"It won't happen again" she looked into Drake's eyes to assure him of that.The woman prepared to say something more, seeing doubt creep across Drake's face, but was interrupted by a hoarse voice behind her."Mr. Collins"Jean immediately looked at the man behind her daughter. That tone, calm as the sea, hid a devastating storm. Simple words sounded like a command in Ethan's tone."Mr. Banks, it's an honor to be here" Collins stood up and extended his hand to Banks, who accepted it with a firm shake."It's an honor to have you here"At that moment, a supposed truth dawned on Blair. Ethan was the evening's host, and had approached her by calling her the "lady in red." That was how she looked the first time she saw him, like a unique possessor of the scarlet hue. It was likely that all of this had been set up so that he would see her again. It would be understandable for someone of Banks' stature to move heaven and earth to get what he wanted.Despite feeling a lump in her throat at the
"That wasn't kind" she pointed out."You would love to be a victim now" his thoughts turned to the moment when the long fingers were around the woman's throat, pressing hard enough to make her gasp.He wasn't sure what was making Blair hesitate. For him, it was too simple to take control and wait for the other party to surrender. However, Ethan had one certainty in life; he would not accept a refusal.Seeing the redhead's scared and affected expression, the man decided that he would need a foolproof approach. She wouldn't give in in public, not easily. They would need a private environment, where the connection shouts loudly and drowns out other issues."This isn't my rhythm" finally, was what Blair managed to say.Ethan could sense a certain danger in that woman. Not the overwhelming, immediate kind of danger, but rather the slow, fatal kind. It would be like a snake; he would deceive with a hug, and end up strangling the bones."That's the rhythm I'm going to put you in, principessa
"Blair Collins" she murmured in a soft voice when she answered, ready for whatever it was.The woman, despite her young age, had developed an enviable ability to overcome obstacles. I was always keeping expectations low."Hello, Miss Collins. I'm Spencer Davis, but you should know. I called to pass on some information. Are you available?""Yes" Blair replied.It had been a few days since Spencer hadn't been in touch. He said she would not need to attend the department, just the events. In parts, the redhead felt like a spy, as if she were infiltrated among those wealthy people, collecting and storing information."By now, you must have met a member of the Banks family again.""Yes" she replied, hiding the way she found the family member."Well, I like taking notes, even if they seem minimal. I ask you to do this, and report everything that your eyes see""Right""I have news, Blair. We can't take any risks in this part of the investigation, so I got you a job""A problem..." she repea
"Good morning, Blair. We have more work here than we can handle" Daliah, with all her exemplary politeness, murmured. Despite having reasons to lose her temper and let her bad mood lead, the woman never expressed this type of behavior. He was too professional for that."What happened?" Blair found herself surprised by the model's upset at what should have been the best moment of her life."Carolina has gained a few pounds since the last fitting. Now the dress needs adjustments" Daliah explained."What's wrong with making adjustments?""Are you kidding me? If the designer refuses to adjust the piece, I'm out"Blair looked at the skinny body of the brunette in front of her. It looked like the embodiment of a doll. Those words seemed sick to her, but she refused to delve deeper into the subject. That wasn't his job."Well, I don't understand, but don't get neurotic""You're right. You don't understand" Carolina raised her eyebrows and, seeing that Blair's expression didn't change, she tu
Blair sighed, letting the absolute truth sink in. It was difficult to think of his life as something public, where everyone felt entitled to know in depth. Her past was too dark for others to know, and the way they were approaching scared her.However, she shook off the claustrophobic feeling and walked with the coffee to her boss's office. At the door, low voices could be heard having a casual conversation. She knocked on the door and entered only after receiving authorization.And amidst the exaggerated luxury, there was Michele Brian's office. His space was like the representation of what is best in the professional environment; the solid wood table, the large windows overlooking the skyscrapers, the light marble floor, the padded armchairs, the discreet chandelier, the walls painted in watercolor colors.The woman opened the door and, for a second, thought she had entered paradise. His eyes focused on the man in black so quickly that they seemed programmed to do so.When she came
"Hi, Blair. I know it's a little late to make an invitation, but I don't accept a negative response""Okay. Make the invitation""Me and the girls are going to a club. We rented a limousine and everything. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, you arrived so quickly that I didn't think. Well, anyway, tell me your address and we'll stop by your home""What?" Blair laughed.She liked going out and dancing with friends, but not having commitments for the next day. And, even more so, having commitments to the police."I don't know if beautiful people need to get ready, but do what you have to do and we'll come by your house soon. Don't try to refuse""You're crazy"Despite finding the idea absurd, Blair got up and walked from the living room to her bedroom. She had worn a thin nightgown, which made her look as enviable as a designer dress.Deep down, she wanted some distraction. It was a new city, with a new job, new people, and a totally new reality. Maybe doing something for herself wou
The redhead looked at the blonde one last time, aware that this was a one-night stand. She smiled at Ethan, the devilish smile that would teach hell a lesson. With deliberately sensual steps, just on a whim, she glided across the dance floor, carrying with her longing glances. It was easy to capture attention. The ponytail swaying from side to side was charming as Blair headed up the stairs with the confidence of someone who knew what she wanted.The objective was understood by Ethan. Blair was being such a fatal woman that everyone else seemed to be a disappointment next to her. His sensuality hit those people like a freight train, including him. She knew she wasn't acting the right way, but she didn't care about moral principles. Not a lot.And when the redhead arrived at the stairs, the security guard immediately allowed her passage. I had orders to do so. But despite that, anyone would do anything those red lips asked. Her bloodthirsty heels touched the steps slowly, aware that Et
"You know this guy's story, but you didn't live it like I did. Don't ask me to accept all this shit as if I had no option" she began, feeling her strength leaving with each word. In his heart, the father's approach and the release of forgiveness meant different things."You fucked up my life. You made a point of taking everything from me, even the will to live. There is no forgiveness in the world that can overcome that" Blair looked directly at Jean, shooting the words at him as if they were gunshots.For a split second, she forgot everything. He forgot that he needed to be on good terms with his father for Spencer's investigation to continue. He forgot that Jean paid for his luxurious life. And he forgot that he had agreed to give her a chance. Blair just let her anger spill out."Enjoy the rest of the night" with that said, she walked back to her room.Blair Collins would never allow her father to see her tears, not again. She could hear him sobbing, unable to move from the spot wi