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

The board-room felt like a prison to Devon as he listened to the executives droll on, not really paying attention to the things they had to say as he mindlessly twirled a fountain pen between his fingers, eyes like emerald pools appearing hazy as he stared into nothingness. It wasnt that he hated board meetings many days in fact, he found it thrilling to prove his expertise in the field, coming up with new marketing campaigns or opportunities that the other executives were too dull to consider on his own. Hed always been an out-of the-box thinker, something that might have taken him just as far in the company as his heritage. Despite all that, today there was little more on his mind than escaping the confines of the stuffy meeting room. The week had been long a little too- long for Devons tastes, and the longer this meeting took the longer it would be before he was able to cut loose and get some drinks in him. Cutting loose was something the other big-wigs felt that the young Buckholtz heir indulged in a little too often. There was no denying the boys talent, he adopted the companys cut-throat manner of business with something of a finesse to often be praised. But now that his father had declared plans for early retirement, there were few if any on the board who werent biting their nails in nervous anticipation. Every gaze fell on the boy with apprehension, each man savoring the same, worrying thought Devon Buckholtz was in no way shape or form ready to receive his fathers mantle. Business tycoon or not, Devon was a well-known party hound. More than once he cost the company in effort to keep his name out of papers, or rival company ears. Particularly when concerning Transcend Globals biggest rival, and closest neighbor, the Globex corporation. Once their most trusted allies, it seemed now as though Transcend was on a daily mission to annihilate the rival business. Even now, the topic of discussion fell on one thing How were they going to take the Trifexis contract from under their noses. Once again a disappointment to the board, the task had fallen mostly into Devons hands. It seemed his father was taking every viable opportunity to snap his son out of his day dreams of tasteful women and expensive booze, which meant a shit-load more of work for Devon. It was the biggest contribution to Devons long, tiring week. Hed been in secret negotiations with Trifexis for a while now, seeking every turn possible to sweeten their offer over Globex, but the company was determined to keep the contract, giving his fellow board members even more cause to doubt him. His pensive attitude during the meeting did little to improve it either, Devon had to admit, as he looked up to find all eyes were on him, awaiting response. He suddenly realized that his name had been called, and quickly straightened his posture, stammering for a response. He caught his fathers disappointed gaze most of all, but he did his best to ignore it, quickly falling into his part as he brought up his latest discussions with the Trifexis CEO . . . When all was said and done, Devon quickly fled the board room, grateful that his father had been caught in discussion with one of the other executives. No doubt he wanted to lecture his son, as he seemed rather fond of doing lately. Devon was certain the conversation was about him, they usually were these days, which only helped to contribute his fathers ire and worry. He kept a passive outlook on it, though. The suits could think whatever they wanted no matter what they would say or try, the company would be his in due time and he would prove them all wrong. So what if he liked to un-wind? Once he stepped into Old-Man-Buckholtzs shoes, it wasnt like there would be much time for it anymore might as well live it up while he still had enough freedom to do so. Devon loosened his stunning blue tie as he strode down the halls, stopping by his office to drop off his briefcase and check in with his assistant before sending her home for the night. He stopped to check himself in the mirror as he contemplated where he would go for the night, running careful fingers over his medium, jet black hair. The dark locks brought his green eyes to burn like fire, giving him an exotic appearance. He wore a black, shark-pattern, two-button suit that was custom tailored for his toned build. For a good moment he considered changing into something more casual, but he couldnt help but feel he looked too damn dashing to bother. With a satisfied grin, he quietly left his office and made for the lobby, carefully avoiding any path his father might take. The evening ahead was filled with too much potential to risk spoiling it. His thoughts seemed to echo those of the heir of his rivals, though unbeknownst to either of them. There was no need to go out of his way when he planned to drink his fill tonight, and so he found himself walking down the couple blocks to the Buddha Bar, a haunt hed frequented much in his young adult life. He arrived several minutes after Gabriella, drawing more than one pair of interested eyes as he came through the door. It was a pretty small crowd, which was fine after a long day of nothing but the boring side of business. Not taking note of anyone in particular, Devon found himself a quiet table off to the side, where he was quickly met by a waitress flashing a flirty smile. She was pretty cute, so Devon was all smiles himself as he ordered a Crown and Coke, none too shy about checking her out as she turned away to fulfill his request. He soon caught the eye of two other women whod apparently taken an interest in him, obviously leaning over to one another to comment on or rate him, but he pretended not to notice, his eyes scanning around the room . . . unprepared for the beauty they would eventually land on. Devon couldnt say quite what overcame him when his eyes fell upon Gabriella . . . a feeling unlike anything hed quite experienced. He couldnt even see the womans face, but there was something about her . . . What he could see of her form was inarguably as exquisite as the way she dressed. It seemed every inch, from her luscious curves, to her smooth, slender legs was carved with the idea of perfection. He felt a fire within, burning to know every feature she had to offered. He could not recall the last time he felt such strong desire and mystery swelling within the pit of his being. So consumed was he by the thought of this woman, he hadnt noticed his waitress return with his drink, or the way she lingered, expecting to engage him in conversation. Eventually her eyes followed the path of his gaze, and understanding what was going on, her demeanor grew a little cold as she cleared and throat and told him the price. Devon blinked out of his transfer as he fetched his card, and asked her to keep it open. She accepted it with a mild sigh, before setting his drink down and pulling away to return to her work. Devon took a slow sip of his drink, his eyes continuing to bore into Gabriella until he finally decided to approach her. Now, Devon was by no means an unconfident man, but he felt nervous for the first time in a long time as he came upon the bar, and quietly slid into the spot next to her. Hed done this a hundred times, but beside this woman he felt as fresh to the game as a new born. His whole body felt like it vibrated with nervous anticipation as he drank in her appearance, finding her every bit as breath-taking as he knew he would. Devon offered a kind, handsome smile that disguised the edginess he felt just from being in proximity of her. You look like you might have had as long of a day as me, he said softly, catching her attention. His voice was deep, defined and full of an intelligence beyond his years. He took note of her nearly empty martini glass, and asked, Perhaps I can get you another of those? Instantly, he jaded himself for his approach. A woman like her deserved an honest effort, but in her intoxicating presence his mind felt dulled, and it seemed as though no words could possibly be good enough though his confident eyes and posture would never betray his thoughts. e