Donovan exhaled sharply as he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to quell the growing headache that throbbed behind his eyes. The last thing he needed was another confrontation with Natalie, his so-called girlfriend who's the daughter of a powerful crime boss whose influence he needed to secure a lucrative underground arms deal. - connections Donovan desperately needed to expand his criminal empire. So her existence proved far too valuable for Donovan to simply cast aside. No matter how much
He glanced up as the office door flew open, Veronica Sinclair striding in with all the grace and poise of a queen entering her court. "Donovan, darling, we need to discuss the family dinner this weekend," she said, her tone brooking no argument.
Donovan clenched his jaw, forcing a tight smile. "Veronica, I've told you, I'm not—"
"Nonsense," she interrupted, perching herself on the edge of his desk. "Your presence is expected. Daddy would be simply devastated if you didn't attend seeing as he been asking about you constantly." Her manicured hand came to rest on his arm, her fingers tracing small circles on his sleeve. Donovan resisted the urge to recoil from her touch.
Donovan fought the urge to pull away, reminding himself of the delicate balance he was tasked with maintaining. Veronica's family connections were vital to his criminal operations, and he couldn't risk jeopardizing that, no matter how much her needy, clingy behavior grated on his nerves. Or how much she
"Fine," he ground out. "I'll be there."
Satisfied, Natalie leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a kiss he didn't return. With a coy smile, she sashayed out of the office, leaving Donovan to stew in his irritation.
Hours later, Donovan was standing in the dimly lit backroom of his private club, reviewing the ledgers with his trusted right-hand man, Damian. It was here, in the underbelly of his criminal empire, that he found solace. The numbers, the calculations, the careful orchestration of his illicit operations - it was a world he understood, a world he controlled.
Just as Donovan was finishing up, Damian approached him, a grin spreading across his face. "Boss, you got a visitor. Encore's here. His best friend and confidante, Encore, approached him with a broad grin. "Hey, Carver. I'm having a little shindig on the yacht this weekend. You in?"
Donovan paused, considering. A chance to get away from Natalie's constant demands and enjoy some much-needed distraction sounded like just the respite he needed. Plus, Encore's parties were legendary, drawing in the city's elite and powerful. "Count me in," he replied with a nod.
As Encore turned to make the arrangements, Donovan allowed himself a rare moment of anticipation. Perhaps this party would provide the perfect opportunity to clear his mind - and maybe even find a more suitable companion to occupy it.