As I stepped from my office earlier this afternoon, Neo asked where I was going.
I told him I was off to see Candace.
The hurt on his face made me add that I was going to meet with her and her lawyers to reach a settlement. That seemed to assuage some of the frustration lining those expressive eyes, but I couldn’t look too long, or I might have done something I’d regret later.
Like kiss him.
Or get the blow job he’s promised me. With interest. Not sure what that would entail, but I can’t help but be curious.
Matthias is seated next to me at the large conference-room table. My fingers brush over my watch; the one all of us Buckinghams wear.Wyatt too. It’s not just a flashy show of wealth, but a tracker, a device that enables us to know where one another is at the click of a button.
I wish I were anywhere else other than here right now.
Candace is on the other side of the table, her skin still blue, albeit less so than the other night. Her father and three lawyers sit next to her.
If I were any other man, I’d be afraid of what they may do.
But I know I’m untouchable. They know it too. It’s why they agreed to this in the first place.
“For the record,” one of her lawyers begins, “my client’s skin was intentionally dyed blue without her consent. The discoloration, as you can see, is still present and causing physical and emotional distress, not to mention reputational harm.”
Matthias meets his stare. Ever the professional, his lips do not so much as twitch as he surveys Candace. “We’re not disputing that an incident occurred, but I assure you, there was no intent to cause permanent injury.”
Candace interjects, her pink lipstick an awful contrast to the blue on her cheeks. “I can’t go to work. I can’t leave my house without people staring. And the video online…”
Matthias nods solemnly. “I know. I’m not minimizing it. But know that there was no intent for permanent disfigurement. Your skin has already recovered dramatically. I’ve looked into the chemical compound myself, and can assure you that the dye will be completely faded in the next two to three days.”
Huh. Neo must’ve divulged the formula to Matthias. To make this easier for us, or for himself?
If it were Candace, I’d know the answer. She only does things out of her own best interests. But Neo…
I think about the coffees. The pastries. How he was tackling my emails before I offered him a job.
How he gently touched my leg under the table during that awful dinner. Like he knew how alone I was feeling, and wanted to remind me that I wasn’t.
Candace doesn’t take Matthias’s assurances as good news, sobsracking her body. I note that there’s not a single tear to be seen and hold back an eye roll. Neo could learn a thing or two from me and my restraint.
Not that you restrained yourself when you stuck your cock down his throat.
My cock twitches at the memory, but I remind myself that this is not the time or the place. It doesn’t really help.
But I tried.
“My client has grounds for civil action and possibly criminal charges,” her lawyer adds.
Matthias clears his throat. “My client is here to resolve this without litigation. He’s prepared to offer financial compensation to cover any costs accrued.”
“And your…friend?” Candace sneers, making my eyes meet hers. Still dry, despite the racket she was just making. She’s doing nothing to hide her fury. It’s evident in the set of her lips, she’s bristling.
But what she doesn’t realize is that she’s not the only one feeling that way.
Candace came into my house—albeit invited—and criticized my family. She insulted Neo. Hurt his feelings.
For that, I will burn her world down.
Or, I would, if I didn’t think she’d take Neo down with her.
“He won’t come near you again,” I say instead.
