A Woman's Empire

LXIV

CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR:

The yacht party Leo was hosting was buzzing with drunk strangers. And out of most of the drunk people on board, Audrielle was definitely one of them. Her sparkly cocktail was short and well, sparkly. Nestled in her hands was an expensive bottle of champagne that Audrielle had claimed as hers and only hers for the night. She was not sharing a single drop of it. Leo watched Audrielle with a stern look. People who were hoping to be business partners tried to get a moment or even a word in with Leo to discuss business deals for the future but Leo could not seem to focus on a word they were saying, his attention locked heavily on a drunk Audrielle.

Antonio had flown in that morning and surprised Audrielle. The two were inseparable and were like two teenagers, gossiping about silly, little things of life. When noon struck and the guests were about to be on board in an hour, Antonio and Audrielle made it their mission to start early. A couple of cocktails because why not? It was liquid courage they said. Now they were both drunk and it wasn't even midnight yet. Antonio's hands were wrapped around Audrielle's waist as they suddenly burst out laughing, their head thrown back and their eyes squinted close.

"Mr. Amour, I was hoping to catch you alone for a minute or two." A young man called out and Leo snapped his head to the person.

"I don't fee-"

"It's about x, Sir. He's been spotted lurking in Vegas. Where her last known location was." This piqued his attention. Looking over his shoulders to check on Audrielle to see if she would be okay for a minute, he wandered off to the inside of the yacht towards the office and ushered for the messenger to follow.

"Sit. And spill everything you know, kid." Leo ordered, taking a seat in his leather seat.

"Apparently he's been trying to make some money by fighting underground. We had drones and spies in the city, trying to find out how to get underneath and tonight it was confirmed that he had a fight in Vegas. Spies have also followed him to the strip club she works at. We're unsure if they're still in touch or not."

Leo slowly nodded his head as he absorbed the new information. These two people that fucked everything up will pay and now they were finally found. No more lurking in the shadows anymore.

"Good. Get a jet ready for the day after tomorrow and keep a careful eye on them both. We don't need them slipping from our fingers. Again." The man nodded his head and obeyed orders, leaving Leo alone in his office. He leaned back in his chair with a victorious smile on his lips. Finally. It'll all be over and he can finally focus on a future with Audrielle and Orlando.

There was a sudden knock on the door and a frantic guard ran into the office.

"Don't y-"

"Sir, Audrielle jumped off the boat."

Leo stood up confused. Was she running away while she was drunk? Without another word, he stormed out of the office and strided to the deck, all the partygoers leaning over the railing to watch the commotion in the water. He shoved between the people and tugged off of his tie, his shoes following too.

There, in the dark water, Audrielle lay on her back grinning drunklike.

"What the fuck?!" Leo yelled and dived into the water to get Audrielle to safety. When he emerged, his suit shirt and pants now drenched and ruined, he wrapped his arms around Audrielle's waist. He began to swim them both to the corner of the boat, shoving her up onto the ladder. Audrielle giggled and tilted her head back, the alcohol messing with her brain.

All the guests moved out of the way and silently watched the couple walk right past them. Leo was angry and the eyes that were on him as he carried Audrielle bridal style to the bedroom only angered him even more. But once they were out of the public eye and the music resumed, they forgot about what happened, enjoying the free entertainment and alcohol.

The bedroom door slammed shut and Leo dropped Audrielle to her feet. She swayed from side to side, her eyes closed and a sloppy smile on her face. Yeah, she was drunk. Huffing out, he pulled her to the bathroom and turned the shower on, waiting for the water to warm up. Leo's hands tore the dress from her body and she gasped as the wet fabric and sequins dropped to her feet. Her heels were discarded hours ago, according to her, they weren't comfy heels to dance or party in.

"You could've taken me on a d-date first... before stripping me naked..." Audrielle hiccupped as she stared up at Leo's angered eyes. His facial expressions softened at her voice but once the water was warm enough, he stepped into the shower and pulled Audrielle in with him.

"I-I don't want a shower..." Audrielle groaned and tugged on Leo's firm grip but she couldn't move when he pulled her back in. Leo began to remove his clothing and Audrielle chuckled as she watched him undress.

"Audrielle get your ass back in this shower now. You're drunk and thought it would be a good idea to jump in the fucking ocean." Leo muttered and Audrielle slurred an incoherent reply. She trudged back into the shower and swayed from side to side as Leo scrubbed her body with some body wash. Once they had both washed off the salt water, Leo wrapped a towel around her and helped dry her hair before pulling out a t- shirt and pyjama pants for her to change into. Leo held her waist protectively as she stumbled to the bed, her eyes drooping and Leo grabbed the blankets of the bed, pulling them over her body. Audrielle's head hit the pillow and instantly her body relaxed, appreciating the rest. Gently, Leo's fingers caressed her face as she fell into a slumber but as he stood up to leave and join his guests, Audrielle latched onto his arm, pulling him onto the bed.

"Don't leave. Sleep with me." Audrielle mumbled into the pillow with her eyes closed. Leo sighed and walked around to his side of the bed, pulling the sheets back and snuggling in. Instantly, Audrielle snaked her body around his, her face resting on his chest, her breath tickling his skin.

"Goodnight Audrielle." Leo whispered, placing a small but loving kiss on her forehead.