SIMON~
It’s been weeks since I last laid eyes on Ashley. I’ve managed to keep my distance, despite my wolf’s relentless agitation. I’ve stayed in control, though it hasn’t been easy.
Today, I saw her on the phone, chatting and laughing. I didn’t realize she had a phone, and it irked me to see her so cheerful while speaking to someone else.
Aside from that annoyance, I was informed by a maid that an old acquaintance had dropped by. I decided to confront this unwelcome visitor.
I flung open the door to find him lounging in my chair. The cheeky bastard spread his arms, as if expecting a hug.
“In your dreams, asshole,” I snapped, striding across the room and shoving him off the chair.
“Ouch! Damn it! You could’ve at least given me a heads-up,” he groaned, wincing in mock pain.
“I assume you’ve been well, RD. What brings you to my pack?” I asked, settling into my chair.
“Hello to you too, you prick. I just wanted to see my favorite brother,” he said, taking the seat across from me.
I raised an eyebrow. “So, after all these years, you show up now? Aren’t you supposed to be working?”
“You could say that,” he smirked. “So, what’s new with you? Still the same old grump, I see.” He adjusted his suit, looking slightly more refined, yet still his usual rakish self.
“I’ve got a job for you. Don’t worry, you won’t be doing the dirty work-I’ll handle that,” I said, my tone serious. His smirk widened.
“Bring it on,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“I need a lethal neuro-disruptor,” I stated, the room growing thick with tension. RD’s casual demeanor shifted to one of serious professionalism.
“How long do you need your target incapacitated?” he asked, his voice steady. It was clear he was the right person for the job. Rumor had it that RD was as efficient with toxins as he was ruthless.
“A few minutes before I finish him off,” I replied.
“It’s unlike you to go for a silent kill. I’m guessing you need information from this target first,” he surmised, a calculating glint in his eye. His sudden realization seemed to please him.
“If you can’t handle it, I’ll find someone who can. I thought you were supposed to be the best,” I shot back, unimpressed.
“What you need is something I recently developed. I call it ‘Neurotoxin X.’ It’s designed to trick the victim’s nervous system into a state of paralysis while they remain fully aware of the pain they’re enduring,” RD explained with a sinister edge.
Perfect. Just what I needed.
“When can I expect delivery?” I asked, needing the toxin before any changes could be made to our plans.
“In two days, along with my other equipment,” he answered. “So, who’s the target?” he inquired, trying to pry into my business. Despite our friendship, we kept our personal and professional lives separate.
“Why assume it’s a man? It could be a woman,” I teased, glancing at my phone.
“Because…” he began, but his sentence was cut off by a forceful knock on the door.
The door burst open, revealing Veronica, her fury palpable. She stormed to my desk, glaring at me with intense frustration while ignoring RD. With arms crossed, she leaned in, her eyes locked on mine.
“Hello, Veronica,” RD taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. She shot him a venomous look, clearly unimpressed.
“And when did we become so familiar, Dante?” Veronica retorted, shrugging off RD’s presence. RD had never been fond of Veronica, labeling her as a ‘drama queen,’ while Veronica couldn’t stand him either.
“You’re on a first-name basis now, aren’t you?” RD teased, his grin widening and further irritating Veronica.
“Why are you here? I thought you were starting fresh in Italy,” she mocked.
“I’m back now, and unfortunately, I have to deal with people like you, who’ve already soured my mood,” RD growled. He shot a final smirk at Veronica before heading to the door.
“Say ‘hi’ to the devil for me when you go back to your world,” he said, his voice laced with disdain.
Veronica turned to retort, but he was already gone. With a frustrated hiss, she turned her full attention back to me.
“I want an explanation. Why aren’t you interested in me anymore?” she demanded, her voice trembling with emotion.
“I’m busy, Veronica. I don’t have time for this right now,” I responded coolly.
“You were always busy, but you still made time for me, for us!” she cried out, her frustration evident.
“Not everything revolves around you, Veronica. Get over it,” I snapped, my words cutting deep. She took a deep breath, then erupted into a fit of bitter laughter.
“There’s another woman, isn’t there? She’s the reason for this change. I DARE YOU TO TELL ME THE TRUTH!” she yelled, her voice cracking. I stood up abruptly, causing her to flinch. Just as I was about to respond, my phone rang. The caller ID read Luis.
We spoke for minutes before I ended the call. I walked out of my study and grabbed Veronica by the arm.
“Where the hell are you taking me, Simon?” she demanded, struggling to free herself, but I was clearly stronger.
I opened the car door, shoved her inside, closed it, and went around to the driver’s side. “La Raina Casino,” I instructed my driver. He pulled out of the driveway and onto the main road.
A few minutes later, Veronica was unusually silent, lost in thought. I decided to let her be until she broke the silence with her remark.
“You could have just told me we were going to the casino. Dragging me here was totally unnecessary,” she said, staring out the window.
“At least you get to spend time with me. Isn’t that what you always wanted?” I replied.
She looked at me for a moment, said nothing, but offered a satisfied grin.
We arrived at the casino, a hive of activity and excitement. The neon lights flickered in vibrant hues, casting an energetic glow over the bustling crowd. I stepped out of the car and walked around to Veronica’s side. With a practiced flourish, I opened the door for her, putting on an air of gentlemanly courtesy. It was all for show, of course-I was anything but chivalrous.