Billionaire Seduction

by Miller, Christine

  I like shaking.

  - Hi. - Softly babbling.

  - Hi.

  Two members only, but they cause a paralyzing effect on me. They are spoken softly in a voice that at this very moment, I find to be my favorite in the world.

  I hear a deep breath on the other end.

  - Are you still mad? - The words are said carefully. - The Nati gave me their messages.

  Squeeze my thigh in trying to control the trembling in my body. I like that girl movie[23]enfincaram when a direct-injection of adrenaline in her heart. My blood flows hallucinated, burning down all my nerve endings.

  Scratch the skin of my neck that itches.

  - Just a little ... - I say the truth.

  - You looked like hell ... I spent all night waiting for you ... - I hear something break. - Fuck, Nina! Never do this! - Explodes back to Theo I know.

  I press my forehead ... I'm confused.

  Never do what?

  Say a few good for your sister or out like crazy swept?

  - I got heavy with Thenka, sorry. - Choose the first option, because it is the only one in which a little regret.

  - No! It was good ... She deserved to hear every word. - Another long sigh. - I owe you an apology ... that wanted to protect you and did it wrong ... Why did not you tell me about the trip? I never felt so desperate.

  Surprised me.

  - Exaggerated.

  - Exaggerated, no. Damn, hick! Thousand shits crossed my mind ... - scream and pull away a little phone to your ear. - The Lookout Street said he left with a man ... Fuck! I thought you'd left me. - A long pause. - Left?

  My head a knot. Theo is really acting like an abandoned husband. - And he has to tell about the trip, by chance? Camila marked the survey without consulting us. Theo, as to Michael, I do not want ...

  - It's okay ... - interrupted me. - I know he's gay.

  - What?! Never he's gay, I would have noticed! - I laugh.

  - Yes it is ... We talked, he confessed.

  I put my hand to mouth and pull away the phone to stifle my laughter. Men are the same idiots, only believe what suits them.

  poker face that Miguel!

  It is not Gay here or in China!

  I decide not to report my colleague. I look at the driver who makes me a positive sign. - All right back there? One more block and we're getting.

  - All thanks. - I thank you.

  - With who are you talking to?

  - With the taxi driver.

  - You're coming back to the hotel? That commitment was this?

  - My gynecologist. - Tale without knowing why. The driver clears his throat and squirms in her seat.

  I look ugly for him.

  That busybody!

  - It's about what I asked you?

  - Yes.

  - Goodbye condoms?

  - Yes.

  - When will begin to take?

  - I took the first before leaving the office.

  I hear something crash ... I take a fright. I expected to be happy with the news, not hysterical.

  - Theo?

  - Theo? - Insist.

  - I'll send a jet to pick her up, I will not spend another night away from you.

  God!

  - Theo Callas. Not so, it took work. I can only ... - look for the driver to maneuver in front of my mother's house and plays a suggestive smile in the rearview mirror. God bless me! I make a face - We have to wait five days ... - whisper. - Moreover, it has a number of things we need to talk first.

  - What things? - Question with ressabiada voice.

  - Things, Theo ... A number of things ... Péra there ...

  Down the phone, shot a fifty real wallet and give the driver. - Keep the change. - Thank you and get off the taxi.

  My legs bambeiam when fixed the look in my mother's house. The last time I was here, we had a terrible argument. Let out a long sigh and go back to the phone ... A hysterical litany of Ninas and fucking explode across the line. - Theo! - shout.

  - What things, dammit? Going back to Sao Paulo today! - Screams louder.

  - Or calm down or hang up in your face! - Threaten.

  He is silent.

  I take a deep breath and start walking toward the yellow townhouse my mother shares with her new husband. Disgusted, repair as the gardens are abandoned. There are weeds everywhere. - Listen Theo. I just arrived at my mother's house. My flight is scheduled for tomorrow bright and early. Why not have come back today.

  Eva appears at the door and waves bored. Return the same excitement.

  - I need to see her today. - Insists angry.

  - Today will not give. Send a message with the number of this phone ... When you return to the hotel I'll call you, I discovered an important thing that will change the course of everything.

  - What direction? What important thing, damn it?

  - Goodbye!

  Hang up without giving gap to Theo bawling or insist more. What a difficult man, Lord! The phone rings again and then I hang up.

  - Hi Mom. How are you ms?

  - The grocery bill is delayed. Come in, I'll be back.

  Armed with all the world's patience enter. Dou face with snotty my stepfather sprawled on the sofa, which has had its glory days. There are newspapers thrown on the floor, empty glasses on the table dusty center and a television that looks brand new, is connected in a talent show. I go to the furthest seat from him and sit down. I continue with my well protected bag on my lap. Sad to say, but the last time I neglected me, I was penniless in the portfolio.

  - Carlos Hi, how are back?

  - Every day worse. - Responds faking an uncomfortable face and rushes to hide a bottle of wine, I know it's expensive. - The situation does not walk at all easy here.

  Pesco indirect.

  - I guess. - My eyes fall on the door of the old cabinet that is lame. Secure the urge to ask a screwdriver to let her plumb. He is the man of the house, not me. - The country is in crisis, is not easy for anyone. Each turning as you can and cutting everything that is superfluous. - Point to the point next to the couch, where he hid the bottle. -. I talked with Mr. Zico about the job I told you about?

  - Nina! Leave Carlos alone. - Eva back, already berating me while saving the last generation mobile in the pocket. Typical! - It went to offensive display it for an office assistant job. That wage was a shame! You know that Charlie can not stay so long in the same position.

  Carlinhos hurts my ears.

  Eve can only be blind. The man spends more time dropped this couch than anything else! But I know it's no use arguing. For my mother, Carlos is a saint.

  - It's a job mother. Help to keep the grocery bill on time.

  - It would help more if botasse judgment on this head and returned to her husband. If we are in need it's your fault.

  - I have no husband. - Not the obligation to support their. Swallow dry and bite his tongue to speak some truths. - Speaking of this, where are the roles that Domingos Doctor left me.

  - In the first drawer. - Indicates the credenza behind the dining table. - There is still time, daughter. Get rid of it there.

  I do not answer ... Eva only uses the "daughter" when their interest is at stake.

  Levanto, I open the drawer and pick up the lawyer's envelope. I marvel that is sealed and intact, keep it fondly in the bag. Have possession of the divorce papers finally signed and approved, it gives me a real sense of relief and freedom.

  - Think, Nina. Get rid of it. Come back home. - Insists on an overly sweet voice.

  - What's done is done. - I turn to face her and support in moving to ease the pang I return to feel in the big toe. - There is no turning back, Mom.

  - God, Nina! - Explodes showing his true personality. - How can you be so selfish? Bernardo is sorry, he told me to do anything to have her back. It's just you ask! What you want? A new house? A car? It will even give up all that luxury and comfort because of a slip to her husband's wonder? Grow Nina, it was not the first nor will be the last to go through this!


  - I already have everything I want.

  - And I? Do not think about me? Your divorce hurt us all! What do I get, barely enough for basic expenses!

  The atmosphere is tense and remain where I am protected by the dining table separating us.

  - If only contributed more ...

  Was taking ... Money, money, money ... Always the same litany. The pension you receive is triple my salary. It was I who should be asking for your help.

  - Mother, I can not increase your allowance, I'm sorry. Maybe if they cut some spending ...

  - No! Already too lost because of him. We are living on alms, you know?

  Pretending a cry, Eva goes to the couch and sits next to husband the console. No am moved me, his blackmail long, no longer takes effect on me. A bottle of wine, television and mobile show that things are not as black as paint. The two have gotten used to have good life at the expense of others and that yes, it's ugly.

  Despite the revolt that their attitude causes me, I'm not iron. I am saddened that try to manipulate me through guilt. A fault that I do not deserve. We were victims of a tragedy, like so many other families. It is more than time to overcome my mother and stop playing the victim.

  - Your mother is right Nina. If not for Bernardo be so generous, we'd be starving.

  My blood rises.

  - A bottle of wine you are drinking costs more than I spent in the entire month supermarket! - Play in the face.

  - It was a gift!! - My mother sputters in his defense.

  A flea starts to make the party behind my ear. Bernardo is not generous, never does anything without receiving something in return. - God, Eva! What promised to him?

  - Anything! It helps us because it is good! - Bawls and clings to her husband. - God! How I wish you would go away from my life and leave me alone! I hate his father for this! He deserved an angel as the Bernardo, not you!

  Enough.

  - If you want me to go away and leave you alone, all right ... I juice ... And if you prefer much Bernardo ... - I press your fingertips with nails to keep from crying. I will not beg for the love of a mother, who clearly has not a shred of affection for me. And I'm not listening post to stand still so much barbarity. - Let him take all of your expenses. From today, you will not get one more penny mine.

  - What? You can not do this. - Who manifests is Carlos. - Just stay in your there in São Paulo, and keep sending the check. You can not leave his mother.

  Uh what?

  Rub the face discredited. - What I can not, it is to continue to be humiliated by a woman who never had a gesture of affection to me. That's good ... - bottleneck not to cry. - If I do not pay, I assume that my money will not ...

  - Little daughter calm ... It is not so.

  They say God does not give us a greater cross than we can carry ... Really? I need to know who is the boss of the sky expedition because erred ugly in my case. Eva is a ton of problems, whimpers and rancor. Silently, I go to the door opening it.

  -Nina! You can not do this!

  I ignore Eve, grab me my purse and my self esteem and I though ...

  ●●●●●●●●●

  I need space ... From time to put the ideas in place.

  The hotel is in the neighboring district to my mother's house, so I decide to dismiss the cab and walk back ...

  The cold air of early evening in Curitiba little by little, quieting my heavy heart and bringing a familiar sense of well-being. I look up and see the typical evening sky Paranaense, a reddish blue, almost purple, film and absolutely cloudless. Breathe air polluted little and despite the pain in the finger, which insists on increasing, walking was the best decision. Always is. At each step, a new memory.

  I walk between the parallel streets, enjoying the city calm and enjoying the beautiful gardens of the houses, crowded with plants and flowers. Ipês flourishing. A show welcomed by city residents, which is basically green. We applaud your curitibanos bloom, not only for its beauty, but because we believe it will not gear. Beautiful! Beautiful! A pity that Eva has pruned hers.

  In the distance, I hear the typical sound of a horn Dungarees[24]. Full of noisy and smiling tourists with tired expressions, but happy. Wave hospitable to the old bus that makes the route of the city parks, people gladly reciprocate. So cool! Here, the parks are our beaches. And even in winter, when the sun arrives, the lawns are filled with people as if they were extended bathers on the sand.

  Miss you...

  Good times...

  Step in front of my old elementary school, a school for girls only hard governed by nuns. A laugh escapes me at the memory of Mary sister. The nun suffered with me.

  In pre-school, my favorite obsession was tear off her veil, I was simply fascinated by their black and cropped hair. The poor lived behind me ... I loved get away from the class to hide for hours in the small garden of the sisters. I loved to dig up all the carrots. I remember my feet on the ground floor, legs exposed in those ridiculous blue children's shorts with elastic ... A darn cold and I just me caring that they were purple and almost freezing.

  The guards baths that the nuns were forced to give me after my ecological raids ... Eva had a tantrum every time he came back dirty and muddy home.

  I was happy...

  ●●●●●●●●●

  An hour later and already dark, I arrive at the luxurious hotel Noblat[25]Built by Callas. A construction of 15-storey steel and glass, with its interior all coated best black marble there. I was not surprised when Miguel told me during breakfast, the project was designed by Theo himself.

  Well the face of the projects created by him ... Innovative and uncomplicated, combining design, gastronomy, connectivity and personalized services ... turned fad among executives visiting the city.

  A tinge of pride vibrates inside me when I hear a man pass by me praising the design genius.

  - It is the best hotel in town. - The man says.

  - The architecture is perfect. - A guy next to him adds.

  Warms my heart ... I hold me not to turn around and tell them that my boyfriend or ex, is responsible for all this.

  Theo is very good at it right!

  I smile inside.

  In the hall caught a human congestion. The place is an anthill, several groups arriving with luggage, maddened receptionists trying to organize the chaos.

  Uauuu!

  Calmly, I take my place in line. Theo did not send the message that ordered to the cell number, I deduce hopeful, who has left me a message at the front desk. As I still have a good few minutes to find Michael, I take the time to admire the details devised by my genius of architecture.

  Empaco in line behind a group of women chatting over a euphoric space technology convention that happened this afternoon. I have to laugh ... They are hysterical, because one of the speakers was irresistible and wild. Animated exhibit the Selfs took that with such a Bento Vargas[26]. My curiosity stirs ... With the corner of his eye, try espiaras photos to see if the guy from Australia who both speak, it is this phenomenon of testosterone.

  Tolinhas! They speak it, because not seen my Theo.

  Snot!

  I can not see the selfs.

  - Too bad he is the faithful type, if me that soft, took easy. - One of the women play and suddenly, I'm relieved to be there Theo kilometers away these perverts.

  - Miss, Kovac? - Turn and a messenger, elegantly uniformed, smiling warmly. I confirm that I am, with a nod. - A gentleman wants to talk to you. - Points to an area full of sofas, excuses himself and walks away.

  Dammit!

  What is he doing here?

  In a defensive impulse I look around me. Despite the black clothes, shaved hair and military face, giving it a gloomy air, the man gets up and walks slowly towards me does not scare me. Terrifies me the idea of finding someone to be with him.

  - Mrs. - Greets me with his deep voice and low, stopping two feet away from me. - How have you been?

  - Happy. - Also say quietly, watching him carefully. - What a
re you doing here, Philip?

  He studies me for a moment, as if to make sure I tell the truth. - Sources want to see her.

  - No way.

  - I have no choice but to take it.

  A surge of adrenaline in my veins explode.

  - So it's a kidnapping?

  - An invitation.

  - That I can not refuse? - I say with the calmest voice I can.

  - You know how things work with sources.

  - I will not.

  - Look lady, I wish I play the nice hunter white snow, let it quiet and get something else instead. But I can not ... - goes hand in angular chin. - King wants you and was not happy when he learned that a man is here too ...

  Surprised me.

  Felipe is not a bad man.

  The Bernardo dirty serviçinhos run by others.

  I look at him, for women before us who continue to speak in such Bento and then to a security standing by the revolving door, a few meters from us. Cogito able to scream for help. I know the Bernardo methods when upset. And though not the kind that kills your errands often hurt a bit. I do not want anything to happen to Michael.

  - Are you threatening me, Philip? - Straighten the shoulders and harden my gaze. I was never to show weakness, will not now I'll start. - Bernardo has no more influence on me. Your King can not give me orders - ironizo. I've always hated that nickname given to Bernardo: "King of the Night"

  -. Not just asking to be sensible. I promise to bring you back and safe. You know I would not do anything to put you in danger.

  I know. Even his quiet way, Felipe always protected me.

  And he knows me, knows that I escape scandals. And unless I make a good one, I will have no choice but to follow it. Anguish is my name. I am here as an employee of Callas, which makes me even more without alternatives. Dirtying the company name of Theo ... No way.

  - I will not set foot in that club or dead. - Insist on a new approach.

  - He knows that. It is waiting in a public and safe place.

  Devils!

  I close my eyes and breathe slowly to calm me.

  God! What a day!

  Will all my ghosts decided to leave the graves to haunt me?

  - I have a scheduled work commitment with some contractors ... - I lie.