Criminal

Chapter 4

As the day of the meeting arrived, I found myself standing in front of the mirror, critically examining my appearance. My hair was styled into a sleek updo, with a few strands artfully left loose to frame my face. My makeup was subtle yet sophisticated, with just enough eyeliner and lip gloss to give me a polished look. I wore a fitted black suit, the fabric soft against my skin, paired with a crisp white blouse and black heels that clicked smartly against the pavement.

It was only on occasions like this when I dressed up; otherwise, I preferred to keep things simple. But the email from my father had made it clear that this new client was a big deal, and I needed to make a good impression.

As I made my way to the hotel where we were to meet, my thoughts were jumbled with nervousness and anticipation. What would the client be like? Would he be impressed by my father's reputation, or would he see me as nothing more than a spoiled rich girl? I pushed aside my doubts, reminding myself to stay focused and professional.

When I arrived at the hotel, I spotted him waiting in the lobby. He was tall and impeccably dressed, with a commanding presence that immediately caught my attention. His dark suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and chiseled jawline. As I approached, he turned to greet me with a charming smile, his eyes flickering with curiosity and intelligence.

"Miss LaSalle, I presume?" he said, extending his hand in greeting. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

I shook his hand firmly, returning his smile with one of my own. "Likewise," I replied, my voice steady despite the butterflies flutter ing in my stomach. "My father spoke highly of you and your business."

The man's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah yes, Victor LaSalle," he said, his tone slightly teasing. "A true force to be reckoned with. I'm honored to finally have the chance to work with him."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief that he seemed impressed by my father's reputation. "Well, I'm here to show you around and make sure you're comfortable," I said, gesturing for him to follow me as I led him towards the elevator.

As we rode up to the penthouse suite, I felt a sense of nervousness creeping back into my mind. How would I entertain him? What if I said something stupid or inappropriate? But as we stepped out onto the expansive terrace, overlooking the glittering skyline of the city, I pushed aside my doubts, focusing on the task at hand.

"So, Mr...?" I prompted, trailing off expectantly, eager to learn more about the man who held the key to my father's latest business venture.

He chuckled softly, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Call me James," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "And please, Ava, there's no need for formalities. We're going to be working closely together, after all."

I couldn't help but admire his easygoing demeanor, his charisma drawing me in despite my best efforts to remain aloof. "Of course, James," I replied, a hint of warmth creeping into my tone. "Please, make yourself at home."

As we settled into conversation, I found myself relaxing in his presence, the tension slowly melting away with each passing moment. James proved to be a captivating conversationalist, his wit and intelligence matching my own. We talked about everything from business strategies to our shared love of literature, each topic sparking a new wave of excitement between us.

As the afternoon turned into evening, I realized with a pang of disappointment that our time together was coming to an end. But as James rose from his seat, his gaze lingering on mine, I felt a surge of anticipation coursing through my veins.

"Well, Ava, it's been a pleasure," he said, his voice low and husky. "I look forward to our future collaborations."

I nodded, unable to tear my gaze away from his intense stare. "Likewise, James," I replied, my heart pounding in my chest.

As he moved closer, I could feel the heat of his body radiating against mine, ign iting a fire within me that I couldn't ignore. His hand brushed against mine, sending electric currents coursing through my veins.

"Perhaps we could continue this discussion over dinner?" he suggested, his lips quirking up in a suggestive smile.

I felt a rush of adrenaline as I met his gaze, my heart pounding with anticipation. "I would love that," I murmured, unable to hide the desire in my voice.

With a satisfied smirk, James took my hand, leading me out of the hotel and into the bustling city streets. As we disappeared into the night, I couldn't help but wonder where this newfound connection would lead us. But one thing was for certain: I was eager to find out.