Page 65 of The Passion

“I get the possessiveness, but she’s a grown woman who knows what she’s doing. Plus, surely her security will be with her.”

“Don’t care. And I’m not possessive…” I’m grumbling as he cuts me off.

Rem pretends to cough over top of his word, “Bullshit.”

“And don’t tell me you wouldn’t be doing the same. It’s who we are, and I can’t change that.” To be honest, I have never felt this protective over anyone before, and it’s so damn strong I’m struggling to keep it under control. It’s like a clawing feeling on the inside that is trying to break free because I feel like I have no power at the moment, and I hate it.

“Okay, okay. I get it and will sort it out. But promise me one thing.”

“What?” I snap at him.

“If I do as you ask, you will stay far away from The Savoy tonight and let both Felisha and our team handle this. I can assure you she’s not in danger.” Rem waits for my answer. “Flynn?”

“Fine! Make it happen.” I hang up on him because I’m done talking about this.

Riding the elevator down to Forrest’s car in the basement in just my pants and no shirt, I’m glad there is no one else around. I can’t help but feel good knowing that Felisha is still wrapped in my shirt. Nothing hotter than seeing your woman in your clothes.

But I know I need to push it out of my head for now, get home, shower, and wash the smell of sex off me to get ready for my meeting later today.

I’m going to need every bit of brain power and persuasion to get this deal over the line. I’ve now got an even greater urgency to make this happen, so I don’t have to put up with the bullshit of Felisha being out with another man. I want her on my arm to have a dinner at The Savoy, no one else’s.

We walk into the private dining room at The Ritz in Central London because we couldn’t risk having this meeting with Luchia Bianchi at any of our hotels. Plus, the use of the private dining room will make talking easier with the sensitive nature of the topic. Especially after Nic leaves and it’s just the two of us.

“You ready for this?” Nic asks under his breath as we walk through the elaborate foyer. This hotel is over one hundredyears old and steeped in tradition. Everything is immaculate and decorated to perfection to take you back into the elegance of our English history. Although its beauty speaks for itself, it’s not my preference in a hotel. Only because I know the cost and work of upkeep on these old buildings.

“More than,” I reply as the doorman nods at us and opens the door to the room, obviously expecting us.

Seated at the table already is an impeccably dressed woman who looks to be in her late sixties. She is sipping on wine while scrolling on her phone, seeming very relaxed. Normally I like to be first to arrive at a meeting I have instigated, and we are thirty minutes early for that reason, but obviously, she has the same philosophy.

Approaching her, Nic makes the introductions as the head of the Darby Hotels.

“A pleasure to meet you, gentlemen.” She lifts her hand for us to shake but doesn’t bother to stand, making sure she is exerting her dominance over the meeting from the beginning. I’m guessing in other meetings she has not received the respect she wishes for being a woman, but that won’t be happening here.

“The pleasure is all ours, Mrs. Bianchi. Thank you for the opportunity to meet.” Nic takes the seat across from her while I take the one next to her.

“Please, call me Luchia, Mrs. Bianchi makes me feel so old.” She laughs to herself as she pushes her phone to the side and starts giving us her full attention. “I know, I know I am old, but that is beside the point. Let’s eat, shall we.” She waves her hand at the head waiter who disappears through a side door, and then the food starts appearing, being brought out on plates. “I took the liberty of sorting out the meal. I’m sure you will enjoy it.”

Oh, I like this woman. She is strong and has no problem showing her authority. Commands the room, and I can see why she is so successful.

I can see Felisha in her and hope that at this age she will still be ruling the world like the queen she is but with me beside her as her king.

We get straight into talking about Nic’s proposed business arrangement through our late lunch, and I can’t fault the meal she chose, or the quality of the food served. Luchia is very receptive to what we are looking at doing with the hotel and her vineyard. I’m sure she can see that our future plans are trying to buy her out, but neither side is giving that away at this stage.

I’m not overly hungry with so much anticipation of what I’m about to propose to her, and as they clear away the last of the plates and offer another drink, Nic takes this as the perfect time to leave.

“Not for me, thank you. I’m sorry, but I must leave as I have another commitment I need to attend. But I think we have come to a perfect understanding and agreement that will allow us to move forward on our purchase, and then we can speak at a later date. Maybe visit you in Tuscany?” Standing and shaking her hand, she agrees and thanks him for a lovely lunch.

As he turns to start leaving, she looks at me, a little confused, as I haven’t started to move.

“What about you, young man, you don’t have anywhere more important to be than to keep an old lady company?”

Hearing the door close behind me confirming that Nic has left the room, I wave the waiter away from pouring me another drink. This meeting is better had with no clouded judgment.

“I was hoping I could discuss something else quite private with you?” Her curiosity is piqued when I pull out of the inside pocket of my jacket a non-disclosure agreement for her to sign. Laying it on the table in front of her with a pen, I give her time to read what is in front of her.

“It’s not often I’m taken by surprise, but okay, you have me intrigued.” Picking up the pen, she scribbles her signature on it,which has me breathing a huge sigh of relief. At least I’m going to get the chance to have the discussion.

“But don’t take me for a fool either. I know who you are. Not that I would ever degrade the poor girl by watching it, but I know you are the man who was in the video that was leaked of Felisha Kentwall. I assume this has something to do with her.”

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