Repaying the favor

Rayna's POV.

For a moment longer, there was an awkward silence in the room which made my skin crawl with sparks of dread. I knew fate was full of surprises, but I never expected this plot twist. If anything, I'd figured out a million and one way to ruin his father. To help you understand better, I'd even rehearsed a few lines to make sure that the words flow effortlessly from my lips. 

However, seeing his son as supposed to him seems to break down all my defenses. Nonetheless, the children can always pay for the crimes of their father and even for generations to come. So, if he actually thought that sending his son down here would slow down his punishment, then I would allow him to be my guest. 

“Ahem,” he cleared his throat, pressing a fist to his lips. “We should get on with the meeting already. There's a lot to talk about and time is of the essence.”

“Of course, it is.” I said, forcing a smile through my lips. “I want to believe that my assistant has briefed you on what we want.” 

“Of course, she has.” he said, dropping his gaze to the document on the desk in front of him. “There is nothing to worry about. I've gone through it and I must say, it's really a tempting offer.” 

“It is one you can't reject.” I said, pointing out as the smile on my lips took a deeper curve. “In that case, we should finalize every other aspect of the deal in the coming weeks. Of course, that is if everything goes as planned.” 

“I have no doubts that things would go as planned.” he said, shaking his head as he clasped his hands on the desk. “Even if things should try to go south, then I can assure you that it won't be from my end.” 

“I love your confidence, but we can't be so sure.” I said, with a shrug of my shoulder. “It is not the first time I'm doing business and neither will it be the last. So, it's safe to say that I've got an ocean of experiences that would always make me take a second look at whatever I'm set to do.” 

“Of course, there's the need for that.” he said, speaking like the gentleman he was dressed as. “I understand your concerns about navigating the business world and finding a trustworthy client to do business with, but I can assure you that you won't regret doing business with me.” 

“Then I guess we're done here.” I said, pushing the chair to the back as I righted myself. “I will hold you by your words and trust that you'll do a good business and hold up to your own end of your bargain. However, need to say that it was nice meeting you.”

I extended a hand towards him.

If not business sake, I wouldn't consider taking his hands again after what I felt earlier when I did. But, what better way to show trust in your partner if not a warm handshake? So, I bet you understand me now. Without hesitating, as if he'd been waiting for the moment all the while and would have asked for it should I by chance forgot to do so, he took my hand.

“The pleasure is all mine.” he said, as a smile pushed his lips to the side. “I am expecting to see you soon so that we can finalize and begin work together.” 

“There is no need to rush.” I said, returning the smile. “Once I do my findings, and I'm certain, I'll get back to you. Till we meet again, then.” 

Meanwhile, as I said those words to him, I felt his hand go cold suddenly. Not only that, but also, his face was masked with a look of deep confusion that would exceed the depths of my words. That was exactly the reaction I wanted to get from him. Although, chances of him knowing about the experience I had with his father were as slim as the strand of hair caressing his brows. However, it doesn't mean he wouldn't be affected by my plans. What greater joy is there than watching father and son play into my hands? 

However, as I attempted to retrieve my arm from him and be on my way already because I had not planned on meeting with him in the first place. At least, not soon, which was why I'd to keep the meeting brief with him. But then, he wouldn't let go of my arm.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked, narrowing my gaze at the words. “I should be on my way now, or do you have something you want to say to me?” 

Before then, he hadn't realized that he was still holding onto my hand. Perhaps, he had made a mental picture of my hand into a trophy of some sort and so, wouldn't release it.

“Pardon?” — the retort sprang from his lips as he returned to the moment. “Did you just say something?” 

As supposed to speaking, I dropped my gaze to my arm, hinting him that he was still holding onto it. And then, I lifted my gaze to him with a raised brow. Then, it occurred to him that he was holding me back against my wish. 

“I—I am so sorry.” he stuttered, withdrawing his hand as he let go of mine. “I was just…”

“Lost in thought, right?” I asked, cutting him short with a raised brow. “Not to worry, I hear that almost every day from your gender. It's nothing new. So, don't beat yourself to it.” 

Pun intended. And yes, I meant to crush his pride just as his dad did my feelings a few years back. Free from his hold, I turned around, ambled towards the door but as I did, I could feel his gaze boring into my skin. However, that was less of a concern to me. As I got close enough, I gripped the doorknob, turned it opened and just before stepping out, I turned to face him.

“Are you missing something?”