by Taylor R. C.
- The last target I see potential is James Watts, CEO and owner of a steel company and he is also a Baron, you see, he won the title of his uncle who died six years ago and came along with a huge fortune, he certainly is already in the billions, even!
- I understood why you were in doubt to keep it or not, in the end, your fortune and title are great attractive.
- You can't blame a man for always thinking about the best in business!
Gisele smiled, turning her attention to the room and looking at her options. Everyone had what mattered: A fortune, that was what would weigh in his decision.
- What else do you know about the third target?
- The family has already gone upstairs, all without brothers or cousins, there is no one to share so much money with ...
She ran a hand through her hair much shorter and without missing any of what she had taken, and her eyes still on the salon, while her mind worked eagerly.
- How old are they?
- Does age matter dear? - Benett laconic, but continued. - Respectively, twenty-five, twenty-nine, and the last thirty!
- How is a party like the Baron not yet married?
- They say he almost got married, but for some reason hidden from everyone it didn't happen, he is a hermit, he almost never appears.
Gisele looked at her partner with clear indignation, she did not like that her work was even more difficult than it already was.
- And how the hell do you want me to seduce a hermit? Telepathy? - He paused in exasperation. - I can't do miracles!
- Sweetie, calm down, it's not like that too, everything goes well remember? And today he is here ... - He said and she gave a clear laugh in response.
- You didn't even find him, look, we have great options, so I excluded the hermit and let's focus on choosing daddy's little boy or the blond aficionado!
Benett sighed as if he were not satisfied. Gisele turned her face with a snort, it was clear that her partner wanted the one with the fattest bank account, when talking about figures, the more of them the better for the man.
- You won't even consider?
- Not for now! - she looked at him. - I'm going to take a walk around the hall near our “cattle” and see if I'm noticed, stay here and watch, and I'll be back soon.
- As you wish!
He replied crossly. Gisele ignored him already turning and heading for the stairs, ran her hand through her hair once more and took a discreet look at her cleavage, deciding that everything was in order, squeezed the small bag in her left hand and went down the stairs. She decided to stop by the bar first, the music had changed and now a soft ballad of “Mirrors” Justin Timberlake was playing, she spotted a waiter with a tray, in which they had two glasses of whiskey. Walking in that direction, he was almost on the front line of this Michel, in the meantime of travel a glass disappeared, leaving only one.
Two more steps and then the woman reached the waiter, reached for the glass, yet another person did the same thing, and in the next minute, there she was holding the object and on the other side a guy was doing the same. They stared at each other for a minute until it was clear that none of them seemed predisposed to drop the drink. Gisele tilted her head, assessing the man who did the same, stoic. He had a full beard, but very well done, a shade lighter than the dark browns almost brown in his hair, his eyes were blue and he narrowed with warning.
- I won't let go!
He said in a beautiful British accent, the voice was deep and there was something baritone, but most of all it was loaded with arrogance.
- Swear, because neither do I!
Chapter 02
James stared at a woman in a red dress with short, honey brown hair, a delicate, oval face, light skin, lips that looked as if they were drawn and had big green eyes that looked like they had been mixed with caramel, she was disturbingly beautiful and at the same time it was annoying, because I was looking at him as if he had dementia.
- We're at an impasse!
He said without humor, his night was miserable, he didn't need that cute little thing, much less the mockery that crossed his face when he raised his eyebrow.
- Chivalry then died?
The falsely sweet voice, with an American accent, did not deceive him, her eyes shone with indignation, even if veiled by all that pose.
- Apparently, yes ...
He replied dryly, the woman blinked and faced the glass, before frowning, then before James could react to the creature he pushed the glass forward causing all the amber liquid to spill over his white blazer.
- Oops!
It was all she said, and the odious mouth of perfect forming a beak, while the woman forged the purest expression of regret. James never wished that he could squeeze his hands around someone's neck and squeeze as he wanted to do with that stranger.
- Your...
- Please look at the manners, it was unintentional ...
Gisele spoke without almost being able to hide all her satisfaction at having destroyed a double buttoned blazer, as white as snow. Previously he looked like a lord, all in white, only his tie in two dark shades clashing, however, at that very moment he looked like he had fallen into a puddle. His jaw was locked, if it weren't for the sound, Gisele might even say he heard her gnash her teeth.
- You don't know the mistake you made.
He said raising his eyes to meet hers. The guy must have been about one and ninety tall, he was strong, compared to her sixty eight, he was too big to be shot down easily, but luckily they were at a party, so he could get out of combat, though it was obvious from the icy fury of those blue eyes that he would love to kill her.
- I feel devastated ...
She replied placing her hand on her chest and pursing her lips down, but those damn eyes laughed at him, James would definitely make that little woman go to hell. Nobody made a fool of him or laughed at him, especially in front of an entire party, people were already huddled together. Raising his face he agreed.
- I also feel devastated.
This seemed to confuse him and he took advantage, turned to the side, taking a woman's champagne glass, two seconds later he smiled, throwing the liquid in the face of that hideous female being. He loved watching her close her eyes, raise her hands and get bathed. When she looked at him, she looked furious.
- Your...
- Please look at the manners, exchanged lead is more than acceptable!
Vitória was stamped on his face, despite not smiling, but somehow in his eyes she saw how much he was delighted. Son of a whore! This time she wanted to throw a glass at that little face of hers, not only drink in her clothes, but she had nothing within reach, but she thought her fists or a kick in the middle of the man's legs would be welcome. Gisele took a step forward, ready to attack, but was stopped.
- Gisele ... - Benett spoke softly. - Come with me, now!
His tone was warning, but he seemed clearly concerned, she took a deep breath and looked at the demon envoy with blue eyes that still waited for a reaction. However, she stepped back, turning to Benett, accepting the blazer he was putting on her shoulders, and leaving without looking back.
James watched the woman clearly give up on harming him, thanks to a disgraced soul who came to his aid. Poor man who creates a viper ... He thought turning and also leaving the hall, the show had already been too much, could you blame Pottes who did everything to make him leave the house and all for what? To come face to face with Lucifer's daughter, the little woman was going to attack, she saw this, she waited until, deep down, she couldn't help but be curious if she would try more damage to her clothes or go for physical aggression. Anyway, it didn't matter, he would never see her again.
Pottes would listen to a huge sermon. Getting him out of the house on the grounds that it was good for him to appear in public after what had happened, and after whoever killed him, in which case he was going to show up that night. Great, now he had a nice alibi, in fact, James even thought he would appear in the newspaper or something ... De
vil woman ... Gisele ... The name was not very common, like the owner.
£££
- Thank God I managed to get you out of there ... - Benett spoke relieved.
Gisele looked at him with narrowed eyes still feeling some droplets of Champagne on her lashes. How she would love to punch that son of a bitch ... She thought without any remorse. Her dress was finished, it got completely wet, her face looked like a carnival for sure, and all because of the playboy asshole.
- Thank God? - She was outraged. - That man ended our night ...
- Technically it was you ...
She stopped in the middle of the hall, taking her arm out of his gentle grip.
- I? - His tone was cold. - You can't be serious.
Benett put his hands on his hips, staring at her like a "father" about to lecture.
- Yes, you and I know, your free spirit loves a challenge. - She rolled her eyes and he continued. - However, I have to congratulate you.
This time she was taken completely by surprise without understanding exactly how the course of the "sermon" had turned the other way, she crossed her arms in front of her body, becoming defensive.
- Have? - He agreed smiling.
- You found the Baron!
If Gisele thought the night had been worse, she felt tremendously deceived.
- Are you kidding me? She asked almost without a voice and he smiled.
- Not even a little. - Benett approached. - It is fair to say that it was not the best approach, but it was a first step, as it definitely put you in the game, in the game of all our targets, with just one shot Gisele. You really don't think I took so long to intervene due to sheer delay, do you?
She ran a hand over her face, still a little shocked. If I had done it on purpose, I would never have been so perfect.
- So our other "friends" noticed me?
- Absolutely, the blonde was forgotten and the Greek work too, after all, it is not every day that the eighth Baron of Blackcastle throws champagne at a woman or she throws at him ...
Gisele couldn't help laughing when looking at that perspective, in fact, it seemed quite funny from that angle. The Baron had reacted in kind and without any manners, he was a brute, neither money nor title could say otherwise, but he ended up doing him a favor.
- So for your excitement are you including him in the race? - He asked.
- Don't tell me you don't? He raised an eyebrow skeptically.
- Honestly, I don't know, I think he must have been wanting to see me seven feet off the ground ... - Benett gestured to minimize the whole thing.
- Let's find a way, now come, because you are still hot, but dripping.
She agreed laughing and letting herself be led by him. I had no idea how they were going to "fix it", but if Benett was saying they were going, he was quite capable of having something on his mind, the little guy never made a point without a knot, and it was one of the things that Gisele had more fun in it.
£££
James woke up with a tremendous headache. When he went down to the breakfast room, Pottes was there setting the table and placing the morning paper. The man always seemed to be in tune with his schedules, which was probably due to the six years of living together he had been the only companion and had the sanctity to put up with.
- Did you rascal hide from me yesterday?
He asked in a rude tone, Pottes just looked up from the cup he was setting, staring at him calmly.
- Under no circumstances Sir. Blackcastle, I'm just an old man who sleeps early ...
James made a disgusted sound. He knew that Pottes exuded the health of a thoroughbred horse and that was a very kind comparison, since he loved animals, one of the only things he could still say he liked.
- I will never listen to you again ...
- Does it say in the literal sense or any advice specifically on Sir? She asked, pouring him coffee.
- Specifically, since his advice would only be possible to not hear if I gagged him, and I have not yet reached this point with the servants!
- I am very happy to know that the staff is still being held in such high esteem and a relief too, gags must be uncomfortable. Pottes smiled and passed him the jam. - What advice did I give you that was so horrendous?
James passed the strawberry jam on the toast remembering his shattered blazer and then green eyes mixed with caramel ... Satanic little woman ... He made an exasperated sound.
- Make me go that half-hearted event.
- It is one of the most elegant and prestigious fundraising events of the year.
He bit his toast and stared at Pottes with boredom that remained placidly beside him.
- All lie. People are not there for charity, they are about to say that they are good and feel that way ... - He said with his mouth full. - Bunch of hypocrites!
"Someone pissed you off ..." The little man said, James ignored it.
- Everything pisses me off, especially the one responsible for the damage to my blazer, but above all you pissed me off!
- I always do Sir. Blackcastle. Pottes smiled and James rolled his eyes.
- Did you see my blazer?
- Yes, it looked like you swam in whiskey!
The man didn't even have the courage to pretend he didn't want to laugh. James wondered if he threw coffee at him that he would burn a lot and look like someone who had swam in the dark liquid.
- It was your fault that I stayed like this.
- Should I apologize?
- Do you happen to ask in order to ask? James looked upset.
- No, I won't ask.
- For Lucifer, we should go back to the time when they could be lashed by affronting butlers! Pottes laughed and handed him the newspaper.
- You are on the second page, I think it's an offense, I deserved the first!
James tugged the newspaper out of his hand as he left the room. He thought of how cynical Pottes was, he had read how miserable his night was in the newspaper and yet he made a monologue.
- Dirty butler this ...
He spoke by opening the story in the main London newspaper. There was a note talking about what happened to the "mysterious lady", James almost gave an incredulous laugh at that. In his head, that genious creature that made him feel ashamed should be called; "Dama do capeta", "dama insanada", "hideous lady" or "lady of champagne". The latter pleased him more than anyone else as he remembered her soaking wet, which he deserved.
£££
"Do I Wanna Know?" Arctic Monkeys, played in her ears as the woman wore herself on the mat reading the note in the newspaper about her and the Baron, a smile curved her lips. Apparently things went better than I could have imagined, Benett would be delighted, in fact, he must have been in the clouds. Now Gisele had the attention of all three of our targets, quite obviously Mr. Watts would be very grudging, but the world was not perfect. Her phone rang shortly afterwards, when she saw the name she smiled and answered it.
- Thinking of the devil and he appears! - She said to Benett on the other end of the line.
- I am your beloved, I know, but for the moment you will have to pay your attention to another lucky one.
- I'm all ears...
- He's panting ... - He groaned softly. - How delicious to hear!
- I'm running on a treadmill, nothing more normal, now stop fantasizing about me and spill out what you have to say soon.
- Always so sweet! He heard laughter accompany his voice. - I heard that there will be an event this afternoon at a Baron estate, something to do with an orphanage, I am trying to get the invitations, but we are going anyway.
Gisele hit the "stop" button on the treadmill and gradually slowed down. She did not like hearing the word "orphanage", this took her to a time that she preferred to forget, leave buried and does not allow her to enter the life she currently had.
- He'll be there, is that why you want to go?
- No, well at least so far nobody has confirmed his departure, but we can take a chance and, besides, Michel wi
ll be there, his mother is a direct collaborator.
- Damn Benett, I don't want to go to a place full of orphans.
- We are past that Gisele, look more beautiful than you already are, because I will pick you up at two!
He hung up and she swore. There was no way. Benett was not going to give up on it at all and would take it anyway.
£££
Pottes practically chased after James, who was only striding but clearly difficult to follow, however, who said he cared.
- I will not!
He said pushing the double doors at the end of the corridor into the library he used as an office as well.
- It costs you nothing Sir. Blackcastle is just a charity event!
James ignored it and sat on the leather chair by the fireplace, crossing his legs and clasping his hands in his lap, facing his butler.
- Do I look like someone who does charity?
- But you do ... - Completed concisely.
- You do it for me Pottes! James rolled his eyes. - It's completely different.
- Sir. Blackcastle is good to come. - He said in a conciliatory tone. - It is in evidence is of paramount importance, always has been and that is why the Blackcastle have remained in this business for so long.
- I agree with him, buddy ...
Complemented a tall man entering the room, he wore a leather jacket, blue jeans and a white shirt, the muddy boots were just a detail that did not go unnoticed by Pottes who gave him a horrified look, James almost laughed as he looked at his face , black eyes and dark hair, the stubble told him that the night had been good. This was Jack.
- The dichotomy between you is exquisite. - James spoke with an exasperated sigh. - One treats me like a lord of antiquity and the other like I'm a friend of the bar ...
Jack threw himself on the sofa and Pottes cleared his throat pointing at his boots, the call was ignored.
- James the Pottes is right, go to that event, after all you keep the blessed orphanage. You gave them a castle!
- Not me, he gave it to me. - He pointed to Pottes.
- I gave your consent sir. - He said defending himself.