2. An Impulsive Decision

DAHLIA

“How dare you!” I shouted, pain and anger consuming me. I looked at the coffee that the cheating slut was offering me, and whacked it out of her hand not caring when she screamed, the burning hot coffee spilling over her. It wasn’t enough, the pain within my chest was suffocating me.

“Dahlia!” Warren said as he grabbed some tissues patting Kendra’s shirt.

My eyes stung with tears, how dare he! How dare he do this to me? What was I lacking? I pushed him away, knocking him into the tray that stood on the corner of his desk. 

Grabbing Kendra’s arm, I slapped her hard across the face. The resounding echo, loud in the now quiet room. She just stood there, whimpering in pain and fear as if she didn’t even know what she had done wrong.

“Darling, listen to me, what is the matter?” Warren asked.

I could hear the fear and worry in his voice. I turned angrily to him.

“How dare you ask me that! You cheated on me! You gave her that set!” I shouted accusingly, my voice breaking as I pointed at the necklace and ears that sparkled, painfully reminding me of my worth. 

“Dahlia…” Warren said but it was too late, he knew I knew. 

“You bought those with money from this company. An insult to me! How could you!” I shouted, hitting his chest before I turned back to the woman who had destroyed us. “Take them off now!”  

Never had I hated anyone like this before. I hated how she was acting all terrified as she quickly removed the earrings with trembling fingers. I snatched the necklace from her neck, ripping it off, not caring that it left a red mark on her. Did she know how much she had hurt me? The pain that was threatening to consume me was squeezing around my heart.

“There’s no place in this office for whores like you! Get out.” I hissed.

She glanced at Warren who was too worried to care as he looked at me. She broke into sobs as she rushed from the room.

I now turned my full attention to my shell-shocked husband. A cheater…

“You slept with her did you not?” I asked, although deep down I knew the answer, maybe I just wanted to hear a no.

“I…”

“Did you or did you not?!” I shrieked, grabbing the front of his blazer.

The pain was eating me up, my heart was thundering in my ear and my head was pounding.

“I’m sorry… I promise it meant nothing, I love you Dahlia!” His voice came but it meant nothing.

The damage was done. I stepped back feeling suddenly broken. My entire body trembled but I kept my gaze steady as I looked at him.

“I want a divorce and I want you out of here. You’re fired.” I said in a hushed whisper as I backed away from him.

His eyes widened in shock as the reality of those words hit him. Turning I left the office, Warren hot on my heels.

“Dahlia darling! Please don’t do this! I’m sorry!” He pleaded, falling to his knees as he wrapped his arms around my legs.

“Let go of me Warren!” I snapped; I could see other people coming out of their offices to witness the embarrassing scene. I didn’t want the entire office to know, but Kendra wasn’t far off crying loudly, as if she were the victim. 

What hurt the most was there had been red flags over the last few months. He was busier, often saying he had to stay at work overnight because he was so busy. I had come to work a few times only for him to look a bit alarmed and flustered but I never thought he would cheat on me. He had been the one to chase me, claiming to love me. I refused to let the tears fall.

“Let go of me, Warren.” I warned my voice shaking. “Or shall I call security?”

“Please my love, forgive me, it was a mistake. I promise you are all that I need. I will do anything.” Warren pleaded. I pushed him off me.

“Anything?! Then get out of my sight forever. Do you really think you can make a fool out of me, and I will simply forgive you?” I said angrily. 

“No Dahlia I need you, I need this.” I didn’t miss his glance around the room, only resulting in causing me more pain. It was the wealth and power he truly wanted.

“Maybe but I am an El Nazari, the princess of this empire and the sole heir. I do not need you, Warren Murdock. You are the one who needed me!” I hissed, stepping away from his grovelling touch. “You’re fired, this company no longer needs you.”

We had an audience, everyone watched the drama ensuing. He had mocked me and humiliated me in front of everyone, there was no way I would forgive him. 

“Think of your reputation Dahlia! Think of this company!” Warren shouted from behind me as I rushed towards the lifts.

Feeling relieved when one pinged and the doors opened. I hurried forward only to knock into the well-built man who had stepped out, my heart skipped a beat, gasping when I almost fell. 

A strong arm wrapped around my waist steadying me and I clutched onto the shirt of my saviour. A seductive scent filled my nose and I slowly looked up into the eyes of my rescuer. My eyes locked with the most smouldering hazel eyes I had ever seen. They were sharp, intelligent and there was something else present within them that I couldn't make out.

“Dahlia!” Warren shouted, drawing me out of my thoughts.

I didn’t want to talk to him. I wanted to hurt him as he hurt me. On impulse, wanting to release some of my anger, I pulled the man closer and before he could even realize what was happening, I kissed him passionately. 

My plump trembling lips meeting his soft ones. His minty breath and the heat he radiated made me confused as I felt an odd emotion settling in the pit of my stomach, my lips tingle softly and I gasped when I thought I felt his lips caress mine but I wasn’t sure as he pulled away quickly, glaring at me. My heart thudded as I tried to focus on what was happening. 

Taking a deep breath, I turned and glared at my ex-husband because that was what he was from this day forth. Not missing the man behind me muttering something under his breath.

Warren stood there looking as if I had been the one to betray him. He rushed forward, trying to grab my hands.

“Dahlia baby I know you’re upset but please, please give me a chance to prove myself!” He pleaded. “You need me! I'm the CEO you can’t simply-”

“I have a new CEO don’t worry.” I said icily, a cold smirk now crossed my face. I turned to the man I had just kissed, taking in the smartly tailored suit he wore and the briefcase he was carrying. “Dane Altaire, I presume?” 

“Yes…” Came his low gravelly voice. Those haze orbs holding no emotion as he looked me straight in the eyes.

“Congratulations Mr. Altaire you are now the new CEO of The El Nazari Empire!” My melodic voice was loud and clear, I knew everyone could hear me.

Gasps followed as everyone watched and stared at us. Defeat and shock were clear on Warren's face, and a deep frown settled on Dane’s. I simply smiled in triumph. I was the boss here. It was high time everyone remembered that.

-----

It was two nights since Warren had betrayed me and I had no idea how I had ended up here. In this club. I had come with a friend, one who had abandoned me the moment we were inside. She had said it would be a small masquerade party. Yes, I had fallen for it.

I sighed as I looked out from behind my black lace mask that covered half my face, I now realised this club seemed to be a lot more than it let on… I didn’t miss the couples who left the dance floor to retreat to private rooms.

My hair was pulled back in a bun. I wore a red strapless mini dress and long black gloves and knee-high boots. Not to mention that I had put in brown contacts to disguise myself even more.

Now that I am here, I guess I could enjoy a drink or two. With that thought in mind, I made my way over to the bar.

Thirty minutes later, I walked through the red haze of lights and smoke as the music became a steady rhythm and I began swaying my body to the music. Closing my eyes, I began moving sensually to the music. For a moment, forgetting everything that had occurred.

I opened my eyes, feeling watched, and turned, finding a man sitting in a booth observing me intently. I could tell from his body, that he was very fit. Dressed in black pants and a dark green shirt. From his posture, I could tell he oozed authority and arrogance.

He wore a mask that covered his entire face, save his lips. He turned his attention to the man next to him, saying a few words before he stood up and walked over to me. One hand in his pocket, I saw a glint of silver around his neck. turning away as he approached. Why had I held his gaze for so long?

"You’re pretty straightforward." I heard a deep voice whisper in my ear.

My heart pounded in alarm, realising that he was closer than I thought. I stiffened as his hands ran up my waist.

"Who told you to come over?" I whispered.

He pressed a finger against my lips, his arm pressing against my breasts, my ass now brushing against his front.

"Don’t speak unless I tell you to." He whispered huskily.

I pouted. Who was he to tell me not to talk? His finger ran down my lips, before brushing down my neck, leaving a soft tingle in his wake making me close my eyes.

"Let’s dance." He whispered,

I closed my eyes. He was right. Who cared who he was… I just needed to forget... I knew Warren’s cheating hadn't really hit home yet… Closing my eyes, I lost myself in the music. Dancing against the man behind me. His hands roamed my body, teasingly stopping just below my breasts, but that didn’t stop him from grinding against my ass and I had to bite my lip to stop a moan from escaping me… I knew I had drank more than I should have. But tonight, I didn't care.

He spun me around, his hands firmly on my hips as we danced sensually. Right now, I wasn’t Dahlia, I was a woman who could be whoever she wanted. I didn’t stop myself from running my hand down his abs, hooking my fingers into his belted pants as we danced sensually.

I saw his arrogant smirk playing on his ‘oh so kissable lips.’

His fingers teased me just the way I had teased him. We danced for God knows how long, our eyes locked, and I felt a shiver of pleasure rush through me. He leaned closer and I found myself doing the same. Our noses brushed, and I felt my core throb in anticipation of this kiss, but suddenly his phone rang, and I felt him stiffen as if he had only just realised what he had been about to do. Instantly pulling away.

I turned and our eyes met. In this dark haze, I wasn’t able to make out his eyes, but I knew I’d never see him again after tonight. I felt a connection with him, an attraction that was beyond words. How was that even possible?

He gave me a small smirk, taking my chin and kissing my cheek. My eyes widened in surprise at his move, but before I could even say anything, he had turned and walked off.

Who was that?