Wicked Obsession

13.

Wednesday, July 17th

To put it in the kindest way possible, it feels strange to be at this dinner with Harry. I've come to that conclusion based on two things: 1. We haven't fought. Not even once since he picked me up. 2. He's made zero efforts to seduce me.

It makes it almost feel like this is more than just a work dinner party.

But I know the truth. He has an end game and I won't play into it. I plan on using this opportunity to get some answers, just using a different tactic. His tactic.

Seduction.

He arranged to have a dress picked out for me by a wardrobe specialist. I of course insisted on having input in the choice and I was very pricy with my choice. He's made my week hell on earth, I figured the least he could do is buy me an expensive dress.

The black dress hugs my curves, outlining my hips beautifully. My back is on show because of the low seam that ends right above my butt, leaving the dress to flow down my legs to rest on the floor. My hair is curled and tossed over my shoulder. I feel graceful, powerful, and sexy and it's the best fucking feeling.

I stroll through the party with a glass of wine in my hand. Harry had left me awhile ago to go "take care of something". I tried to follow him but, he must've suspected because I lost him in the crowd of people.

Just as I pass a group of people, I overhear a small part of their conversation that catches my attention.

"Melborne is treading dangerous water. He and Styles are in competition for the partnership with Tommo Corp."

I immediately stop and discretely eavesdrop.

"I heard the same thing. They are constantly in competition. I heard Melborne used to be part of Acerbus Enterprises and betrayed Styles, stealing half of his pending investments to start his own company."

"That's not what I heard." Another man speaks up. This conversation is getting better and better.

"I heard that Melborne helped Styles establish Acerbus and when he demanded an equal share, Styles refused. Then he fired him."

"It's not polite to eavesdrop Miss. Whitman." I jump at the British accent, almost making me fall into him. Almost.

I spin around and am met by blazing green eyes. I quickly cover my surprise and shrug.

"I find information any way I can."

His expression is hard to read as he watches me. Finally he exhales a sharp breath and shakes his head.

"You're searching in the wrong places, for the wrong things Miss. Whitman."

"There is something more going on here." I push.

He chuckles. "You have no idea what you're even looking for, do you?"

"Not really but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop."

His dark eyes lighten and I can't help but admire the color.

"You're persistence is admirable Aurora but I'm afraid that it will be the end of you."

I raise my eyebrow and take a step towards him so I'm as close as I possibly can be without making physical contact.

"Is that a threat?" I whisper, my breath becoming one with his.

"It's a statement of fact." His voice is deep and it resonates in my bones. 

"I refuse to believe my destiny is confined to a simple statement of fact Mr. Styles. I decide my own fate."