The penthouse windows let the first rays of morning flood in, highlighting the strain left over from the previous evening. Although Noah's visit with Victor lingered over us like a black cloud, something had changed between us.
We were comrades in a war against a common enemy, not rivals posing as a marriage.
Watching Noah Walk the room with his phone close to his ear, I drank my coffee at the kitchen island. His clear orders permeated the air, his voice hard and exact as he set contingency plans and security precautions.
He hung off the line and turned to face me, his look incomprehensible. "I object to your attending this meeting."
I placed my cup down and tightened my jaw. Too unfortunate. I'm already engaged.
"This isn't a negotiation, Isla," he continued, his voice sharp. Victor is harmful. Better yet is the less you are around him.
I crossed my arms and squarely met his eye. And supposing you go alone and he chooses to go too far? I will not be sitting on the sidelines watching you negotiate this alone.
As Noah fixed his gaze on me, frustration flaring in his eyes, his jaw twitched. "You have no idea what you are walking into."
Then help me comprehend, I added, lowering my voice. "Your wife, Noah—fake or not is me. Allow me to be of assistance.
He paused, his fortifications threatening to fall. Then he moaned, his shoulders slinking slightly.
"Fine," he grudgingly said. But you go with my guidance. No dispute.
The rest of the day was a muddle of getting ready. Noah gave me an outline of what to anticipate; his tone was strong yet tinged with a protective undertone.
"Victor will try to irritate you," he said. "Don't let him pass." He enjoys control, hence he will exploit whatever flaw he comes across.
"I can handle myself," I said, but the idea of meeting a guy like Victor made my tummy turn around.
For a minute Noah examined me, his eyes softened. "I am sure you are capable. Still, this is not just about you. Should he feel that you compromise his authority over me, ...
He drifted off, his words hanging weight fully around.
"I will be careful," I said.
That evening we arrived to a private club housed in one of the most exclusive hotels in the city. The gloomy and luxurious mood was created by low lighting throwing shadows across the well furnished area.
Already there, Victor was sat at a corner table sipping whisky from a tumbler. His arrogant smirk and smart suit radiated a nonchalant threat, as if he knew he was in charge.
"Noah," he said calmly, rising to meet us. And Mrs. Blackwood as well. How wonderful of you to come along.
Keeping Noah's cautions in mind, I contrived a grace that was nice. "Villager."
Sitting opposite from him, the table served as a physical barrier between us. Noah had a stiff but under control stance, and he exuded calm power.
"What do you desire?" Noah inquired, very front and direct.
Victor sank back in his chair, his grin broadening. " Straight to business as usual. I really respect you about this.
"Spare me the compliments," Noah said sharply.
Victor laughed and whirled his glass. "Very well. Here I am to go over a mutually advantageous deal.
Victor pushed a document on the table towards Noah. "Inside you will discover what I have collected on your and your lovely wife. Records of finances, family history... and a few specifics of that terrible night some years ago.
Noah's palms closed into fists as his jaw hardened.
"I could ruin you with this," Victor said, his voice nearly laid back. "Your family's legacy—it would all come crashing down—your reputation."
And in exchange, what do you want? Noah asked through teeth that were clenched.
The grin of Victor became predatory. "A collaboration." Just enough to keep things interesting, a piece of your empire would be ideal.
Noah slanted forward, his eyes icy and uncompromising. "I deal with parasites not in negotiations."
Victor's grin wavered, then he straightened up, staring at me. Maybe Mrs. Blackwood views things differently. You stand to lose exactly the same, after all, Isla?
Though my heart hammered, I forbade him from seeing my anxiety. Rather, I stared back with defiance.
You believe you might frighten me? My voice steady as I spoke "You know me hardly at all."
Victor's eyes shrank, obviously unprepared for my opposition.
Noah responded, his voice cutting: "You've underestimated her." and myself.
Rising above Victor, he stood. You are very wrong if you believe you can control us. Your supposed leverage won't be effective whatever it is.
Though his stance revealed his irritation, Victor grinned. "We'll check about that."
Noah leant forward, his voice lowering to a perilous whisper. "Keep clear of me. Away from Isla, avoid. I will annihilate you if you so much as breathe in our way once again.
Victor looked tense for the first time. Tightly smiling, he got up from the table. "You have established your stance clearly. But don't assume this is done here.
He turned and went, leaving a path of discomfort after him.
I shakily exhaled as we exited the lounge; the adrenaline at last caught up with me.
"You handled yourself well," Noah continued, his voice lower now.
Thanks, I replied, looking at him. "You were not particularly bad yourself."
He laughed, a rare, real sound that let some of the strain between us go away.
"Victor won't stop," I whispered softly.
"No," Noah said. Though neither will we.
I felt for the first time since our marriage started that we were really in this together—partners standing side by side against the storm.
I couldn't get rid of the sense that Victor's warnings were just the start that night as I lay in bed. The past was catching up with Noah and, hence, with me.
But I was not terrified, for the first time.
Whatever followed, we would face it together.
or so I hoped.