. White.” I stood in the doorway.

He didn’t lift his head, at least at first. “I’ll be right with you.”

Perhaps he sensed I had no intention of budging, finally looking up. His eyes instantly reflected my presence and he stood, albeit his body was shaking as he did. “Mr. Tempest. I didn’t know you were there.”

I wasn’t interested in groveling or pretense. “I understand you’ve been working with someone recently involved with the book convention.”

“Um, yes, sir. She’s a professional in the industry. Or at least she was.”

“Go on.”

“She used to work for a huge hotel but now owns some social media platform for books. I don’t completely understand.”

He was flustered, but I had a feeling it had more to with his past relationship with the woman instead of having the boss standing in front of him.

“Let me guess,” I interjected. “Given her knowledge and experience, she’s demanding everything promised to the event.”

His relief was almost amusing. “Yes, sir. One cold and calculating bitch who knew exactly how to push my buttons.”

Fascinating. Whatever their connection, she’d easily gotten under his skin. Daring to call her a bitch in front of me either made him brave or stupid. While I didn’t personally know the young man, we hired only those with proven tough skin. A formidable woman I also appreciated.

His face reddened. “That was rude of me, sir. I would never talk that way to a client, I promise you. It’s just that she’s…”

“Someone who knows the business well.”

“Yes.”

“What’s her name?”

“Penelope Michaels. If you don’t mind me saying, you wouldn’t like her.”

His insistence and perhaps attempt to protect me was also amusing. “I’ll keep that in mind. Just ensure that Ms. Michaels has whatever she needs. And I do mean anything that will ensure her conference and every guest is treated like royalty. If there are any questions about what you’re doing, have them come to me. Is that understood?”

Jordan appeared deflated if not confused. He didn’t like catering to her request even under my orders. I had to admit I was quite curious as to their respective pasts. “Yes, sir. Absolutely.”

“One last thing. Send me a copy of their contract with the hotel and all changes or concerns as denoted by Ms. Michaels.”

His expression soured further. “Yes, sir.”

As I walked out, I thought of the reason for getting together for drinks with my old friends. Initiating the contest, including selecting potential candidates.

It would seem luck or perhaps karma had already chosen mine.

I was eager to learn more about the lovely Ms. Michaels. In fact, I would soon learn everything about her life, her desires, and her fears. Everything that made her tick. Her accomplishments. Her goals. Especially her failures.

Only then could I begin the art of seduction and dominance and become victorious.

* * *

As I pulled the glass of aged Macallan to my lips, I remained deep in thought. I’d spent a full hour discovering details about Penelope’s life and had barely scratched the surface. While there were benefits to my position as head of a billion-dollar corporation, even my capabilities of discovering were limited by standard rules and laws.