5. Gabriella

5

GAbrIELLA

T oday is the big day and I’ve never been more prepared for a meeting. I’ve gone over all of my notes more times than I can count, down to the most finite detail, and I’m ready to dazzle Doug Holloway with my presentation.

After getting up extra early, showering and carefully applying some light makeup, I pull my thick, dark hair back in a sensible bun at the base of my neck. As I get dressed in a smart designer suit, I notice a bruise on my hip. Courtesy of Enzo Rossi and his very large hands.

A little thrill zings through my body and I can’t help but remember our night together. It was the most amazing sexual encounter I’ve ever had and I’ll give credit where credit is due. Enzo is a generous, experienced lover who touched me in a way no other man ever did before. He makes me want more. But, I know that isn’t possible. Neither of us has time for a relationship. We have empires to run.

Still though…

The idea of one more night with him is beyond appealing. Pressing my lips together, telling myself to forget it, I reach for my perfume bottle, a lusty honey delight, and spritz myself. Getting too involved with Enzo is a bad decision in more ways than one. I can’t forget that our families hate each other, too. That’s a pretty big deal breaker.

The idea of a secret affair is rather tempting, but I’m too smart for that. The last thing I want to do is fall for an unavailable man. Heartbreak—my own—is not on my list of things to do.

I pause in front of the mirror and smooth a hand over my slick-backed hair. After applying a bit of lip gloss, I slip into my heels and I feel ready to conquer anything.

Unfortunately, I had know idea that my one-night stand was about to come back and haunt me in the form of an imposing nemesis.

The drive to Holloway Corp. takes about what I’d expect it to considering the office is in downtown Manhattan. After leaving my Hellcat with the valet, I pause when I spot a very familiar midnight blue Jaguar parked at the curb, right near the front entrance. I pause midstep, my fingers tightening around my briefcase, and frown. Is that Enzo’s car? I wonder. No, it can’t be. What would he be doing here? He has no business here. Still, a slightly sick feeling fills my stomach. Pushing it aside, I walk inside the building, get in the elevator and take it straight up to the fifteenth floor.

Doug’s company consists of about ten employees and the office itself is small, but in a nice building and area. It’s a tech company which is new ground for me, but I’m really excited to expand my knowledge and learn more about how to make it successful again. As a holding company, my main purpose is to own stock of other companies and be able to share strategic decisions, but limit shared liabilities. In other words, if a subsidiary does well, I benefit from the dividends. And, conversely, if they do poorly or even declare bankruptcy, Gabana Holdings LLC isn’t affected. It’s a win-win situation.

As the elevator door glides open, I lift my chin, roll my shoulders back and prepare myself to win Doug’s approval and company. Even though it’s been a little neglected lately and business hasn’t been great for him, I can turn all that around with some damn good ideas that I have. In this case, my company would hold one-hundred percent of the subsidiary, Holloway Corp. Normally, we just own enough stock to control it. But, I’ve got a good feeling about this one. I want it all. And, as far as I know, I’m the only one ready to make an offer. If he’s ready to sell, I’m ready to buy.

My confidence is at an all-time high as I walk into the small office where Doug stands talking to a tall man with dark hair. I can only see the other man’s back, but something is familiar about him. The broad stretch of his shoulders beneath his suit jacket, the slight waves in his thick chocolate-brown hair…and then he laughs.

Yeah, I know that deep, husky laugh anywhere. When Enzo Rossi glances over his shoulder, meets my surprised gaze and smirks, I start to smile back, wondering what he’s doing here, but still almost stupidly happy to see him.

Until the pieces click. Oh, no. The beginning of my smile disintegrates as I realize what he’s doing—he’s trying to steal this deal right out from under me. But, no, that can’t be right. He wouldn’t do such an awful, heinous thing. Would he?

My eyes narrow slightly as Doug introduces us.

“Hello, Gabriella,” Enzo says, dark eyes twinkling. “How are you?”

“Oh, you two know each other?” Doug asks.

“Vaguely,” I murmur, not about to admit to myself or anyone else that this gorgeous man had his head between my thighs and gave me more orgasms than I’ve ever had in one night. Enzo’s eyes flash with annoyance at my answer, but I don’t care. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t have a chance to tell you yet,” Doug interjects, “but Mr. Rossi is also interested in obtaining my company.”

Fucking traitor. I grit my teeth together and keep my composure even though I want to throw a daggered look Enzo’s way. Or, better yet, an actual dagger. But, I remain cool and keep my attention on Doug. Damn, I deserve an Academy Award for this performance.

“Is that so?” I keep my tone neutral even though I’m seething inside. The urge to scream and throw things at Enzo’s head is overwhelming, but I ignore it. If Doug wasn’t standing here right now, I’d lose my shit. I don’t think I’ve ever been this angry in my entire life.

“That’s right,” Enzo says smoothly. “It’s a good opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”

Oh, the nerve of him. If it weren’t for me, he’d have no idea what an excellent opportunity it really is. Idiot, I chastise myself. I never should’ve told him about the company or asked for his stupid advice. Everything we discussed is now being used against me.

“Hmm. Mr. Holloway hasn’t publicly announced his intention to sell yet. How may I ask did you find out?”

“A little birdie told me.” Then he has the audacity to wink at me. Fucking wink! I want to beat my fists against his stupid chest and then hang him by his tie from the nearest light fixture.

“How lucky for you,” I say coolly. “But that doesn’t change anything. Mr. Holloway, I’m ready to begin our meeting whenever you are.” My goal is to acquire Doug’s company and Enzo Rossi can go fuck himself.

“Yes, please, go ahead. I don’t want to hold you up, Doug.”

Doug. Well, how nice that they just met and are already on a first-name basis. I’m been chatting with Mr. Holloway for weeks and wouldn’t dare call him by his first name unless he invited me to do so.

“Appreciate you stopping in, Mr. Rossi,” Doug says and they shake hands. “And, remember that golf tip I gave you. Elbow up.”

“Elbow up,” Enzo repeats, and they both chuckle.

My skin crawls and I hate how chummy they are already. That doesn’t bode well for me and my heart sinks. Fucking boy’s club. I’ll never be a part of it and trading golf secrets could be the one thing that Enzo uses to beat me and win.

But I refuse to give up. I’m going to have to re-think my approach, get more personal. Racking my brain, I know Doug just lost his wife last year. Bingo. That’s the route I’m going to have to take and, in return, share about my father. Besides, losing a loved one is much more personal than a fucking game of golf.

“Alright, Ms. Bianche, shall we?” Doug asks, pointing to the small conference room. I nod and sweep past Enzo. Our gazes meet and the ice-cold look I send his way should freeze his balls off. Because after pulling this little stunt, I realize he has an awfully big pair. He doesn’t dare say a word to me as I march into the other room, my head held high.

I hate him, I think. How could he do this to me? I told him how important this deal is to me and then he snuck around behind my back, charmed Holloway, and is trying to steal my big opportunity to impress my family away from me.

Asshole. Grinding my jaw, I force myself to draw in a deep breath and relax. Focusing on my presentation is key right now. I can’t let this little setback throw me off kilter and ruin my presentation. Later, I can worry about Enzo.

Because here’s the thing—I am just as smart as that man. If he thinks he’s going to just swoop in here and easily steal this company away from me with minimal effort then he has a big surprise coming his way.

After opening my briefcase and pulling out two bound presentations, I sit and clasp my hands together, trying not to dig my nails into my skin. While Doug and Enzo share some other comment, most likely a little tip about having a dick, I cross my legs and try not to squirm in my seat.

I’m livid. Even though I know Enzo doesn’t owe me any loyalty, my stupid feelings are hurt. After I trusted him with inside information and after spending an amazing night together, he stabbed me in the back. I think what this boils down to is I never would’ve done that to him. If he had placed his confidence in me, I wouldn’t have used it against him for my own benefit.

Doing my best to keep my game face on, I glance up when Doug enters the room and sits down across from me. Time to get over my being butt-hurt and win his approval. But before I can even get started, Doug speaks.

“I’m sorry about that, Ms. Bianche,” he says, sounding very genuine. “I had no idea there would be another interested party, but when Mr. Rossi called me last night and explained how he was interested in my company, I had to hear him out.

“Of course,” I murmur, doing my best to keep a straight face.

“He said he could come in before my meeting with you and share his plans. And, I’m not going to lie. I like him, I like his plans for Holloway Corp., and I’m seriously considering accepting his offer.”

His words are like a knife through my heart. But, he’s a businessman and if Enzo wants to stroll in and offer more money, how can I fault him? Still, it pisses me off to no end. Time to play hardball.

“May I ask what his offer is?”

My confidence takes a nosedive when he shares the very generous amount. It’s more than I’ve offered and, personally, I don’t feel like Holloway Corp. is really worth that price. At least not in its current floundering condition. So, it seems like Enzo purposely offered more money to screw me.

Even so, I nod and realize this is becoming about more than just acquiring Holloway Corp. This is now a challenge that I can’t back down from because if I do, I’ll look weak. And Enzo will always think he’s the better and smarter businessman.

Well, fuck that. This just became personal and this business woman is going to pull out all the stops to impress Doug Holloway.

Two hours later, Doug and I are on a first-name basis and now we’re the ones laughing like old friends. We’ve commiserated together about how awful it is to lose someone you love and the best way to move forward. He’s sharing family recipes with me and I’m telling him where the best farmer’s markets in the city are. My confidence is soaring again and I’m feeling so good about our meeting. Connecting on a personal level is important and I want him to know he can trust me with his company.

After one of the best meetings I’ve ever had, he walks me to the elevator and shakes my hand. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better, Gabriella,” he tells me. “I like all of your ideas and think you’re a good girl. But, I’m going to be upfront and transparent. I like Enzo and his plan, too.”

I struggle not to show my emotions and merely force a nod.

“I need time to think about both offers,” he says. “I hope you understand.”

“Of course. And I appreciate your transparency.” Somehow, if I had a dick, I feel like I’d have a better chance. After thanking Doug for his time, I get in the elevator and have the horrible feeling that Enzo is edging me out. With each floor that passes, I grow more angry. And, when the door finally glides open, I am absolutely furious again.

I worked too hard on this deal to have it yanked away at the last second by some jerk. Enzo doesn’t need Holloway Corp. I do. This is the way I’m going to prove to my family, once and for all, that I am a force to be reckoned with and they should be taking me seriously. I’m not a joke, I think, feeling a strange burning sensation behind my eyes.

Tears. God, I don’t remember the last time I cried. It’s been years. I pause, suck in a deep, steadying breath and allow the fury to settle and the sheen over my eyes to dry. Even though I want to keep it together and hope that Doug makes the right decision and chooses me, I’m not so sure that’s going to happen. Doubt floods me, no thanks to that traitor.

Once I’m back in my car, I tap an annoyed finger on the steering wheel then turn the car on and hiss, “Fuckit.”

I’m going to go confront the enemy. Enzo has no idea that he just declared war and I vow to beat him at his own game.