TouchNode | Complete

9 | First Impressions

A dangerous man, a dangerous game and a mouse who likes to play.

"How are you holding up? Still experiencing any symptoms of shock?"

I stared at Ballarina angrily, it had been three whole days since Arabella's death. Which meant three missed parties for me. I groaned under my breath and slouched further down in the chaise lounger without answering her.

She stepped around me to the floor to ceiling windows at the rear of my bedroom and threw the curtains open. Annoyed, I covered my face with the throw from the back of the lounger and sucked air hard enough between my teeth to whistle. Ballarina didn't move from her position, I could feel the tension rolling through her body.

"I can't stay in here anymore, Ballarina." I confessed, "I've missed three parties already and that puts me in jeopardy of not departing like we discussed."

"Yes, well, I spoke with Carter about that very thing."

Slowly pulling the throw down my face, I shifted to face her with interest. "You did?"

A grin perked her lips, "yes. Obviously, the main reason you're indisposed is due to a direct consequence from a member of management."

"And what does that mean?"

Stepping towards me, Ballarina sat the end of the chaise. She straightened her shoulders and crossed her spidery legs. The diamonds on her shoes caught the sunlight, reflecting outward, and creating a multi-colored shimmer across my bedroom.

"It means we are gifting you the nights." Her voice had lowered to a deadly whisper, barely loud enough for me to hear. "You will receive credit for the nights that you should have worked and it will be removed from your debt."

"And Carter was okay with that?" I questioned, flabbergasted. "He didn't throw a single tantrum about not receiving his money? I find that hard to believe!"

"He shot Arabella in front of you," she groused, "he could have waited until he and Arabella were alone, or at least until you had been removed." Her eyes lifted back to me, watching the emotions I couldn't control flit across my face. I bit my lip and drew my hands together, creasing them in concentration. "Is that alright? Do you agree with the terms?"

Glancing up at her, I stopped all movement. "I don't know. Is there anyway to get this in writing?"

Narrowing her eyes, she tilted her head to the side. "You don't trust us."

I shook my head. "Forgive me, Ballarina. Frankly, I don't even trust myself."

Sniggering, she rose and sauntered toward my door. Waiting patiently, I eyed her from my position. Ballarina really did value her appearance. It was barely 8 in the morning and her sensual frame was already draped in a vivid vermilion dress that featured a deep plunge, exposing the sides of her breasts and her toned stomach.

"I'll have the contract drawn up immediately," she left, leaving me alone in the room with my thoughts roaming back to Euphrates.

He had left frustrated and angry, his hands fisted at his sides as if he had to hold himself back from grabbing me again. My core still ached from his assault, brimming with desire for a man I couldn't have. With more force than I intended, I threw my pillow across my bedroom to hit against the tuft headboard of my bed, and then stomped into my bathroom to shower.

Stepping into the stall, I turned on the shower and waited under the brisk spray until it heated to nearly boiling temperatures. Then, I grabbed my loofa and soft myself with lavender body wash. The scent immediately calmed my frazzled nerves, letting me take a deep breath, and lean against the freezing walls of the shower.