Twisted Rumours (Twisted series fanfiction #2)

10. TAEHYUNG YOUNG

Flirting with Sofia has become my favorite thing to do right now.

The way her cheeks get red, the way she desperately tries to play it cool, the way her dark orbs get darker with intensity—it's all so intoxicating. I can't help but feel a rush of adrenaline every time I see her reaction.

Today's event is a fundraiser for the endangered sea turtles, and no one seems to care about them at all. They are all here for the socializing and networking, including me. I am here because Patil is here. He has been a dick with me for a week.

He doesn't want to schedule a meeting, nor does he want to discuss our deal. It seems that he doesn't want to collaborate on this project, but he also doesn't have the guts to say no.

Melany and Tobias are quiet for a while. I expected Melany to react when I announced my connections to Sofia, but she didn't. I am not a fool to believe that they are defeated. They are just planning to strategize behind the scenes. I will need to be prepared for any potential obstacles they may throw my way in the future.

"Are you going to talk with him?" Sofia asks from my side, breaking the comfortable silence between us.

I nod and reply. "Yes, do you want to catch up on your friends here while I talk?" I know that Sofia finds my cleints and negotiations really boring to stay.

"I would have, but there is no one I know. I guess I have to stick with you." Sofia let out a sigh , clearly not thrilled about the prospect of sitting through another business conversation.

"I promise it will be quick. Then we could do whatever you want." I try to appease Sofia, and she gives me a reluctant sigh.

"Besides, take your jacket. It is warm in here." Sofia takes off my jacket and hands it to me.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am."

I led our way into the guests and reached where Patil was standing with a drink in his hand.

"I hope this won't take too long," Sofia muttered under her breath as we approached Patil. Patil was standing in a corner of the hall where not many people noticed someone might be.

Patil's face dulled when he saw me and then glowed when he spotted Sofia tucked beside me. His eyes were on Sofia, like she was some kind of toy he couldn't wait to play with. I pulled Sofia further to my side, feeling a protective instinct kick in.

A strong urge to rip Patil's eye out for daring to look at Sofia like that surged through me.

"Greeting, Mr. Patil." I extended my hands in a firm handshake, making sure to keep Sofia close by my side. "I believe we have some business to discuss," I stated confidently, trying to assert my dominance in the situation.

"Yes sure." He turned toward Sofia. "Hey, Mr. Volkov. It's a pleasure to meet you again." Patil kissed both of Sofia's cheeks, which could have been a friendly gesture if his lips hadn't stayed lingering a little too long.

I shot a glare at Patil that could have melted steel, silently warning him to keep his distance from Sofia. "Let's get down to business," I said firmly, steering the conversation back on track.

"Is there anything to discuss?" Patil asked, feigning innocence.

"You are not moving forward with the project details we discussed last time." I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by his attempt to deflect. "We need to address the issues at hand and come up with a plan moving forward," I stated firmly.

"You are surely very clever, Young. If Tobis had not pontied out where you cleverly put on a clause that wasn't in my favor, I would have signed a contract that could have been detrimental to my interests," Patil admitted, his tone shifting slightly.