Page 86 of Pain and Possession

It doesn't take me long to find him making his way to the bar, his sights set exactly where I want him. Where it's been since he spotted me at the bar. I watch his pot-bellied frame lean against it as he orders a drink. Glancing over his shoulder as I lightly chew my lip, glancing down as our eyes meet. I can't tell if his skin is really that oily or if he's already sweating. The idea of having his hands on me makes me want to vomit, the idea of seeing them all lying with waxy skin and glazed over eyes is enough to keep it at bay. I sniffle a few times, really driving the bleeding-heart thing home, my skin crawling as he approaches me. Making a conscious effort to ignore my fight-or-flight instinct. Like a spider that feels movement on his web, slinking in for the kill.

Only thing is, he's the fly.

I'm not the victim you think I am, and I can't wait to see the horrified look in your eyes the moment you realize the fatal mistake you made. Underestimating me. Threatening the man I love, my family, my child.

"For your troubles." His voice is every bit as slimy as I remember it that day at the compound as he sits down a glass of champagne and napkin in front of me.

"I apologize for my outburst. It's just been a long night."

"It’s forgotten." He smiles, his eyes lingering on my breasts.

You're easily distracted Mr. Riviera. You should work on that.

I smile back at him before bringing the glass to my lips pretending to take a sip. He leans in closer, adjusting so that his knee touches mine. Inches above the blade strapped there. My anxiety spikes, hoping he won't try to touch me there. Not yet.

"I've met you before, yes? At the Arcuri compound."

I smile shyly, pushing my hair behind my ear, "Yes. It appears you keep finding me when I'm not at my best."

You know exactly who I am you fuck.

"Not to scold you but when beautiful young girls like you keep ill-bred company like that it's only to be expected." His tone turns chipped as he shifts in his seat. His eyes flashing to the exit that Camilla left through.

Keep him here.

I follow his gaze, gesturing towards the door, "I evidently like to learn all of my lessons the hard way." I chuckle, leaning forward and resting my elbow on the table as my hair falls free from my ear. Falling gently across my face, the perfect invitation.

If Laney could see me now.

He smiles reaching out and lightly brushing my hair from my face. His fingers graze my neck, sending a chill down my spine.

"I heard he let you get damaged as well. Far too young and pretty for a misstep like that."

Young… that's the second time you've said it. Of course, that's what you like. Just like Brandon.

Bile rises in my throat as he pulls me in closer to him, draping his heavy arm over my shoulders. I can't help but to recoil. My heart drumming in my chest as my palms start to sweat.

Deep breath. You're fucking this up.

"Noè would freak if he saw us together." I attempt to cover.

He scoffs, "Arcuri trash can be handled easily. How about I show a sweet little girl like you how a man operates?"

I clench my fists under the table, forcing a smile to my face as I cast a nervous glance towards the door they left from. The idea of being alone with him…it's too much. I'm not…strong enough.

Thirty seconds Olive. That's it.

I nod, as I push to a stand. He follows as he clears his throat, "Meet me in the right hall in five minutes. Don't want the wife getting the wrong idea."

The right? Hock went left…

Panic rears it's ugly head as I nod, making my way through the crowd pretending to mingle as everything goes terribly, terribly, wrong. He glances over at me as he strides towards the same door Camilla came from. I know from countless hours looking over the compound blueprints that is definitelynotthe direction of his office.

He knows.

I watch as he quickly disappears from my view. I need to find Hock. Now. I take a few steps in that direction as several men dressed more casually than the rest of the guests gather around the exact place I need to be.

Fuck fuck fuck.

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