Thread: Bitter Sweet Rivals (Lady Bloody Ava & Fates.Gamble)

Devon remained sound asleep even as Gabriella stirred with the morning light, eventually leaving his side upon the comfortable furniture. He was usually a light sleeper, and touch activity would have alerted him. But she was as graceful as she was beautiful, removing herself from her entwined body without so much as stirring him. Of course, it helped that she had done such a number on him last night, leaving him drained in both body and mind. It was close to another hour before he finally roused, the morning sun warming his face with its bright orange glow. Initially he stretched out, his hand sliding across the soft cushion were Gabby once resided. It took his mind a moment to process the lack of her presence, but when he finally realized, his blear eyes cracked open, and he sat up, his attention scanning the room for her. He might have been disappointed not to find her, had his attention not fallen upon the note left in her wake. He read the napkin with a smile, flashes of the night before sparking his memory. Something about the way she left made him burn for her usually he was the one slipping out on the other party, but now he would be the one left to crave another encounter. Only after reading the note did he spot what shed left him beneath it. He lifted the sexy garment and surveyed it with a large grin. She couldnt have left him a better message, the reminiscence of peeling them off enough to get him hard all over again. He would definitely be calling her when he got a chance For now, however, he set his trophy aside and followed in Gabbys footsteps, carefully collecting his scattered articles of clothing before making his way to the shower. The whole time, she consumed his thoughts. Every second was another memory of their night or the wonder over when they would get to do it again. It seemed like Devon would never be able to think of anything else again, but the world seemed to have other plans, as his phone went off just as he exited the shower. It took him a moment to realize it was stuffed in his pants pocket, but he managed to retrieve it just in time to catch the angry voice of his father. I told you to be in over two hours ago! His senior barked, pure irritation within the word. What? Since when? I told you I would be working from home today Yeah well maybe you should check your messages sometime. I called you several times last night! What the hell were you doing, Devon? You know what, I dont want to know. Get your shit together and get down here, NOW. I managed to get a sit down with Trifexis. Theyll be arriving within the hour and if you expect to fill my shoes when I gone I highly fucking suggest you make it here before then. What!? Devon retorted, How the hell did you get them to his voice trailed off, as he mimicked the thoughts of his father, he really didnt want to know what sort of dirty, under-handed tactic got them a meeting with the company less than a day later. Ill be there as soon but his phone died before he could finish the sentence. With a growl of frustration, he hurriedly dressed. Not having the time to deal with a full suit, he decided to go business casual, choosing a white polo shirt with one of his nicest, charcoal blazers and a pair of khakis. He would have preferred to be a little more professional, but there was no time for it. Once he was ready, he hastily made his way out of the building, Usually he would have preferred a driver to take him in, but being in a hurry he made his way to the resident garages and entered his unit. Very rarely did he take his vehicle into downtown, for fear of all the things that could happen. And it was a very justifiable hesitation, when one saw the beauty of the jet-black, Aspid Gt-21 Invictus. There were few better ways to get somewhere in a flurry, which Devon proved from the moment the engine roared to life, pulling out into the parking lot and on to the road as fast as possible while being safe. He made it to the office in record time, quickly heading into the parking garage across the street. He past the valet, deciding to park the car himself as the man looked a little too excited at the prospect of driving it for his liking. It meant a longer walk, but hed seen Ferris Buellers Day Off enough times that he wasnt taking any chances. With much difficulty, he left the car behind and made for the lobby of his building. He reached the board room just in time to see his father greeting the Trifexis CEO. Devon calmed himself before approaching the men, and after quick introductions and a stern look from his father, they proceeded onto the long, tense meeting Yes, I understand what youre offering however weve formed good relations with Globex and have already promised the account to them. With all due respect sir, I thought you were a business man, Devon challenged, completely annoyed and frustrated with this company. We have twice as much to offer if you sign the contract over to us. We are being MORE than generous Theres a chance to make a lot of money here and to throw it away because of good relations is a fool-hardy choice. Regrettably, I just dont think our style of business is compatible. Theres a little more to the world than money, no matter how much we may love it. Im sorry, but theres really nothing more to discuss here. Devons further attempts to persuade him otherwise were quickly shot down leaving him in one of the worst moods hed had in weeks. He refused to meet his fathers eye once the two were left alone, but he could still feel the mans ire. This is the third time the Beaumont girl has intercepted, and bested you. You know... One of the biggest reasons our family broke ties with the Beaumonts is because we all thought a woman would be an unfit choice behind the wheel of this company. And now here she is, beating you at every fucking turn now! It would seem to me that we might have been wrong about which heir would be an unfit choice. Yeah, and Im sure our ruthless approach has absolutely nothing to do with it. You heard the guy, Our style of business just isnt compatible. Were the sharks of the industry, Dad, and the fish are starting to realize it. If we keep eating and eating like this, eventually therell be nothing left. I have taken this company from the ground and made it into an empire. Dont you dare question how I run it. You start going weak or soft, and the fish notice that too. We are successful BECAUSE we are ruthless. Youve let Globex step on your toes enough times that potential clients are seeing the strength in them instead of us. Its time to change that, Devon. At any cost. Following his words, he slid a large, black folder over to his son, who caught the portfolio with an angry look. What is this? Devon asked, no interest right now in seeing whatever scheme or target his father was plotting over next. Information on the Beaumont girl and her mother. he explained. And what the hell am I supposed to do with it? The first step to victory is knowing your enemy, son. From what I can tell, they're clean nose to the grind stone and all. But if theres one thing Ive learned in all my years running this corporation, its that people in this field of work are seldom what they seem. Youve always had a good eye for detail, boy. Maybe you can find something I couldnt something we can use. Devon scoffed. Are you telling me to find something I can blackmail them with? I dont really care what the hell you do, Devon. But if you want to take my place when I walk away, then you better find a way to shut them down. Because if we lose one more contract to Globex, the board is never going to see you through to this seat. I didnt sign up for this shit, Devon responded, watching his father darkly. You didnt sign up for anything. It was given to your ungrateful ass on a silver platter. Now take care of it. Devon was left with those words ringing in his mind with the force to drive him mad. His hand sat upon the black folder as though it were the scales of judgment. It was a lose-lose decision, and being forced to make it was not sitting very well with him. He wanted to be away from all this crap to think of the night hed spent with his beautiful Gabriella . . . The thought of her alone chased away his annoyance, his mind suddenly jumping track as he fetched the napkin hed stuffed away out of his pocket. The tip of his thumb trailed across the writing, a smile tugging at his face. If there was one thing that could turn him away from all this shit, it was her. It was a little sooner than he liked, but he had to get in touch with her if for no other reason than to hear her voice. Luckily, his phone had charged enough on the drive over, but it was still dangerously low, so he quickly dialed in the numbers, and waited for her to pick up. Maybe he would invite her to dinner or something, though he found himself wondering if she would want to see him again so soon. e