Shadow Of The Prey

CH13. Carlisle's Bet. (Carlisle POV)

Not bad.
A doll that doesn't belong among the other gems in the lounge.
A guest of a member?

Haven't seen her before, but no one would enter the lounge dressed in clothes that simple. I can tell she tried her best, her face is decent to look at, even her hair is done in a way I find charming.
Yet in the end, a lady seems only valuable to the extent of her looks.

My eyes glance at the bachelorettes who were invited for tonight, all dressed to the stars—however speaking with them only proves how dull and brainless they truly are. Only their looks remain their only quality, and the pea-brained members seem to prioritize that as well.

Glancing back at the lady who waits, she doesn't seem like someone Elliot would have invited for tonight. If it were in a different situation, she would be pretty, but she's simply outshone by the others. Too bland and wears the same expression every other unstimulating lady has—making her unattractive in my eyes.
Even speaking with the attendant, she seems to keep that 'perfect doll' appearance. However no one even glances her way. Hidden in the shadows of the curtains, it seems that's where she belongs.

"Have you chosen?"
Ivan whispers.

He keeps his decorum up, whispering to avoid others around us from hearing. Even after drinking heavily—as he always does in our parties—he never slips his tongue.
He scoffs taking a glance at me.

"Aw buddy, you should loosen up. Why not choose? Victoria's trying her best to talk to you. You should know not to leave a lady in the cold."
Scoffing back at him, I lift the crystal glass filled with Glenfiddich Grand Cru.
"If that's the case, keep her warm yourself." I lowly speak, taking a sip of liquor.
"I would, but I want to keep my options open. Seems like Elliot really wanted to make a good show." Ivan simply chuckles under his breath as he takes a sip of his drink.

Two more ladies approach, exchanging their greetings with Elliot and mingling with the other ladies sitting in our booth.

"Mr. Lennox, it's a pleasure meeting you."
One of the ladies speaks, giving a gentle smile.
Raising my brow as an acknowledgement of her greeting, I take a handful of Marcona almonds.

"Mr. Lennox, you should try this tart. It's so decadent, surely it'd compliment your drink." Victoria takes the chance to speak to me too, offering a plate with chocolate berry tarts.

The almonds cracks underneath my teeth as I simply chew, giving a languid glance to her.
Ivan signals, flicking the lighter twice before roasting another cigar, almost knowing I was about to roll my eyes—I keep my disgust in check.

"A lady as sweet as you should enjoy it instead." I simply speak, taking another few almonds into my mouth.
The lady blushes until picking up a fork. Taking a small amount onto the fork, she raises it from across the table.
"Well, would you care for a bite if I fed you?"

There's nothing wrong with Victoria.
Elliot had chosen our companions, however his choices in ladies for amusement don't suit my tastes. Victoria somehow seems to have gotten Elliot's favour since he keeps inviting her and her friends.
The three of them continue to push me to remain civil, but I've made it clear to Elliot, Ivan, and Kai—that even if she jumped onto the table, her breasts on display and legs spread wide—I don't have any arousal towards this brainless girl.

Discreetly signaling, I tap the crystal almond bowl with the ring on my thumb until picking up two almonds.
Elliot jumps in smoothly.

"Darling, care to help me? My gin's starting to taste a bit bland." Elliot flirts.
Victoria's attention on him, she gives in, feeding him the bite instead. Elliot holds her wrist, beginning to lick the whipped cream on the side of her pinky.
"Careful, you don't want your dress to get messy, would you?" He slyly whispers.

For someone who seems to show no interest in a lady outside of this lounge, he seems to enjoy the escapades in becoming a womanizer here.
I sip my drink, allowing the table to flirt amongst each other as I enjoy the foolery of my friends, and the taste of the drink.