by D Latham
"Shall we do the notes for the contract now and get it out of the way?" I asked Ivan.
He proceeded to list out the points of negotiation, the figures he was aiming for, and the terms he was demanding. I could effectively write a head of agreement with that information, and simply amend any changes on the fly if needed. By the time we finished, the car pulled up. I peered out of the window to see where we were, and discovered we were outside Claridges. The doorman opened my door, while Ivan's bodyguard opened his, and we made our way inside.
We sat in the bar and had a gin and tonic before being shown to our table. Ivan seemed a little edgy, his eyes sweeping the room before we sat at the table. His security were stationed just outside the restaurant, which seemed to make him nervous.
"We don't have to eat here if it's making you edgy," I said, frowning.
"It's fine, I'm just not used to them being out of the room," he admitted, "I'm just being a girl."
I told him I'd had a pay rise, and a load of new clients thanks to him, and he seemed pleased, until I mentioned that Oscar had instructed us too.
"I thought you told him to leave you alone?" He looked cross.
"I did, but I also said that if we are in a professional setting, then he was to be polite. He's going to be a client, I can't tell him to piss off. I'll make sure he keeps his hands to himself."
"Hmm, sneaky. Take Roger tomorrow night, so at least you have someone with you."
"Is that alright? I don't want to keep nicking your driver."
"It's no trouble at all. I have several drivers and security people, sparing one to ensure your safety is no issue. I'd have one with you 24/7 if you'd let me." I pulled a face.
"No thanks. I doubt very much that anyone's bothered about assassinating little old me, apart from Marion Smith."
Ivan laughed. "She is out on bail, probably wants to poke you in the eye with her knitting needle."
I laughed, "So why did you buy that company? I thought you were mainly into corporate finance?"
He looked quizzical, "No, telecoms primarily, I own mainly communications companies, although I do quite a lot of venture capital these days too. I bought the engineering firm because they manufacture the cables I use. I get a hell of a cost saving through owning it. I own the 'Talk ‘n’ Walk' network."
"Priti thought you were only into venture capital and corporate finance. Shows what she knows. I had no idea. Are all the T&W shops yours too?" He nodded.
"My biggest company is the Russian one. We're the biggest comms company in Russia and the old Soviet Union countries. Fair sized on the African continent too. You need to start googling people Elle, you should know all this," he chided.
"I thought Priti was the human equivalent of google. I'll stop listening to her in future," I said, embarrassed. He smiled, and leaned over to squeeze my hand.
"So do you have any free time this week?"
"So far, just after lunch on Wednesday. Mind you, I need to try and schedule some beauty appointments. Nobody wants a yeti as their lawyer."
"Are you free Saturday night?"
"Yes, why?"
"I have a function I need to attend, and I'd like you to join me. There will be several CEOs attending, so it would be a good networking opportunity for you. It's a fundraiser at the Grosvenor, you'll enjoy it."
"I see. I'm going to struggle to shop for a dress. It's rather short notice." I didn't say no, but was panicking inside about affording a dress, given that my pay rise didn't kick in until the following month. Steel yourself to say thank you if he offers to buy you a dress. Swallow your pride girl.
"I'm booking you on Wednesday. We will do the negotiation, then go shopping. If I can persuade a salon to open late, we can get your treatments done. How does that sound?" I smiled.
"Sounds good. I'll have your contract ready by Wednesday morning at the latest, so we should be good to go directly after lunch."
"Does that mean you'll accompany me on Saturday night?"
"Yes, I'd be delighted to."
Ivan looked really pleased, and seemed to relax in front of me. Our first course arrived, and we began to eat. I contemplated seeing him in black tie for the first time. I'd probably combust on the spot.
"You have a strange look on your face, Elle. Is everything all right?" Ivan asked, frowning slightly.
"Yeah, I'm good thanks. Food's delicious." Oh god, does this man not miss a thing? Cool down girl. He stared at me as if he was trying to read my mind. "Do you have a girlfriend Ivan?" I asked. If we were going to be spending time together, even as friends or colleagues, I needed to know.
"Not really. I date occasionally, but nobody special. Nobody I'd care to spend a Sunday with, put it that way."
"I see, so I was honoured?"
"You were indeed. I enjoyed our day together. Did you?"
I paused, "yes, I did. It was fun." It had also made me forget my humiliation at Oscar's hands, but I didn't say that.
"I feel relaxed with you. There's not many women I can say that about," he said, surprising me.
"Why aren't you usually relaxed with women?" I asked, frowning.
"Most of the time they're with me purely for what they can get, either that, or it's because of what I stand for, money and power. It makes me suspicious of people."
"You don't say," I teased, "says Mr I'll-buy-you-a-dress-and-get-your-legs-waxed. Have you ever considered that women fall at your feet because of your pretty face?"
He roared with laughter, "you're priceless sometimes. I know full well that if you already had a suitable dress, you wouldn't even allow me to shop with you. As it is, I know the prices will have to be hidden from you, or you'll be offering to pay me back. I'm glad you think I'm pretty though. It's high praise coming from you." I looked at him quizzically. "Elle, has it not occurred to you that you have the two wealthiest men in the Canary Wharf tower following you around like puppy dogs? There's only one more billionaire in that tower, and I don't think you've met him yet, which is a good thing. Three ensnared hearts is too much for any girl." Ensnared hearts? Quite an admission Ivan.
"I shall have to engineer a meeting. I always was a greedy girl," I quipped, Ivan just looked amused.
"Now THAT statement surprises me. You come across as very self contained. I can't imagine you being needy or clingy."
"No, you're right, I'm not. I'm very ordinary though, and I can't see what you and Oscar find so fascinating." Ivan just shook his head, looking amused. Our next course arrived, and we chatted about the food, which was exceptional, and the company Ivan was looking to take over. Dinner seemed to pass in a flash, and all too soon we were back in the car heading back to Canada Square.
Chapter 2
We pulled up outside my flat, and I invited Ivan in for coffee. Thankfully, his security detail stayed outside in the car, and we made our way up. Ivan sat at the kitchen island as I made our drinks, looking around the apartment. "This is a lovely flat Elle. Very secure too. You have a flatmate, is that right?"
"Yes. It belongs to James. He's away working in the States at the moment. I just rent a room from him. I love it here, it's very peaceful."
"This James, what's he like?"
"Oh, he's lovely. Looks like a bear, all hairy and scruffy, but he's very intelligent and sweet. He's a great cook too, keeps me well fed when I'm working. We're great friends."
"You're not involved with him?" I shot Ivan a 'don't be daft look', before placing his latte in front of him.
"Surely your background check told you that the only man I've been involved with recently was Oscar, and you know what happened there. I can't possibly manage more than one man at a time, given that I work stupid hours."
"We only found three men, including Oscar. I'm assuming there are gaps in your relationship history on the check we did," Ivan said.
"No, there's no gaps," I replied, blushing slightly. Yeah ok, just three men, not exactly experienced. Ivan looked shocked, but didn't say anything. I decided to change the subje
ct. "Where do you live when you're in London?"
"Not far, I have an apartment in Saffron wharf. There's a garden square nearby for the girls. They prefer the woods, but it would have meant a long commute each day." He paused, as if trying to find the right words to say something. "Elle, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, fire away."
He looked a bit pained, "when I said we would have raw, wild sex, did that scare you off?" His eyes bored into me, and I knew I'd have to tell the truth.
"Yes, it did. It made me feel like a sex object, or a plaything. I'm not experienced enough yet to take on a sex god, and I don't want to sleep my way up the career ladder, I'm sorry." I stared into my coffee, feeling a bit stupid.
"No, Elle, I'm sorry if I made you feel that way. Very Russian of me, sometimes I forget..." He trailed off.
"Forget what?"
"That you're not the sharp, assertive lawyer when you're off the clock," he said, "and that you are a lady. I bet I scared the life out of you."
"It sounded...rough. That's what turned me off. I'm really not into the whole 'pain is sexy' thing."
"I see." Did I detect disappointment in his eyes? I cleared away our cups, making it clear that coffee was over. Ivan didn't seem to take the hint.
"I'm gonna send you home now. I need my sleep." I said, thinking that possibly, direct was better. Ivan stood and smiled warmly.
"Sleep well. I'll see you Wednesday afternoon. I'll make all the arrangements." He gently kissed my cheek, sending hormones flying around my body, and left.
I lay in bed that night replaying our evening. I tried to analyse what was holding me back with Ivan. We got along well, I fancied the pants off of him, but the idea of actually having sex with him terrified me. I felt overwhelmed by him, both physically and mentally, as if there would be no way back once I experienced making love with him, and I would measure all men by him for evermore. In addition, he was a client, and the last thing I wanted was a reputation at work.
I woke up at my usual time, and left for the gym at six sharp. I needed to get in early and make a start on the contract for Ivan, before my first meeting at nine thirty. I noticed I needed more tights, and decided I would have to get over my squeamishness and ask Laura to pick some up for me. I had always regarded women who claimed to be too busy to do the normal stuff in life to simply be disorganised. There was no way I'd get the chance to go anywhere near a shop today, my schedule was packed, and as it was, I'd be doing my laundry at eleven that night so that I didn't run out of clean knickers that week.
I was at my desk by seven fifteen, and began the contract, working through my notes carefully and methodically. In the end, I finished it by quarter past nine, and emailed it over to Ivan. Approximately two minutes later my phone rang.
"How have you done this by quarter past nine?" Ivan asked.
"Good morning Ivan, hope you're well. I got up early," I replied, "besides, I have a busy day ahead, so I thought I'd get it done and out of the way. Let me know what amendments I need to make. By the way, I'm going to need Roger at half seven, is that ok?"
"Yes fine, I'll tell him. I'll let you know about the contract." He cut the call. So rude. I was interrupted by the arrival of Laura with a cup of tea, and a sheaf of faxes that had come through for me to look through. I skimmed through quickly before my nine thirty turned up.
Paul Lassiter was the owner/CEO of a recruitment company. He was tall, blonde and boyish looking. While not quite in Ivan's league, he had a warm smile, and was extremely charming. He explained that he wanted to separate his temp, permanent and training divisions, and needed an umbrella company set up, preferably in a low tax territory, and the three new companies set up to funnel their revenue through the parent firm. I made copious notes, and promised to do some research and email him with some proposals. I explained that I would need to speak to our partner accountants to make sure that nothing would fall apart under the scrutiny of HMRC, should they decide to look.
As soon as he left, I called Lewis to pick his brain. He explained the best way to set it all up, and promised to email all the paperwork over. With that issue dealt with, I grabbed my bag, and zipped down to Smollenski's for lunch with another prospective client. The afternoon saw yet another meeting, this time with
Steve Robbins, who, on seeing the projections from Deloitte, had decided to go ahead with the flotation. Matt joined us, and set everything in motion, with the date set for early July, to give everyone time to complete the necessary steps. Steve left happy, the prospect of several million quid, and a change of pace, in time for his wedding in August, was enough to put a huge smile on his face. Matt was to actually handle most of the work for the float, with me sitting in to learn how he managed it. He promised to update me daily on his progress.
I gulped down another cup of tea, while I checked, and replied to the day's emails. The next time I looked up, it was half six. I switched off my screen, and pulled my bags onto my shoulder. I was overjoyed to see Roger waiting outside. It was only five minutes’ walk to the flat, but I was late, and my bags were heavy.
Back home, I had a super quick shower, applied fresh makeup, and dressed in five minutes. I hopped in the lift, and knocked on Oscar's door at precisely half seven.
I felt a momentary pang of regret on seeing him again. He still looked like my Oscar, as he smiled, rather nervously, at me. He was wearing a dark navy suit, with a dark blue shirt, and matching tie. He looked great. I mentally slapped myself to remind me that he was no longer my boyfriend, and was a secret homosexual, who felt that women were either brood mares or playthings.
"Hi Elle, you look lovely. I booked us into Nobu. Hope that's ok," he said.
"Super, thank you. Shall we set off? Our car is waiting downstairs," I replied.
In the lift, I tried not to breathe in his cologne, knowing the effect it used to have on me. I could feel the tension radiating off of Oscar in waves, as if he was nervous of our meeting.
Roger hopped out of the Mercedes, and opened the door for me. Once we had settled into our seats, and set off, I pulled out my notebook. "Shall we make a start on the governance issues you want us to take over?"
Oscar seemed to relax a little, as he outlined the work that the bank would require. As it was a privately owned bank, it wasn't as heavily regulated as a PLC, but still had to comply with banking codes, and general company law.
"Are you contributing to the LIBOR figures?" I asked.
"Yes we do. Each day a team member sends the calculation. We are the banks bankers, so we also calculate the overnight rates." I gaped at him.
"I thought the Bank of England did that?"
"No, they are the lender of last resort, we are the day to day bankers for NatWest, Barclays etc. The only other comparable banks are Rothschilds, and Goldman Sachs."
"I see. Are your reporting procedures transparent on that? What I mean is, could there ever be an accusation of price fixing?"
Oscar frowned, "well, yes, I suppose we could be accused of it, but they'd have to prove it went on. If that happened, we'd just deny it."
We arrived at Nobu, and were shown to our table. Looking at the menu, I had no idea what to choose, so I asked Oscar to order for me. He picked a starter I couldn't even pronounce, and black cod for my main, with a bottle of white wine that I'd never heard of. We carried on with our discussion, me making copious notes, and Oscar listing out the points confidently and knowledgeably. We finished just before our main courses arrived.
My cod was gorgeous, I groaned slightly as the flavours hit my taste buds. "Nice?" Oscar asked, smiling at me, "it's their signature dish."
"Fabulous," I replied, pleased that he'd ordered it for me. He put down his knife and fork for a moment, and looked at me.
"Mother came to see you."
"She did. Why did you tell her what happened? You should have kept it quiet. She didn't need to know the nasty details."
He sighed. "She was so sure that you were at fault, that maybe you were jus
t a gold digging little social climber after all, and a few other nasty comments. I flipped out and told her exactly what had happened. Ruined her illusion that I could never do any wrong. Also changed her perception of you somewhat. She thinks you walk on water now."
"It doesn't matter what she thinks anymore. Anyway, if she hears what happened to Marion Smith, she may well just start hating me again." Oscar looked quizzical. "I uncovered a huge fraud at Ivan's firm when I was doing some work there. Hauled her in front of Ivan who frightened her so much, she wet herself. It wasn't good." To my surprise, Oscar started laughing.
"Ivan didn't tell me about that. Mother did mention that Mrs Smith had been asked to leave the women's institute committee, but she didn't say why. I bet Ivan freaked, given how squeamish he is." What?
"So has your mum forgiven you now?" I asked.
"I think so. When she came back from seeing you, she cried. Asked if she'd made me unhappy, and asked if I wanted to 'come out' as gay." I looked at him expectantly. "I'm not gay, Elle, it was a bad habit Darius and I got into, but being caught shook us both up. He is terrified Arabella will find out, and I was terrified that it would ruin my life. So I reassured her that I'm hetero, and it was just an aberration. I think she's ok now."
"She was worried about you. Not because she thought you were gay, but because she thought you were hurting. You look fine now though," I said.
"I'm anything but fine Elle, I miss you more than you would ever believe. I need to ask you something, and I don't want you to get angry."
"Go on."
"Are you with Ivan now?"
I shook my head. "No I'm not. We really are just friends and colleagues at the moment. I think he wants more, but I'm not ready. Both of you seem to forget that I'm not experienced with men, and I'm not terribly adept at coping with alpha males." Oscar looked like he let out a huge breath. "I don't know why it matters to you though, I can't be with you."
