If Bryan was surprised, he did not show it. There was a beat of time when he just stood there considering the idea and absorbing the possibilities.
'That is a very flattering offer but I will have to know precisely what you have in mind and of course I will have to think about it but in principle, I am interested.
David beamed. 'I hoped you would be.Youbwont regret the decision if you accepted, that I can promise you Bryan.
You could have a splendid future with us that is far exciting than your prospects. Ours is s a family bank and you are my only male relative'.
Sharon felt bad that David was staying the situation as clearly as that. She felt that he was betraying how weak his position was and knew that Bryan would take advantage of it.
She looked at him with cold hostile eyes but he was looking at David.
Sharon would have given anything to know what he was thinking but he gave no indication.
'I'l get Sharon to prepare a proposition for you, stating all the terms', he called for the bill. 'I think that your mother should have been provided for in her father's will. She should have had some shares in the bank.
Bryan nodded. 'She should'.
There was a ruthless set to his jaw, a spark of anger in his black eyes. If David thought that Bryan did not resent the way his mother was treated, he was sadly mistaken. Bryan resented it bitterly.
Sharon shivered afraid for David and hoping that he had not made a fatal mistake. Yet what threat could Bryan possibly present to him? David owned a majority of the shares in the bank. Bryan couldn't possibly hurt him.
David smiled at him apparently unaware of the dark feeling in the younger man.
'I want to make up for the past Bryan. I want you in the family business where you belong'.
Sharon wanted to scream at David, 'Haven't you got eyes? Can't you see what he's like under the good looks and formal good manners?
David may not be picking up her agitation but Bryan was as he threw one brief cold look her way. He looked into her eyes, then looked away, one dark brown curling sardonically.
Sharon flushed with anger. She knew what his lifted eyebrow had meant. She might oppose him but she wouldn't be a problem. He would deal with her.
Well if that was what he thought, then they would see about that.
David signed the bill and folded some notes as tip for the waiter. He stood up looking drained as he yawned.
I'm sorry, Sharon's, he said in an apologetic voice. I had planned on driving you home myself but I can barely stay on my feet. Will you be very cross if I put you into a taxi back to Chelsea?'
'Don't worry about it', she began but Bryan interrupted.
'I have my car parked outside. I shall drop her off'.
'I thought you said you were staying at the Savoy? There is no need driving out to Chelsea. I can easily get a taxi'. Sharon certainly didn't want her driving her home.
The very idea of being alone with the man sent shivers down her spine.
'It's still early. I could enjoy a drive along the river', he shrugged.
David beamed. ' I should have thought of it myself. That is a wonderful idea. Both of you can get to know each other better. Bryan, Sharon is indispensable to me, she can tell you anything you need to know about how the bank runs.
As he started walking towards his car across the road, Sharon saw his secret smile. She bristled. If she had not known how it was going to hurt David, she would have slapped his face.
Turning back, she walked David to his car, watching him anxiously.
'You look quite ill, David. You have been working too hard for far too long. I think that you need a long vacation. Why don't you take a few days off work and get away?'
'I will, soon', he said quietly and bent down and gave her a kiss on the cheek.'You are my guardian angel, don't think that I am not aware of it.
Now be nice to Bryan, I want him to join us. Sell the bank to him.
I have done some quiet research on him and he has quiet a record, he's pulled off some brilliant deals. Even if he wasn't family, I'd still want him but since he is family, I am determined to have him by hook or by crook'.
'Well in that case, I'll do what I can't, she promised as David got into his car.
She meant everything she said despite her private reservations about the man, she would definitely sell the bank to Bryan Ferdinand though she doubted that it would be necessary. No permission would be required to make him join them. He had always planned to do just that.
David nodded. 'I know I can always trust you. Goodnight Sharon, see you tomorrow.
He drove off and she turned back to find Bryan right behind her lounging against a long sleek- vintage black Rolls -Bentley. It was one of the loveliest cats she had ever seen. Her mouth watered at the sight of such a car. She loved old cars.
He opened the passenger door for her. 'Where am I to take you?' he asked.
'Do you know Chelsea?' she asked curtly having discovered that he had been to London a number of times.
'Vaguely', then he gave a description of where Chelsea was situated and Sharon confirmed it.
'I will guide you when we get to Millbank', she said as she slid into the car, instinctively stroking the cream leather seats.
'Is this yours or have you borrowed or hired it?' she asked as Bryan got in beside her.
His long hands holding the wheel, he turned back to give her a long cool look.
'It is mine. I just bought it'.
It must have cost a fortune. She wondered how much he earned a year to have been able to afford a toy like this. Well, she would find out soon when he and David began negotiations.
'You aren't married, Mr. Ferdinand?'
He shook his head, that Sardonic smile in evidence again.
'Have you ever been?'
'No, have you?' he asked.
'No', she answered tersely.
'You are a devoted secretary though', he drawled. 'Lucky David'.
He turned his head again, deliberately to star at Sharon and she let all her dislike and distrust of him show in her face.
'If you hurt David in any way, I'll kill you' she threatened him.
His brow shot up and he gave her that Sardonic smile, then took her breath away by what he said next.
'If he was going to marry you, he would have done that a long time ago, you know. You are wasting your time waiting for him which seems a pity, looking the way you do'. His dark eyes flicked down over her body and a wave of heat flowed through her.
Then he said softly. 'I am sure alot of men would help you forget about David. I might even volunteer myself'.
Sharon went dark red, her hands clenching, her teeth together but she refused to play his game by responding or defending herself.Explsining that he was wrong, information was power. David thought her that a long time ago. So she let him think that he had hit the truth.
Just gave him an icy stare and said in a tight voice, 'Take the next turn on your right, would you?'
He swung the car in the direction she had directed.
'No comment then? Bryan Ferdinand asked, looking at her out of the corner of his eye.
'Stop here, please', was all that she said.
He braked and stopped the car then turned towards her but she was already getting out of the car.
She got out, slammed the door and bent over the window, he leaned over to wind it down for her so he could hear what she said.
Sharon looked into his gleaming dark eyes.
'Remember, if you hurt David, I'll make sure you pay for it', she said then tuned on her heel and walked away.
Bryan looked at her for a very long time without knowing what to make if her but he had to admit that she was a looker.
He had thought that she would take the bait. But she was shrewder than he thought.
It irked him that she should choose an older man like David over him. He would teach her to show him attitude
What arrogance!