Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen
The car came to a halt, and the door was opened for me.
I stepped out and examined the tall building before me, then looked straight ahead. The first thing I noticed was that the place was highly guarded, and I didn't have to ask why.
"Follow me," the guy who drove me said, and I followed him up the stairs and into the building.
As I stepped in, I continued following him, ignoring the stares from the people who worked there, especially the men whose eyes lingered on my lower half.
My heels clicked on the floor as we walked towards the elevator. I was glad we didn't have to take the stairs. We stepped inside, and the door closed as he pressed the button for the top floor. He began to straighten his tie before releasing it and slipping his hands into his pockets.
"Here's something you need to know. Franco is a very serious man and he doesn't tolerate rudeness. Remember this deal is, well, basically your mission. If it goes well, which it must, Julia will be pleased and I'm sure you'd want that."
Our eyes met as he spoke, and a chilling feeling washed over me. What exactly was my job? I had no clear idea, but Julia said it was because I was... an ex stripper. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I didn't have any real purpose in this meeting.
Was I supposed to try and persuade Franco with my body? The thought made me shiver. From what I'd heard, he was hard to please, and I doubted my body alone could break through his strong demeanor.
"Don't overthink it. I'm sure you can persuade him one way or another," he said.
I glanced at him but before I could ask what he was talking about, the elevator came to a stop and the door opened.
Did he know about my past too? Damn! I wonder how fast it was spreading and it's clear that if he did know, Julia must have told him.
It's so funny how people have so much power when they know the truth about you.
I pushed everything to the back of my mind to debate on later. I stood and watched as the guy opened the door and gestured for me to get in. I didn't want to. My body felt weary and it felt like my head was spinning. He closed it instantly and put me to sit in a chair. I didn't know what was going on with me.
"Hey are you alright? Look, you don't have to be overthinking. He doesn't bite and if he does bite you, that's a good thing," he said, slightly caressing my knee.
We suddenly heard the door creaked opened. I looked up and saw Mordechai standing there with his typical blank expression. He looked at the hand on my knee which I clearly forgot about.
"She'll be fine, you can take it from here," the guy said before getting up and walking away.
I stood up slowly, feeling a few of my hairs out of place.
Just great.
"Aren't you suppose to be joining in the meeting, not flirting with a bodyguard?"
I wanted to pretend like he wasn't talking to me, but I was the only one here.
Wait, did he just say flirt?
"I wasn't flirting with anyone, and even if I was, it's none of your business," I replied savagely, crossing my arms and ignoring his eyes. When I turned, I noticed how close he was, and I stepped back, but he kept moving until my back hit something.
"Listen, the only reason you're here is because my mom said you should be, for whatever reason. Aside from that, you have no purpose. I don't like to be challenged, and Franco is inside waiting for us. So do your job, whatever it is my mom hopes you'll do," he spat, venom dripping from his voice.
He pulled away and walked back into the room. I loathed him with a passion. I straightened myself before entering after him.
All eyes were on me as I stepped in, and the air felt heavier. Four guards stood on each side of the room, and on the opposite side, there was Mordechai.
And then Franco Osvaldo.
He was dressed in a suit similar to Mordechai but his jacket had silver buttons and there was a brooch on his pocket. He was definitely good looking and his hair was combed to the back and had a hint of shine to it. I noticed his eyes on me before they went lower and then back up again.
I walked over to Mordechai and sat beside him leaving a few inches between us so we weren't touching.
"So as-
"-Who are you?" Franco asked, cutting off Mordechai. His eyes were cold as he glanced at me.
"Vanessa. Vanessa Collins," I replied, reaching my hand out.
Je took it and instead of a handshake, he kissed it catching me off guard. I was surprised to have him do that but I stayed still.
"Since you have business to do after this meeting, let's begin. I want to offer you 15 percent of the profit share if you agree to the collaboration between your company and mine," Mordechai said.
I stayed quiet.
Franco hummed as he thought about what he said. I didn't know exactly what type of deal it was but from what I can tell, if it sealed, both their companies may join somehow. Seems like a good business plan to me.
"I'm not sure Mr. Lenetti. You're going to have to try harder," Franco said, crossing his legs and relaxing in his seat. He was truly hard to please.
"Then what do you suggest?" Mordechai asked, throwing his hands up.
"What about you Miss Collins. What do you think is the best solution for two successful companies to join?"
I looked at Franco as I thought about what the hell I was going to say. I didn't know much about the business world but what I do know was that rich people are ignorant and think their the gods of the world.
"She doesn't know anything about business," Mordechai stated.
"He wasn't speaking to you," I replied coldly while looking at him.
First he gave my arm a bruise and now he wanted to insult me in front of Franco. Yes what he said was partially true but no one asked him anything.
"I suggest you watch you tone with me-"
"-Or else what? You'll remove me from this meeting?" I replied, cutting him off. Our eyes locked in a silent challenge. I turned away and looked at Franco, who had amusement written all over his face.
"I don't know much about business and how people go about making decisions, but what I can tell you is that for two companies to merge they should decide on equality. For instance, he wants to offer you 15 percent but you disagreed so you give your thoughts on it and what you would want then decide on an alternative. A way to not only collab, but be more profitable. That's all I can say."
I was suprised to hear myself say that but I could tell I said something sensible, because Franco's lips were pulled in a smirk.
"That's a good answer. Here's what, twenty-five percent, and we have a deal," Franco said as Mordechai straightened and extended his hand. I felt relieved that it had actually gone well and the deal was done.
I still wasn't sure what my exact purpose had been, but I guessed I had done my job. Well, that's what I thought, until Franco said something I wasn't expecting.
"But there's something else I would like."
"What is it?" Mordechai said, looking as confused as I was.
"Dinner with Miss Collins."
My mouth opened and closed but no words came out. His eyes were on me and a smirk played on his lips.
This wasn't a part of the deal. Was this why Julia wanted me here in the first place? Does this mean she wants me to sleep with him?
Oh god!
"Done."
I looked at Mordechai seeing that he was clearly out of his mind. That wasn't his choice to make.
"Okay good. I have to go now. I'll get in touch and then we can sign off," Franco said, getting up. He gave me a wink before leaving with his guards.
"Why did you do that? That wasn't your choice to make," I asked him, my voice serious.
He turned immediately and gave me the most serious look I've ever seen.
"My choice or not, you would have to do it anyways. My mom is offering you a job so that means if there's anything needs to be done to make Franco happy, it will be done."
He pulled away and got up, and I felt my anger rising. I hated him. I hated this life. I hated these people. I groaned, then stood and stormed out, slamming the door behind me.
Fuck my life!