Page 9 of Tears of Revenge
When the clock finally struck four, she snatched her bag and checked her appearance in the bathroom one last time. She’d chosen a floral sundress and changed from her work flats to the pumps she’d brought with her.
With sweaty palms and a fluttering heart, she took the elevator to the fortieth floor. When Marcus suggested they meet in their office, she’d looked up exactly what the space was for—investment.
A young woman greeted her when she arrived at reception. “How may I help you, ma’am?”
“I’m looking for Mr. Saul and Mr. Mounteney.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“I do.”
The woman looked down at her computer, her mouse clicking as she searched for the appointment. “I’m sorry, I can’t seem to find you.”
Ava was just about to ask her to call them, but Varos’s voice stopped her. “My apologies, Ava. I didn’t add you to our visitor’s list.”
She turned and saw the man moving towards her, his long legs eating up the space between them. He was dressed more casually today, though still wearing a button-up shirt.
“Calinda, make sure to add Miss Williams to our list and ensure that she has permanent clearance.”
“Of course, Mr. Saul.”
Varos offered his arm just as Marcus had, and led her away from the reception desk.
“You look stunning today,” he complimented, his smooth voice warming her skin.
“Thank you.”
“Marcus is still in a meeting, but it shouldn’t be long now.”
“That’s alright.”
“How was your day?”
“Long and far too slow,” she admitted.
“Because you wanted to see us again?”
She nodded, ducking to hide the blush on her cheeks.
“I think that is the sweetest compliment I’ve heard in a long time.” He opened a heavy wooden door and led her into a massive office with three large desks and a beautiful view over the Buffalo Bayou Park. “We can wait in here until Marcus is finished.”
Though there was a leather couch situated against one wall, she dropped her grip on Varos and stepped up to the floor-to-ceiling windows. “That’s a gorgeous view. I don’t think I’d be able to focus on anything if I worked here.”
“It can get quite distracting.”
Varos sat down behind his desk while she watched the people in the park enjoying the mild autumn weather. The silence between them was comfortable, and neither of them felt the need to break it.
Eventually, the door opened, pulling Ava’s attention towards the third man from the elevator. He froze for a moment, then his face hardened.
“I thought you would’ve left by now,” he grunted, turning his back to her and taking a seat at his desk.
“Marcus’s meeting is longer than expected. I don’t believe I made any introductions last time.”
The man stiffly shrugged. “None needed.”
“Lysander!” Varos scolded. “I’m sorry, Avalon. It seems that Lysander needs a reminder on his manners.”
“Oh, it’s alright. We all have bad days,” she giggled, slightly amused. His rejection didn’t hurt. She usually welcomed blunt behaviour versus fake pleasantries.