The Deal

Chapter Seven

Cécile Garnier

“I'm begging you!”

I pleaded with the staff at the reception, my voice brittled in desperation while my two hands clasped together as I wrung them in a frantic plea.

“I just need to find Luca crovetto, My ID and my bank cards are still missing”

The receptionist, a lady dressed in a tailored navy blue uniform with a tight bun leaned in closely, her eyes seemed to hesitate, as if it was weighing the cost of helping me. She bridged her fingers together and her voice firm but gentle.

“We still can't disclose any information about our guest mademoiselle, please try to understand” she repeated, She had been a little bit sympathetic at the beginning after I stormed into the reception asking about lucas whereabouts.

The receptionist's gaze flicked to her colleague, a younger man who rocked back and forth with a little bit of impatience. his eyes rolled subtly before he looked away. I sensed a silent warning passing between them to maintain their neutrality without sentiments.

“ But we can help you make a report to the police about the missing items” the receptionist continued.

“You don't understand! He is the only one that can help me” My voice rose with anguish drawing glances from nearby guests.

The staff member signed. Glancing around nervously “you are creating a scene mademoiselle,No one knows where he is”

My shoulders sagged and my eyes drooled as I squeezed them shut in surrender,I wilted like a flower in a split second. Knowing I wasn't going to get anything more out of her.

I made a turn for the elevator, the thoughts of going to the police filled my mind but at the same time, i thought about how long it's going to take, if luca has my items and if he has some connections to the police, then they won't be of any help to me.

I stood there tapping my foot impatiently as I waited to get in, my eyes wandered and fell on a tall bald headed man in black suit watching me from across the lobby.

He was leaning on a pillar, his eyes fixed intently on me.

“ Where have I seen this face?” I wondered as I tried to risk a look. I felt a shiver run down my shine when he pushed off the pillar and marched towards me. His long legs eating up the distance. He became bigger as he approached which made me swallow down a gulp as I looked away.

“ My Boss wants to see you.” he said, his deep voice gruff and low. He turned and walked away.

It didn't take much time to remember the face, I had seen him twice with Luca.

I was a bit unsure of what to do but I followed him anyway, scurrying past the lounge to keep up with him.

We got outside of the hotel and he led me to a sleek black car parked outside the hotel. He opened the door and gestured for me to get in.

I faltered for a second before doing so.

Soon the car drove off.

“Where are we going?” I asked curiously but I got no reply.

I tried so many times to ask him questions, seeing that we hadn't arrived at any place in particular but he remained tight-lipped, his eyes fixed on the road as we drove through the city. I was visibly sweating inside the air-conditioned car as I prayed silently under my breath.

We eventually arrived at a stunning ville

On the outskirts of the town.

The forged iron gate decorated with gold details and the Crovetto family crest swung open to reveal a spiral driveway that leads to the villa's grand entrance.

He turned the engines off right in front of the entrance and gestured for me to get out and I followed him into the ville's seating chambers.

The sound of our footsteps echoed through the grand entryway surrounded by rich furnishings and artworks that screamed wealth!

Luca was sitting there, his legs crossed and ankle resting on the opposite knee. He relaxed into the armchair comfortably with his right hand draped casually over the armrest.

His face was utterly impassive with no atom of expression in it as he looked up at me making me feel uneasy.

“I heard you've been searching for me, Asking questions” he said

“That is because I think you have my Cards and ID, and I want them back” I replied blurting out my accusations which made him shoot a glance at me,sizing me up, his eyes still devoid of any warmth.

“ Really?...” He scoffed. “I thought you figured you owe me some appreciation and apology?” he voice heavy with sarcasm

“ indeed” I replied honestly my face fluttering with embarrassment “not until I noticed the missing items”

“ And why would you think I took it” he asked his head tilted slightly in curiosity

“ I.. don't knowww… “ I stuttered “ because you brought them back”

I bit my lip as I realized the absurdity of my accusations.

he had a point, why would he even take my stuff when he clearly doesn't even need it, look at this place, this man could clearly afford anything he wants. For a moment, I'm such an idiot for accusing him in the first place rather than asking for his help.

“just to be clear” he said, adjusting his sitting position.” You never mentioned about this item on that night”

“ I didn't ” I mumbled as I exhaled sharply, shifting my weight from one foot to the other.

“ I know we didn't start on good terms,I apologize if I was rude to you, but I'm desperate, I can't go back home without my ID. Please help me and I promise not to bother you?” my voice wobbled and my wet eyes pleaded.

I can't believe I was about to cry, I can't believe I was begging him like my life depended on it.

He stared at me for a moment with his chin held high, as though

He was observing me then he flashed a half smile.

“I don't have your cards, but—-” he said, standing from his seat and walking towards me, leaving some inches of space between us.

“ I'll help you get them back, only if you agree to do something for me in return” he said putting his two hands in his pocket, the smirk on his face growing wider. While I stood there in confusion

“I have a business deal that requires a particular…… arrangement. And I think you'd be perfect for it”

My heart skipped “ is he trying to get me ” I thought

“ please don’t let it be anything illegal or dangerous, cause I can’t Mr Crovetto!” I protested taking some steps back.

“ No, that's far from it” he chuckled. His smile reassuring

“ just a little task, I'm sure you can handle”

“ What could that be?” I eyed him warily, eager to hear his proposal.

He smacked his lips “ it's simple, all you have to do is to act like someone”

His eyes bore into mine “ just for one meeting. and I return I'll give you back your cards”

I stiffened, my heart pounding in my chest. Something didn't feel right. Why would he want me to do such? Something so criminal. I felt the urge to just tell him I wasn't interested and beg to be taken back to my hotel.

But what happens after that, I'm still going to be stuck anyway. My desperation to get my Cards back overrode my thoughts.

“Who do I need to pretend to be?” I asked finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

“ That's the best part” the corners of his lips twitched with a smile, as he strolled across the chamber.

“You'll be playing the role of my business partner's daughter, simple right?”

I nodded slowly, still not believing I was about to make a deal with someone I barely know. This was completely against my norms.

It's true the saying “nothing is completely for free”. But as long as I'm getting my stuff back, I didn't care about what I was about to get myself into, with who I was getting involved with and the consequences.

“It was just for a meeting, just one meeting and after that, I'm going home” I assured myself.

I think I've had my fair share of a supposed ‘perfect getaway’. This was a risk I had to take.

“ So we have a deal?” He asked with his back turned towards me.

“ It's not like I've got a choice” I replied, casting my eyes downwards.

“ No, you don't“ he shrugged, turning to face me this time.

“ Fine, I'll do it! ” I agreed as I looked up at him.