Page 8 of His Dark Desire

"Every month, the rich and extremely rich put on an event that will benefit a particular charity each month. It's very high society," I say, rolling my eyes. "Anyone who's rich and looking to get richer is in attendance."

"You've been to one of these events?" he says thickly, his gaze roaming over my body. "Tell me why these events would benefit me?"

I place the folder that Jayne gave me onto my desk and perch on the edge of it. "Mr. Raineri, I know all about your previous business and while I'm not judging you, others will. You being involved in—" I pause once again, trying my hardest not to offend him yet again. "Illegal activities, whether it was in your past or not, is going to be a huge part in why some businessmen and women won't sell their business to you."

He takes a deep breath, I watch as he battles internally, did I just fuck up? Christ, I did, I didn't mean too, I just wanted him to understand why he may not have as many doors open as he could. I see him count to ten, and I just pray that he doesn't fire me on the spot.

"So," he says evenly, his eyes focused once again, but this time they're clear and emotionless, right now I'm looking at the Denver mafia boss. "You're telling me that I have to schmooze these assholes if I want to have their business?"

I nod my head. "Yes, that's exactly it. It's different here," I explain to him. "It's old money and very old fashioned. Men are the ones that do the business, and everything is kept behind closed doors. It's very seldom that you'd uncover anything about these men."

"Like politicians," he says with disdain.

I laugh. "Exactly like that. Those that want to sell their business will want to ensure that it remains the best it can be, and no offense Mr. Raineri, having a man that does illegal things means that the business could be seized or even disintegrate if you're arrested for those activities and sent to prison."

He grins. "So, when you said you knew very little about this World, you meant that you knew a lot."

I press my lips together. "Sort of, my father is a businessman," I tell him. "Going to these events was always something we had to do."

"So how does one get an invite?" he questions.

"I'll set it up," I tell him knowing that with just a few words with the right people, he'll have one for the following month. "My best friend's mom is part of the committee for these things, we'll get you an invite. Just don't expect people to be happy that you're there."

His laughter is dark. "Oh Hazel," he says. "I’d never expect that. With my line of work, I'm always making waves."

I grin. "Just as long as you know."

He nods. "Get that invite sorted and you'll have earned yourself a bonus."

I blink. Holy shit, now I'll make sure that I'll get it done. "Yes, sir."

"I'll tell you what, it seems as if you know a lot more than the assholes I pay to uncover this shit. If you can find out who's selling their Bourbon distillery that will be at the event, I'll give you an extra five thousand on your paycheck."

I smile. "Challenge accepted," I say.

Oh, I have a feeling that working for Mr. Raineri is going to be fun. Now I need to get him onto that invite list and do some digging. I need to find out who's selling their business and who'll be receptive to selling to Mr. Raineri, although I think that'll be the hardest of all. Mr Raineri is going to be well known in those circles he's looking to join. They'll have spoken about him and with his other businesses, it won’t be something they'll want to be associated with.

"Briar," I smile as I walk into my best friend's arms. I called her this morning once Mr Raineri had gone into his office and gave her the quick rundown of what I wanted. Of course, Briar being Briar, she didn't hesitate in offering to help.

"Look at you," she praises. "You look gorgeous girl, so damn hot. Being an assistant works for you. When you get this bonus, we'll go shopping and ensure that you have even better outfits."

That's my best friend, always wanting an excuse to shop. Her parents are rich, and they lavish Briar with anything that she wants.

"How are you?" I ask, wondering what she's been up to these past few days. I called her on Friday, but she told me she was busy and she'd call me on Monday.

She links her arm through mine. "I have so much to tell you," she sighs. "But first, your wish is my command. I spoke to mom about getting Mr. Raineri on the list for the next charity event and while she was a little hesitant, the moment I told her that you were his assistant she quickly brightened up. Your boss should have his invite by tomorrow morning, mom was working on it when I left the house."

I beam at my best friend. "Girl, I owe you. I don't know how you always manage to make things happen, but you're a freaking genius. Now, tell me about what happened this weekend."

"I'm going to need a drink. Fuck, make it a few drinks. You are not going to believe this shit," she says as we walk into the bar. "So, Friday rolled around and I was getting ready like always when both my parents knocked on my bedroom door. Honest to God, Hazel, I thought someone had died, they were so serious."

The server seats us and quickly takes our drinks order. "What happened?"

"It was even worse," she cries. "They're making me get married."

I stare at her in shock. "I'm sorry, are we in the eighteenth century, what do you mean by making you marry?"

She sighs. "Exactly that. They've apparently had an agreement for quite some time and I'm to marry Drayton Coldwell. It was agreed to years ago and I was only told about it this weekend. Let's just say I wasn't in a particularly good mood when that came out."

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