CHAPTER NINE
DICKINSON
When she walked out of the bathroom, I forgot how to breathe for a moment.
She came out looking like a weapon with a different kind of makeup on.
Her makeup was bolder now—red lipstick that made her mouth look like sin, cut crease eyeshadow and sharp eyeliner.
She walked toward me majestically and I knew she had done this for me.
"She did this for me," I thought, "cause she wanted my attention."
She was softening, playing the long game but definitely right into my hands.
"Took you long enough," I pointed out.
She smiled up close and I swallowed softly, blood beginning to roar in my ears.
"Worth the wait, I promise."
A satisfied smile pulled at my lips, glad she was trying to seduce me.
That meant she wanted me as much as I wanted her.
"Shall we?" She asked smoothly.
"Yes, after you, Elsa," I said as I offered her my arm, but she didn't take it.
Instead she walked quietly beside me as we headed towards the parking lot.
I could feel people staring at us—they always did when I entered a room.
But today, they stared at her too.
"My car is waiting outside," I said.
She nodded.
"Your driver will follow us."
She didn't decline when I offered her a palm to help her into the automobile.
Her driver followed in the black sedan behind my car as we drove out.
I had made the reservation at Le Clair before the board meeting even started.
I knew she would say yes.
Women like her always did—once they see everything that I can offer them.
The drive to the restaurant was quiet.
She looked out the window while I watched her reflection in the glass.
Her beauty was mesmerizing in a way that would make most men stupid.
But I was not most men.
I was Dickinson Singh.
When wee arrived at the restaurant, I took her hand and led her inside.
The owner came out to personally greet me and we briefly exchanged pleasantries.
After that, his subordinates came and took us to the private room I had reserved.
The private room upstairs was one with a clear view of the river, intimate with soft lighting and a table set for two.
My choice of music—classical—was playing quietly in the background.
"Impressive place," she said with her eyes darting around, taking in the decor.
"I thought you would appreciate it," I smiled at her, pride swelling in my chest. "You seem like someone who knows quality."
When she turned her eyes to mine, I could tell my words hadn't impressed her.
She made to speak, possibly on what I mentioned, but hesitated.
Then, she smiled, a beguiling gesture.
"I admit it is lovely here," she said as I held out a chair for her to seat.
She sat down, back straight, hands folded with the perfect posture.
"Only the best, for you," I added as I took the seat across from her.
The waiter brought us the menus.
I already knew what I wanted but I watched her as she read through the options.
She ordered first—seared scallops, duck confit, grilled sea bass with lemon butter sauce and a side of roasted vegetables.
Though she wanted a Caesar salad to start and something about that combination stirred a familiar feeling in my chest.
I pushed it away, ignoring it.
"Tell me about yourself, Elsa," I said after the waiter left for our orders. "What made you want to acquire the Dallas Group?"
She paused for a moment, probably thinking of the best answer to give me.
Then she leaned forward, her silky hair framing her heart shaped face.
"The truth is," she began in a whisper. "I like challenges. The company was underperforming yet I saw its potential."
I pursed my lips.
"And you always get what you want?"
She paused for a moment, her brows lifting as she leaned back in her chair.
"Usually," she said.
Her eyes met mine.
"Don't you?"
Her stare grew skeptical, her pupils dilating with each second I didn't speak.
The corner of my lips lifted.
"There's nothing I can not have Elsa, unless I let it go," I explained to her.
She lifted her chin.
"Yet, you lost the Dallas acquisition, to me, didn't you?" she reminded me.
I froze.
The words, it was like a slap to my face.
The air around us thickened as something hot roared through me.
I clasped my fist tightly under the table as I quirked in questioning brow at her.
"You lost," she repeated. "And, you don't have me either, though you want me "
The smug smile that graced her face at the words made me swallow.
My jaw clenched as tension formed in my neck chords, my veins throbbing.
I was tempted to reach out and wipe it off her face in an appropriate way.
But my eyes dropped to her lower lip just as she rolled her tongue out, licking it.
Desire instantly rushed through me via my bloodstream, filling every pore in my body.
My mouth parted slightly, my eyes following when she bit down harder.
"Maybe you will, maybe you won't," she said, getting my attention.
I raised my eyes to hers.
She looked at me with orbs shining brightly with triumph, and a proud grin.
"That is—"
"As for the Dallas acquisition, I am sure you have an excellent reason for letting it go to me Mr Singh," she interrupted me.
My eyes widened as the realization that she was going in circles hit me square.
A small giddy laughter left my lips while I leaned back, the tension melting away.
She believed that I lost to her because I had chosen to let go for a reason, which was exactly the propaganda I needed to sell.
I exhaled and leaned forward, staring straight into her eyes, serious.
"Yes, I want us as partners," I started. "I needed you to win so I could move in."
She didn't speak, just simply stared at me, unmoving, with keen interest.
"So?" I urged her.
She made to speak.
But before she could say anything, the waiters arrived with the food trolly.
We were quiet as they set the table, and she picked up her fork without a word.
Soon they left after wishing us bon appetit and I started to speak again.
"So about the partnership I mentioned—"
"Stop," she said firmly.
I paused.
"Excuse me?"
She didn't look up.
"I'll talk when I'm done eating."
My jaw fell slack.
"It is considered bad manners to speak with your mouth full," she explained. "We can discuss business after the meal."
I stared at her, speechless, for a moment or two.
Then I smiled.
I had an old friend who used to say the same thing, scolding me every time I would tried to make small talk during dinner.
"You remind me of someone,a close friend who used to say that exact thing."
She glanced at me.
"He sounds like a wise person."
I shrugged.
"Yeah. Too bad he died."
Her eyes widened.
"Oh my," she gasped softly.
Her expression softened.
"I'm sorry for your loss."
I shook my head with a dismissive wave in her direction.
"Oh don't bother. He passed away years ago. But, thank you," I said quietly.
"Eat," she told me, lifting her fork to her lips. "The food is nice."
I nodded, though I would rather have her instead of this food spread.
But I didn't say that.
Instead, I watched her eat—slowly, savoring each and every bite of her food.
The main course came after.
We ate in complete silence with the food being excellent as always.
I glanced at her occasionally.
There was something familiar about the way she tilted her head.
Or was it the quiet precision behind each of her movements that didn't seem right to me?
But I pushed it aside, the feeling, cause sentimentality was weakness.
When we were both finished, I called the waiter who cleared our plates.
Her eyes flickered to mine.
"Now we can talk," Elsa said, leaning back in her chair, sipping her white wine.
I leaned forward.
"Like I have suggested, I want to propose a partnership between our companies."
She tilted her head.
"I have enough capital to invest, as you know, and I am not afraid of taking risks. You know, big rewards come from big gambles, right?" I expatiated.
She nodded slowly.
"And what if the gamble fails?"
I leaned forward without breaking eye contact.
"Then I would be there to make sure no one else sees you fall."
She exhaled.
"But I don't fail, Elsa. I never have. And I think you and I could do great things together."
My voice was a low whisper, low enough to reveal my other intentions.
The corner of her lips curved.
"Moreover, I am prepared to invest heavily in Dallas for this full partnership."
She studied me for a long moment.
"What would you want in return?"
"Influence," I said honestly, leaning back and spreading my arms. "A seat at the table where the decisions are made."
She seemed to consider this as her plastic nails traced the rim of her wine glass.
"I'll think about it," she said finally.
Her phone rang before I could press further and she glanced down at the screen.
"Excuse me," she said, picking the vibrating device. "I need to take this."
I nodded as she stepped away from the table and moved towards the window.
I watched her expression change as she spoke quietly into the phone.
That was the look of someone who had just received some kind of bad news.
But when she returned to the table, she looked composed, calmer.
"Something came up," she said. "I need to go back to my office."
I stood immediately.
"Let me drive you," I offered.
"No," she said quickly. "Thank you, but I don't want to bother you."
I nodded.
"My driver is waiting."
I wanted to insist but something in her tone told me not to push.
"Of course," I said.
She picked her purse and straightned, her lashes fluttering slightly at me.
My body reacted instantly, heat pooling low in my stomach as I hardened.
I shifted in my seat.
"Farewell, we shall see in due time," she added with a tentative smile.
For some reason, that line sounded familiar.
She turned away from me and headed towards the door.
I simply leaned back in my chair and watched her walk away.
She turned back to me, with her hand resting in the hand and winked.
For some reason, that gesture seemed familiar too.
But before I could place it, she stepped out of the room and was gone.
I sighed and pulled out my phone.
The photo of my late wife, Isla, stared back at me the moment the screen lit up.
She was standing in our cozy rose garden, smiling without light in her eyes.
And then it struck me.
It was her.
Elsa reminded me of Isla.