Chapter 18

Damien

I leaned back in my chair as I watched Silvia step into the study. The minute her eyes rested on me, she shot me a soft look.

“Damien!” Silvia said my name in a seductive manner. If it was years ago, I would have been clamoring at her feet.

Silvia and I dated once, and after we broke up, I decided to keep our relationship purely centered on business. Well, for Silvia it was a different story. She still tried to use her charms on me even though she knew it was never going to work.

“I thought you wouldn’t show up,” I said, pulling myself out of my haze of thoughts. “You ignored my calls.”

Silvia scoffed, brushing a strand of blonde hair off her shoulder. “And here I thought Damien Cruz never doubted me. Have you forgotten who I am?”

I smirked, my arms crossing over my chest. “I haven’t forgotten. That’s why, the moment my men told me I had a visitor, I knew it was you. No one else would be bold enough to show up unannounced.”

Silvia flashed a sly smile and sauntered over to the chair across from me, sitting down gracefully.

“So, why did you blow up my phone with several calls?” She leaned forward, her hands brushing against mine slightly. “Or are you missing me?”

“It has nothing to do with that.” I clarified, pulling myself backward. The brief moment our hands touched seemed to do nothing to me, unlike Alison’s touch. Why was I thinking about her?

“The way you stare at me shows how much you miss Damien me.” Silvia’s voice caught my attention.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself.” I said in a dry tone. “The reason I have been calling is that I have an important mission to discuss with you.”

Her eyes narrowed, a glimmer of amusement dancing across them. “A mission? Let me guess—it’s about your little gang politics. If it’s anything like that, count me out. I’ve already told Jac—”

“It’s not about that,” I interrupted in a sharp tone.

Silvia tilted her head, her lips curling into a teasing smirk. “Then what is it about?”

Before I could respond, the door burst open, slamming against the wall.

“What now?” I muttered, my voice filled with annoyance as I raised my head to see Alison standing in the doorway.

Alison’s cheeks rose as her eyes darted between me and Silvia. “I need to speak with you,” she said firmly with her eyes resting on me.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Alison, can’t you see I’m in the middle of an important discussion?”

Alison didn’t budge. “I know, but you can’t just push me away because I made one mistake. That ‘silly mistake’ nearly cost me my life, Damien.”

Why wouldn’t she just let things be?

“I told you I’d call for you when I need you. I’m not pushing you away,” I spoke in a firm voice. “And besides, Silvia is here for a task that you can’t handle.”

Alison stepped further into the room, her voice rising slightly. “I can handle it. Whatever she’s here for, I can do it.”

My frustration increased as I heard her speak. Why was she acting stubborn?

“You can’t and you won’t!” I spat. “And don’t make me repeat myself. I have already said what I have to say. Now leave.”

“So you’re going to choose this blonde bitch over me?” She said, ignoring my words.

Silvia, who had been silent until now, arched a perfectly shaped brow. “Who’s she calling ‘a bitch’?” she asked. “Damien, it’s high time you teach your girl some manners.”

“She’s not my girl,” I snapped, glaring at both women. Then I turned to Alison. “Get out. Now.”

But Alison wasn’t backing down. “I’m not leaving until you give me a chance to prove myself.”

I stared at her, unable to understand why she chose today of all days to act like a fucking bitch. What had gotten into her?

I stared back at her and I noticed she had a determined look in her eyes. Despite the anger rising in me, I kind of found that look pretty sexy.

The moment I watched her take a seat close to Silvia, the desire in me died, and my anger only tripled.

“God, Alison, why won’t you listen? You’re making this harder than it needs to be. Leave before I lose my patience.”

Alison crossed her arms. “I’m not going anywhere until you stop underestimating me.”

I slammed my hand on the desk. “Enough of this.” I said, walking to where she sat. I dragged her roughly towards the door. I arrived outside just in time to catch one of my men passing by.

“Take her to the dungeon and lock her up!” I instructed after calling out to him.

Alison’s eyes widened, and she stepped forward, her voice trembling as she spoke. “Damien, please. I’m sorry. Just give me a chance—”

Her words trailed off as my men dragged her down the hall. I hated what I was doing, but I knew keeping her around would only disrupt my meeting with Silvia.

I returned to the room and the minute Silvia sighted me; she let out a low whistle, catching my attention.

“Well, that was dramatic,” she said, leaning back in her chair. “Where on earth did you find that girl?”

I didn’t respond immediately. My eyes lingered on the doorway, a flicker of regret crossing my face. I exhaled sharply, forcing my emotions back under control.

“She’s not your concern,” I said curtly.

Silvia shrugged, her lips quirking into a smirk. “She seems like a handful. Are you sure you don’t want me to train her ?”

I shot her a warning look. “Focus on why you’re here, Silvia. We have work to do.”

Silvia chuckled softly, but her gaze turned serious. “Fine. Let’s talk business. But you might want to deal with your little toy before she becomes she becomes uncontrollable.”

I pulled my hands into fists under the table. I was trying my best not to snap at her.

“Let’s get started.” I said through gritted teeth.