NALEDI’S POV
I placed a smile on my face, getting into the role.
“Hey,” I said softly, giving him what I believed Caellum regarded as fuck me eyes.
Because that was all I ever said when it comes to men. He made that abundantly clear with his little speech right then.
Luka stalked towards me and to the surprise of the people, took off the mask on his face. “Hello everyone. I trust you are having a great time tonight.”
The people responded with cheers, affirming his words as he spoke.
“As you all know, My name is Luka Donatello. And I am committed to ensuring you all have a wonderful experience tonight.” He finally got in front of me and slowed his steps.
“I am sorry to cut your dancing short but I needed to make some things clear before we proceed with our most beautiful night.” He stopped in front of me. “I know we are all waiting for the announcement of the last and only partner of the De Luca’s latest trade and I figured we could do that sooner rather than later.”
Luka stretched out his arms, prompting me to take them and I did. Not because I loved the idea of going hand-to-hand with him but because I didn’t want to cause a ruckus.
The fact that he decided to make his announcement right in front of me with my hand in his drew enough attention to my person. The last thing I needed was to give them another reason to keep their eyes on me.
Not like the singular action of Luka holding my hand didn’t do that but you get the gist. And I couldn’t deny a small part of me that wanted to do it just to spite Caellum.
And boy did it work. That bit was clear from his rock-hard and piercing gaze.
“This party was organised by yours truly, not just for your entertainment but to announce the birth of a new partnership in the De Luca’s.”
“Everyone knows that the De Luca Group of company is a business that never shies away from new waters and has evolved over the years to being a force worthy to be reckoned with.”
“Today, I mark the launch of another big project the company has taken hold of. A trade market that we hope to bring in new possibilities, partnerships, and of course, money.”
Luka led us to the makeshift stage, and I felt the people’s eyes – who wondered who I was. Their whispers were more than audible, and I hated the attention on me.
“I know you are all wondering the identity of the beautiful woman in my hand but I promise to tell you in good time.” He bit his lower lip and gauged me with a swoon-worthy look that honestly made me want to puke. “I’ll give you a hint. She’s my woman.”
My eyes widened at his words and my first instinct is to set the record straight but he continued his speech while I shook my head repeatedly.
“As you can see, I’m still in the wooing stage so you will have to excuse me for what I’m about to do.” That caught my attention. It felt like something worse than the defamation of my character was coming up. “This is Amara Cordel, billionaire daughter to the CEO of the Cordel group of companies.” More eyes came my way with his timely introduction. “After much consideration, she has amassed the new partner of the latest project of the De Luca’s.”
There was a reaction. It was clear they didn’t appreciate the idea of losing the most coveted position to me. If only they knew I was as shocked as they were. How did I manage to snag the position?
I looked on with confusion as he continued.
“I know that this is a bit sudden, especially with the announcement of the single position available at the moment. For as many who looked forward to being a part of this business, please don’t be discouraged. I assure there will be room for more partnerships moving forward.” He kissed the tip of my hand. “Any other information regarding the business will be communicated in due time. Do have a wonderful night.”
After his little speech, some people cheered, others made their way out of the hall with less than happy faces, while others just drank themselves to stupor, partying and flirting hard.
I was left alone with Luka who gauged me with a shit-eating grin as he led me away from Caellum like a trophy girlfriend. After minutes of sifting through the crowd, receiving congratulatory remarks and downright watching people attempt to bed Luka, we were finally in the VIP section.
I waited a total three seconds before I exploded. “Really? Your woman?!” I whisper-yelled, waiting for his excuse. “I don’t remember telling you I accepted to your conditions, Luka.”
The sick smile on his face made me want to tear him apart. “You wanted it didn’t you?” I sported a confused look. “You wanted to be my trade partner so I made you a partner.”
His tone was casual, like he was talking about the weather, and not some grand business. “You should be happy.” He led me to a secluded area to sit. “As for the part of being my woman, I believe you will adjust. You said it yourself. I compliment you beautifully.”
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Was he alright? Did he fall and hit his head as a child? “You just made a fool out of me in the presence of a billion people and you expect me to be pleased?”
My tone was rhetoric. Incredulous.
“I just announced you as the partner. A position quite a number of people would kill to have. I hardly understand how that is supposed to make you look like a fool.”
I grounded my teeth in anger. “No Sherlock, you just announced that I was your ‘woman’ and insinuated something other than my competence as the reason for your pick. So excuse me if I feel insulted by your ridiculous approach to business.”
I got on my feet and he held me back. “I don’t get it. You’re it. You are the partner. Why are you upset?”
I took my hand from him, “Because while you made me your partner, you have no regard for me. And heaven forbids I work with someone that have zero regard for me and what I stand for.” My eyes met his, “No matter how powerful or complimentary he might be.”
“I’ll leave first.”
With that, I stormed out of the place, having enough of the men and their stupid behaviours. I needed a break, and so help me God if I received another darn look from any one of these stupid humans I was going to tear them to pieces.
I saw Marcus first. His expression told me there was trouble looming. I had blown away our chance of getting any substantial information of the business from Luke with my little fit but if we were going to do this, then it was going to be on my own terms.
Same rules applied to Luka. And something told me that with my actions, I had become more or less a big game he wouldn’t rest until he had cracked. I could tell from the look in his eyes when I left.
Shock, and a little entertainment.