Seeing Leona subtly checking me out, I couldn't help but sneer inwardly. 'Ah, having good looks really does have its perks. Feels good, doesn't it?'
She tried to be discreet, stealing quick glances when she thought I wasn't looking. But I caught her, Infact I caught her every time. The faintest trace of pink crept across her otherwise flawless face, betraying her calm exterior. That slight blush? It was all the confirmation my horny, self-indulgent brain needed.
'Well, well, what do we have here? It'll be easier than I thought.'
And just like that, the gears of my dangerously confident mind kicked into overdrive, spinning faster than they had any right to. I could practically hear the smug background music in my head, the soundtrack of a man who knew he was, objectively speaking, a gift to the world's women.
'Alright, Casanova, time for a plan.'
A plan soon unfolded in my mind— nothing too complicated, just a little gamble with fate. It hinged on two very simple variables, how much Leona was drawn to this devastatingly handsome face of mine and how greedy she was for a taste of this near-perfect body? The odds? Well, let's just say I'd bet on myself in such situations.
I let out a soft sigh, not out of frustration, but sheer acknowledgment of the curse or should I say the burden of being this handsome. 'Haah… It's tough being this handsome. But someone's got to do it.' I thought and shook my head and sighed.
Now, I know what you're thinking. 'Wow, this guy's a narcissist.' And you'd be absolutely right. But to be fair, you'd say the exact same things if you saw me with your own two eyes. Trust me.
I shifted my weight slightly, letting the light from a nearby window catch just the right angle of my jawline. Casual, but calculated. I ran a hand through my hair, tousling it just enough to look effortlessly charming. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Leona's gaze flickering first to my face, then to the subtle flex of muscle beneath my rolled-up sleeves. Bullseye.
'Hook, line, and sinker.' I sneered to myself.
If the plan succeeds it will be smooth, dark and deep journey ahead. 'Ahem.... You know what I mean.'
And if failed? No big deal. I'd just bide my time, earn some brownie points from her and try again. Considering the way Leona's eyes lingered on my perfectly chiseled body earlier, I doubted it'd take me much effort even with a minor setback. Confidence, after all, was half the battle and I had that in spades.
Without wasting another second, I made my move.
"Oh that'll be great for the company!" I exclaimed, throwing in just the right amount of enthusiasm to keep things natural. Then, as if it were an afterthought, I added, "By the way, I wanted to get some fresh air, maybe stay outside for a while. Could you arrange some escorts for me?" I glanced at my father, keeping my expression casual, like it was no big deal.
Before he could respond, Harrison the ever-efficient Captain of the Blackmanes jumped in.
"Now that we are in a cooperative relationship I can arrange that easily". he said, his voice as steady as ever. Without missing a beat, he turned to the man standing beside him. "Andrew, can I leave this simple task to you?".
Andrew, a silent type with short daggers on his waistbelt with the expression of someone perpetually bored with life, gave a curt nod. Not a word, just acknowledgment. Efficient, but not exactly the person I had in mind for this part of the plan.
Dad seemed ready to move on to more pressing matters, shifting the conversation back to business. But fate or rather, my meticulously crafted charm had other plans.
"Wait," Leona's voice cut through the room, sharp and decisive inturrupting Jonathan again. Soon all eyes turned to her. "Now that we're cooperating, we shouldn't take any chances. There are many watching, waiting for Goldlitch to falter. He's the only heir you have. If something happens to him, it's as good as over for Goldlitch." she said pointing her finger.
'And… the fish has finally bitten the bait.' I said to myself as I sneered inside.
I kept my face neutral, but inside, I was grinning like a devil who'd just signed another soul.
"Harrison, I'll personally escort and protect him," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Harrison considered her words for a brief moment, then nodded thoughtfully. "You've got a point. It's reasonable. Alright, you stay with him and handle that. I'll take care of things here with the others, no big deal."
No big deal indeed, I thought, the satisfaction settling comfortably in my chest. The pieces were falling into place, just as I'd bet they would.
"Ok so you guys stay today and go as you planned tomorrow" Jonathan spoke quickly as if trying to avoid someone interrupting him again.
"Okay, so you guys stay today and go as you planned tomorrow," Jonathan spoke quickly, his words tumbling out like he was afraid someone might interrupt him again. His sharp gaze flickered briefly between Leona and Harrison, perhaps sensing the subtle undercurrent beneath our seemingly casual exchange but he said nothing more.
Smart move, Dad. It's best not to dig too deep when you're standing on thin ice.
I gave him a polite nod, masking the satisfaction bubbling beneath my composed exterior. Leona's agreement was more than just a win; it was the first crack in the armor she wore so well.
As the meeting wrapped up, people began to disperse, their conversations shifting to mundane matters— business forecasts, trade routes, supply chains, preventive measures. All the boring background noise that didn't concern me. I had bigger things on my mind.
Leona didn't approach me immediately. Instead, she kept her posture stiff, her face a mask of professionalism as she exchanged a few more words with Harrison. But I caught the subtle glances; quick and sharp flickers of her eyes in my direction when she thought no one was watching.
'Oh, I'm watching you, Leona. Your every move.'
Eventually, she made her way over, her footsteps measured, a faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips— controlled, calculated.
"I'll be ready by dawn," she said simply, her voice cool but with just enough warmth to spark curiosity. ""Make sure you're not late."
Not late? I nearly chuckled but managed to keep a straight face. 'Oh, sweetheart, I've been ready since the moment I laid my eyes on you.
"Of course," I replied smoothly, letting a lazy, confident grin stretch across my face. "Wouldn't want to keep my personal protector waiting."
For the briefest second, her composure wavered— a flicker of something in her eyes. Annoyance? Amusement? Interest? Maybe all three.
She didn't respond, just gave a curt nod and turned away, her stride purposeful as she left the room with slightly unnoticeable blush on her charming face.
I watched her go, the grin still lingering on my lips. 'Part of the works done, now let's rest. I have a long day to plan ahead of me tomorrow.' I thought.