Chapter 26 THE TRAP
MATTHIAS POV
I stood at the window of my penthouse office in Kane Tower, phone in hand, a satisfied smile playing on my lips as I scrolled through the photos from yesterday.
Nova at the cafe, her face flushed and beautiful. Nova in that hallway, pressed against the wall with my hand on her ass. Nova's lips swollen from my kisses, her eyes dark with desire.
Perfect. Everything was going exactly according to plan.
My assistant Reed knocked twice before entering. "Sir, the event coordinator confirmed everything for the Business Excellence Awards next week. Your table is reserved, and Miss Sinclair's name has been added to your guest list."
"Excellent." I set my phone down. "And the Blackthorn table?"
"Confirmed as well. They'll be directly across from yours. Miss Sterling has also been added to their guest list as Callum Blackthorn's plus-one."
I laughed. "Of course she has. That woman doesn't know when to quit."
"Should I proceed with the other arrangements we discussed?"
"Yes. Make sure the photographer knows exactly which moments to capture. I want clear shots of Nova with me, preferably showing affection. The tabloids will eat it up." I turned to face Reed. "Blackthorn's golden girl dating his biggest rival. The optics alone will be delicious."
Reed made notes on his tablet. "And tonight's plan?"
"Moving forward as scheduled. I'll have her at my house. Everything will be ready." I picked up my phone again, looking at Nova's photo. So innocent and so trusting. "The Blackthorns think they're so untouchable. So powerful. But every empire has a weakness."
"The drug is ready?"
"Add it to my newest formulation. She'll be completely willing.” I smiled. "She'll think she just had too much wine and fell asleep. Meanwhile, I'll have hours of footage of her begging for my cock."
Reed nodded and walked to his bar stand, kept the wine which had the drug in it and then walked out of the penthouse.
I pulled up Nova's contact on my phone.
Can't stop thinking about you.
Her reply came within seconds: What time should I be ready?
I'll pick you up at 7. Wear something beautiful. Though you could wear a garbage bag and still be the most stunning woman I've ever seen.
You're too much. But I like it.
You haven't seen anything yet, baby. Tomorrow night, I'm going to show you exactly how much I want you.
I set down my phone, already imagining her response when the drug kicked in. When her inhibitions melted away. When she became exactly what I needed her to be.
The Blackthorns would cry.
They would suffer.
And I would finally have my revenge.
\---
NOVA'S POV
Friday morning, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach.
Tonight. I was seeing Matthias again.
I rolled over and checked my phone. Several texts from him just this morning, each one more flirtatious than the last. Each one made me smile despite the guilt that was becoming my constant companion.
Another text, this one was from Jasmine: Girl! Did you see the news? The Business Excellence Awards are coming up next Friday! Blackthorn Industries is nominated for three categories!
I sat up, suddenly more awake. An awards ceremony. That meant a formal event. Speeches, press coverage and lots of eyes.
My phone rang and Callum's name flashed on the screen.
"Hello?"
"Did you see the news about the awards?" His voice was all business, no warmth.
"Jasmine just texted me about it."
"You'll need to attend. As part of the acquisitions team, your presence is expected." He paused. "We'll need to get you something appropriate to wear. Riley will take you shopping this weekend."
"Callum, I can't afford—"
"The company will cover it. This is a professional obligation." His tone softened slightly. "Besides, you should have something nice. You've earned it."
"Thank you."
Another pause. "Elias told me about yesterday. About your conversation in your office."
My stomach dropped. "What did he tell you?"
"Enough." His voice hardened again. "Enjoy your date tonight, Nova. We'll be here when you get home."
He hung up before I could respond.
I decided not to go to work. The thought of sitting in that office all day was too much.
I spent the day in my room, trying on different outfits. Finally settling on a deep burgundy dress that hit just above my knees. Form-fitting but not too tight.
By six thirty, I was ready. Hair in loose curls, makeup perfect, the burgundy dress hugging every curve.
My phone buzzed at exactly seven o'clock.
I'm here. And I can't wait to see you.
I grabbed my clutch and headed downstairs.
Elias was in the foyer when I came down. Leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching me descend the stairs.
"You look beautiful," he said quietly.
"Thank you."
"He's not good enough for you."
"You don't even know him."
"I know enough." He pushed off the wall and moved closer. "I know this is going to end badly. And I know that when it does, you're going to wish you'd listened to me."
"Elias, please. Not tonight."
He stared at me for a long moment, then stepped aside. "Fine."
The doorbell rang.
I opened it to find Matthias in a perfectly tailored navy suit, holding red roses.
"Nova. You're absolutely breathtaking."
Behind me, I heard Elias make a sound. When I glanced back, he was staring at Matthias with barely concealed hostility.
Matthias noticed him and smiled.
"You must be one of the Blackthorn brothers," Matthias said smoothly.
"I know who you are," Elias said flatly.
"Do you? Good." Matthias's smile widened, his eyes locked on Elias. "Then you know I always get what I want."
"We should go," I said quickly, grabbing Matthias's arm.
As we walked to his car, I glanced back.
Elias was standing in the doorway, watching us with an expression that made my blood run cold