Page 13 of All We Want

I need a plan, a way to navigate the treacherous waters I find myself in.

The office walls seem to close in as I grapple with the conflicting forces tugging at me. On one side, the tempting allure of the Blackstone brothers, the memories of my interactions with each of them echoing in my memory and body. On the other, the carefully constructed empire I built, teetering on the brink of jeopardy if I fail to deliver the promised files.

The Blackstones threw a wrench into the well-oiled machinery of my life. Their magnetic pull, both physical and mental, entangled me in a game where the stakes were higher than anything I faced before.

I needed to do more research into both sides of this battlefield. Obviously, I clearly didn’t know the players in this game beyond the details of the job. I looked into the Blackstones enough to gain surface level knowledge of them and their company and then only the details of how to get in and get the files undetected. And the buyer I planned to do my due diligence on this week before I delivered the files.

There was no way for me to do that research here in my office though. The security on my computer here was good, but nothing compared to home. I also had a full day of work ahead of me, including a client meeting within the hour that I couldn’t get out of.

And now a dinner to attend tonight.

With the chaos still swirling in my mind, I return to my desk, hoping to find some solace in the routine of work. I dial Sue and let her know she doesn’t need to hold my calls anymore. I take a seat, attempting to focus on the tasks at hand.

As I delve into my work, Sue brings me a coffee, a thoughtful gesture that momentarily lifts my spirits. She arches an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Rough day, dear? Need something stronger in that coffee? I mean, it’s not even nine o'clock yet, but I’m sure it would be acceptable given what just walked out of here not long ago."

I chuckle, appreciating Sue's attempt to bring a touch of humor into the mess that is my day. "I'll stick with caffeine for now, Sue. I need a clear head to navigate through this chaos."

She winks. "You got it, dear. But if you change your mind, I've got a stash of the good stuff hidden somewhere."

Taking a sip of the coffee, I sink into my chair and glance at the clock. The client meeting looms, and I need to gather my thoughts. Sue, ever perceptive, leans against the edge of my desk, her eyes flickering with curiosity.

"So, spill the tea, or whatever it is you kids say now. Who are these hot men causing a storm in our usually calm office? Friends or foes?"

I sigh, contemplating how much to share with Sue. "I’m not entirely sure. The Blackstone brothers. They're complicating things and seem to now want to inject themselves into my life."

Sue raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "The Blackstones? Dear, even I’ve heard of them, they are the hottest topic in the city. If they were circling me as closely as they seem to be circling you, I would be panting like a bitch in heat."

I couldn't help but laugh at Sue's colorful description. "Well, they're certainly making their presence known and not in the most subtle way. In fact, I'm now supposed to have dinner with them tonight."

Sue's eyes widen. "Dinner? Well, isn't that an interesting turn of events. Hot men, dinner plans. Are you sure you're not living out a romance novel?"

I shake my head. "If this were a romance novel, it would be a lot more straightforward. This feels more like a suspense thriller with a touch of chaos."

Sue laughs. "Suspense thriller, romance novel – who cares? As long as there's eye candy at dinner, I'd be all in for the show.”

I chuckle at Sue's enthusiasm. "Eye candy or not, I can't shake the feeling that this dinner is just the beginning of something complicated. The Blackstones are not your average romantic leads."

Sue winks. "Well, dear, not every story has a predictable plot. Sometimes the best ones are the unpredictable, thrilling ones. Who knows, maybe this dinner will be the start of a blockbuster."

Taking another sip of coffee, I can’t help but smile at Sue's infectious energy. "You always find a way to lighten the mood, Sue. I appreciate it."

She grins. "That's what I'm here for, dear. That and to organize something hot and sexy for you to wear tonight so I can live vicariously through you. Now, onto less exciting topics, your meeting should be here shortly."

Sue's ability to seamlessly shift from the thrilling to the practical never ceased to amaze me. With a nod of gratitude, I refocus on the tasks at hand, attempting to push aside my whirlwind of thoughts.

As the client meeting progressed, I found myself slipping into the familiar rhythm of negotiations and presentations. The adrenaline from the earlier encounter with Aiden still pulsed beneath the surface, but professionalism demanded my full attention. My phone buzzed half way through my meeting but I ignored it. The client, unaware of the chaos within, seemed satisfied with the progress, and as the meeting concluded, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

My mind and body started to relax again into my routines.

Once the client departed I looked at the message I received.

6pm at the penthouse. Don’t be late, gadaí beag,

you won’t like the consequences if you are.

Chapter 11

Declan

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