Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 65987 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 330(@200wpm)___ 264(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65987 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 330(@200wpm)___ 264(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
"Well, well," she said, her voice dripping with venomous sweetness. "Looks like someone's been sampling the boss's private stock."
Humiliation burned through me like acid, scorching away any lingering warmth of Dario's touch. I stood rooted to the spot, unable to form words, acutely aware of how I looked. "I was just—" I began, then stopped, realizing any explanation would only confirm her accusation.
"Leaving? After a hard night's work?" Valentina's gaze raked over me, her perfect red lips curving into a cruel smile. "I must say, Dario, your taste has certainly... downgraded. From Prada to polyester. How refreshing."
"That's enough, Valentina." Dario's voice cut through the corridor like a blade, cold and quiet.
She turned her attention to him, one perfectly shaped eyebrow arching. "Is it? I wonder what your employees think, seeing you bed the help? Or perhaps that's how she got the job to begin with?" Each word struck like a physical blow, confirming every whispered suspicion I'd heard since starting at The Gray. I wanted the floor to open beneath me, to be anywhere but trapped in this hallway between Dario's fury and Valentina's contempt.
"I said enough." Dario stepped fully into the hallway, positioning himself slightly in front of me in a gesture that seemed instinctively protective. "You're here uninvited and unwelcome, Valentina. Whatever you came to discuss will wait."
"Will it?" She smiled, the expression never reaching her cold eyes. "I rather think the board might be interested in how you're spending your nights these days. Mixing business with pleasure never ends well, darling. You taught me that."
"The board answers to me, not the other way around." His voice dropped lower, taking on an edge that raised the hair on my arms. "And if you ever speak to or about Belle that way again, you'll find yourself permanently,” he emphasized the word, “shall we say, unwelcome in any establishment I own. Are we clear?"
The threat hung in the air between them, and I watched something like genuine fear flicker across Valentina's perfect features before she masked it with disdain.
"Crystal," she replied, her gaze sliding to me. "Enjoy your moments, little mouse. They never last long." With a final withering look, she turned and walked back toward the elevator, her heels clicking a sharp staccato against the marble floor.
I stood frozen, mortification and anger warring within me. When I finally found my voice, it came out strained and tight. "I need to go." I stepped away from Dario, needing distance, needing air.
"Belle, wait—" He reached for me, but I shook my head.
"Please, Dario." The word was barely audible, choked by the humiliation burning in my throat. "I can't… do this right now. Just… I need to… think."
Something in my face must have convinced him, because he stepped back, his expression clouded with concern and regret. "We'll talk later. I’ll have a car brought around for you. Use it."
It wasn't a question but a statement of fact, as well as a command. I nodded once, not trusting myself to speak again and knowing there was no way in hell I was using that car, and fled toward the service stairs, desperate to escape before the tears threatening behind my eyes could fall.
As I pushed through the stairwell door, Valentina's words echoed in my head. I pressed a hand against my mouth, stifling a sob. What had I gotten myself into? And more terrifyingly, despite everything, despite the warnings and the humiliation and the complications I couldn’t afford and probably didn’t understand, why did part of me already long to be back in Dario's arms?
When I reached the main floor, I peaked out of the door, hoping no one would be around. It was early and most of the staff didn’t come in until at least noon. I crept out, holding my breath. No one. Not even a whisper from the high roller suites or the lounge. Relief and shame mixed in my chest, swirling together until I almost gasped. The smart thing would have been to run for it. Just keep my head down, never look back.
Except my legs wouldn’t move. I stood just inside the door, my hand pressed to the frame so hard my knuckles ached. God, what had I been thinking? Dario was Dario. Untouchable. And I was—
Well, I was disposable. I’d always been disposable, hadn’t I?
My eyes burned. I rubbed at them, cursing under my breath. Not here. I was not going to fucking fall apart here.
I sucked in a breath and hurried for the staff entrance, ducked into the bathroom, and locked the door behind me. I pressed my back to the door. Just stood there for a long second, breathing hard, clutching my bag to my chest like it could somehow shield me from the humiliation burning inside me. I let the bag fall to the floor and slid down the wall until my ass hit cold tile, knees drawn up, forehead pressed to them.