Not So Perfect

08||

"He is a supercilious, presumptuous, audacious, and cocky asshole who thinks he can demand anything from people and we should be appreciative to serve him," Leona snarled, wholly dismissing the Ryan glaring at her. "Disgusting!"

"Those are the most words you have ever said to me," Ronald's tired voice bloomed at the other end. "Can't believe it took giving away my business to hear you talk so much."

"I am not joking."

"I am not laughing." Ryan huffed at her attitude, and stabled his eyes back on the street, heading straight to airport.

"Can destroy my identity?!" She scoffed, flipping her hair behind her back. "Is he aware how fucking much Raven worth?"

"Ar..."

"He would be bankrupt and still wouldn't get me."

She was so aggravated by their meeting that her blood pressure was unstable. She would like to skin him alive for the audacity to threaten her and then just walk out, leaving her alone at the table with the ridiculous almonds. She was pissed and confused. How did he recognize her so easily? And if he did, shouldn't he be running miles away to save his reputation? How could he possibly want to work with her?

"So you are mad because he wants to work with you despite knowing you are Leona Pierce?" Ronald asked on the other end of the call.

"No, I am mad because...." She stuttered, blinking and trying to phrase a sentence of why he pissed her. His stare bothered her, his curiosity bothered her, and his willingness to work with her bothered her, his calmness bothered her, the strange itch she felt in the pit of her stomach bothered her. God, did he consume his perfume for breakfast and lunch? She could smell him the minute she stepped out of the elevator. It was still swirling in her mind.

How could she put her thoughts down on the table without letting Ronald think that she is crazy? But she was sure he already thinks that.

"Because...." Ronald asked, urging her to complete.

Leona gaze on the black business card that he slipped in her hands. "Forget it. You are smitten by him."

"I am smitten by his work ethic and mannerisms. He is excellent at business. I know him. I know his family. We had healthy business rivalry. It's been more than a year that he had been reaching out to me to get you. He values your work more than anyone will. You should go for it, Leona. He is willing to make this work." She knew she shouldn't have called him when he was dealing with so much. She was acting like a selfish bitch that she was.

"I'm heading back to London." She heeded to the disappointing sigh. "Ryan will look into the contract and find a way out."

"You are delusional if you think I'm torturing my ass with it. My law skills are rusted." Ryan grunted.

"Does he know you are going back?" There was a rustling sound in the background, and some panting. She figured he must have been packing for his visit to his ex-wife.

"Of course not." If he knew he would surely hinder her plan, not letting her get away. She flew to LA for absolutely nothing, she wasn't going to spend a second more in this country. Her blood was still simmering thinking how that bastard threatened her, and that was the moment shoved the fork right in his chest. He made her feel threatened.

"You can take my jet y-"

"No." It came out softly, though she intended it to be harsh. "We have no relation to help each other anymore. You sold me like a worn out furniture, remember?"

"Leona," Ryan's sharp voice cut through, warning her to quit it.

A beat of silence sustained, before Ronald spoke, "I know you are hurt now. But please have faith in my decision. There must be a reason that the board members agree with it. The company is not being dissolved, it's just being handed over to a competent and more efficient business."

Leona surged in a deep breathe, not being able to express that she didn't give a crap about company, it was Ronald's abandonment that was hurting her. "Have a safe trip."

She disconnected the call, not wanting to fall in the trap of the emotions just as Ryan ceased the car.

"Let's go. I have managed to squeeze you in through VIP section, and have spoken to manager." Ryan held the door open for her.

"Like anyone would even recognize me." Tayson might have, but she was sure no other person will. She was practically dead for the world. Leona reached for her hand bag in the back seat, frowning deeply when she couldn't find it.

"I will get it," Ryan put on the flashlight of his phone and took a look. "Look near your legs, it's not here."

She clicked her head at the back seat and peeped near her legs then it finally dawned on her. She never took her bag while walking away from table. She was so immersed in her anger she forgot about her bag. Her passport was in there.

She wanted scream her lungs out, to sooth the angry fire within her.

"Don't you dare to scream," Ryan snapped, his hand almost ready to slam on her mouth if needed.

Instead, with placid moves, Leona clambered off the car, sprawling her arms above her head. Letting out a yawn, she idly wandered to the back seat, climbing in like a toddler, while Ryan eyed her with a frown. He was expecting at least a curse.

"What are you doing?"

"I am going to sleep."

"Leona, your passport was in t..."

"I am going to sleep."

"We have to ask Tayson about your bag. An..."

"I am going to sleep," she snapped, pure poison swirling in her eyes.

"Oh my God! Okay! Sleep. Just keep sleeping! I will just book myself a coffin, so at least I can too sleep peacefully there, because the universe just love to meddle with my peace!" He was about to slam the car door, but he knew that he might actually get in coffin for doing so.

"Oh, and yes." She flung a business car at Ryan. "Set an official appointment with Tayson fucking Huxley, in private. Do not wake me up.."