Secret Talks

Evelyn and Dylan reached the conference hall which was equipped with people who welcomed the couple with raging eyes. The duo was forty minutes late but the moment Dylan stepped in, their bravura disappeared. No one dared to scold them and simply proceeded with the meeting. That’s the power the Mafia held. Even Evelyn consented to it.

When Hunter said Dylan has everything in check, he meant that.

Evelyn spotted Theodore in the room who despite being dubious as he had witnessed Dylan dragging her didn’t say anything. He simply smiled at her which she returned gladly. She was hating herself for hugging Dylan but she was also a human. And just like everyone else, she had a weak moment so it wasn’t a big deal.

But it’s easier to be said than done. Evelyn tried to stay calm. She floated her ideas but her voice was trembling. She kept fumbling but tried to cover it. The people over there even snickered at her clumsiness which brought tears to her eyes. Evelyn couldn’t handle it anymore, she was close to bursting out when Dylan took the command.

Unlike her who was on the edge, the man handled the meeting professionally. His fascinating representation of the repertoire of business skills won hearts. Dylan was a perfect orator and articulated his ideas pithily. Evelyn was astounded but seeing his confidence boosted her spirits too. She also engaged in the conversation and thus the whole attention was deflected on her. Dylan quietly stepped back, his work was done.

“This project is multifaceted because we would be touching other sectors too. The endorsement wouldn’t be an issue because the two companies hold extremely good reputations. Also, Mr. Blanchet, I have heard that your family has a strong foothold in politics so we can get the project can get the back of the government.” Evelyn stipulated, making sure to use the words carefully.

Dylan looked at her with a proud grin while surprise entered Dominique’s eyes. How come in the world she gleaned so much information about him in such a short time?

It was true though because Evelyn doesn’t know him. Dylan was the how introduced her to him and that’s when she started reading articles about him. Dominique Blanchett woned an influential and powerful persona, for sure she would bag great opportunities if she works on strengthening her ties with his company. Evelyn thus made brief research but remained stuck to the key points while journeying to the office.

Theodore acknowledged her words as he bobbed his head in positive.

“Of course. That’s awesome and if we succeed, we can even start a joint venture which would solely work on this initiative.” He said and flashed her an affectionate smile. Evelyn returned it.

Dylan watched their conversation with hawkish eyes. He was seething. He knew men well. The way Theodore was looking at her fondly, it required no brainer that the man was smitten.

And it only incinerated the Mafia.

Dylan curled his fingers inside, the vein on his left temple throbbed. It took him all his self-control not to gauge out his worthless eyes from their sockets for eyeing something which was his.

But what peeved him more was Evelyn’s response. Why in the hell was she smiling so much? Why his hatred was only reserved for him while others get the taste of her affection?

Why not him?

“Okay, so it’s finalized. Ms. Black, we will then proceed with the site inspection and leave Ms. Clarke for approving it. Once it’s done, we can deliberate upon the other required stuff.” Dominique said earning an imperceptible nod from Dylan who was still glaring at Theodore. He then stood up and shook hands with Dominique. Evelyn and Theodore mirrored their actions.

Things took a tragic turn when Theodore didn’t stop there. Instead, he enveloped her small hand with both of his and continued saying something to her. The desperation was evident in his action.

But Dylan held him back. It was hard but he did because he expected Evelyn to spurn him but she also betrayed him.

She was laughing with Theodore and that burned him to a cinder.

Dominique was startled when Dylan stalked towards the duo while bumping his shoulders hardly. His eyes were drunk in rage, death looming over his head.

Evelyn who was busy conversing was startled when her hand was roughly snatched from Theodore and was squeezed into a brutal grip. She hissed and looked up only to be left thunderstruck as Dylan was giving death glares to Theodore.

“We will be taking our leave.” His voice was thick, cold, and rolled out as a caveat.

Theodore grudgingly nodded and threw him a strained smile, “Well that’s okay. See you soon, Ms. Clarke.” He said and peeked behind him to get her glance but Dylan didn’t grant his wish as he dragged Evelyn outside.

Evelyn tried pulling her hand but to whom was she kidding? Her strength was no match. She then turned behind and smiled at Theodore.

“Yeah, see you soon Mr. Blanchett.”

“As if I would let you.”

Dylan snarled in his head while making sure to pay a visit to the bastard who dare claim his stake on something which was solely his.

*****

“What’s the matter with you? Let me go.”

Evelyn whisper yelled as they trudged through the crowd. She didn’t want to repeat the history but she was so pissed.

Dylan paid no heed and pushed her to the car where Hunter was already waiting for them.

“Take her to the hotel.”

“You don’t rule my life!!” Evelyn finally snapped, done with his interference.

Dylan glowered at her, “I am not ruling your life. I am just making sure you’re safe. And the meeting is done so you need to retire to home.”

“That’s my call.” Evelyn gritted and yanked her hand out of his hold. “Stop bothering me.”

Dylan clenched his jaw. He gripped her forearm and opened the door of the car. Before Evelyn could object, he pushed her inside along with him and locked the door.

Hunter needed no command as he simply slipped into the driver seat and started the car engine.

“WHAT ARE YOU BOTH DOING? HELP, THIS IS KIDNAPPING, DYLAN!!” Evelyn screamed and tried clawing at his face but Dylan gripped both of her hands and then pushed a button turning on the partition because no way in hell he would let Hunter be a part of the curtain lecture.

“So, you wanted to create a scene in front of everyone?” Dylan reprimanded Evelyn earning a glare from her.

“Why not? I am so sick of you constantly bedeviling me. Why can’t you just fuck off and stop harassing me?”

“Only when you will fucking stop treating me like shit.”

Dylan growled menacingly and slammed his palm on the glass window beside her head. He was trying so hard to put up with her but she keep testing his patience pushing him to the deep end.

Evelyn scoffed and rolled her eyes, “There’s no need to. You’re a piece of shit, a burden on this planet-”

“Whatever I am. I mean no harm to you and I can prove it to you.” Dylan cut her off and gripped her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.

But then he backed off.

Evelyn watched him confused as he closed his eyes and drew a deep breath.

“Listen to me,” he spoke earnestly, “I know you hate me and I don’t blame you. But I can assure you that I mean you no harm. I swore on my mother and my dead father that I haven’t done anything.”

His expression was grave. Evelyn turned silent. She pried his fingers off her face and moved back.

“I just don’t want you around me. I can handle myself.” She stated politely.

“I can’t because you are not safe.”

Dylan finally dropped the bomb leaving her stunned.

“What?”

Evelyn asked with a scoff, not believing his words but fear picked up her spine noticing his austere expression.

Dylan heaved a deep sigh. Earlier he had thought not to disclose it but her actions compelled him to give it a thought. She needs to know the truth that someone apart from him was keeping tabs on her. Dylan would have laughed it away but Evelyn’s behavior turned him sceptical. So he decided to investigate but even after rigorous research, he got nothing.

Dylan scooted closer to her and grabbed her hands before looking deeply into her eyes.

“Listen, Eve, I need you to forget all the misunderstanding between us and focus on what I am about to tell you. Last night, you had a nightmare, don’t you?”

Her jaw dropped.

“H-How do you know-”

“I expected this reaction but then what if I tell you that you consumed something that triggered to you to have it,” Dylan said.

Evelyn looked at him with wide eyes.

“What? No. This is impossible.” She shook her head in negative. “I didn’t go out yesterday and ate lunch at the hotel and it was perfectly fine. And I can assure you that Joseph was the one who booked the hotel this time. He checked it thoroughly before making a reservation here.” She asserted.

Dylan frowned but then it clicked to him, “Mmm, so Xander knows where you are staying.”

Evelyn looked at him askance but still nodded. Dylan hummed in approval.

Evelyn watched him as he released her hands and shifted away from her. His behavior baffled her.

“What now?”

Dylan turned to her. He shrugged his shoulders, “Maybe I was wrong. Nevermind.” Saying that he turned his gaze to the window.

Evelyn huffed, “Seriously? All this drama for nothing.” She quipped, expecting a response but Dylan just ignored her and closed his eyes while throwing his head back on the headrest.

Shaking her head, she hurriedly pressed the button, lowered the partition, and then fished out her phone to check for some mail. Not able to quell her curiosity, she turned to Dylan who had his hands crossed over his chest and was sleeping soundly.

“Asshole” gritting, she looked away and busied herself.

That’s when Dylan opened his eyes. His gaze instantly collided with Hunter who was already staring at him through the rear-view mirrors.

Both the men conversed through their eyes and nodded at each other.