Dark Room (Society X #1)

by L. P. Dover

  There’s a knock on my door that has me scrambling to my desk to make it appear as if I’ve been working since I stepped in. “Come in,” I say loud enough for whoever is on the other side to hear. When I see Tonya walk in, I groan internally. I don’t like her, but Mrs. Jones hired her, so until she gives me a reason to fire her, she stays.

  “The board room is ready,” she says happily, as if she’s done something right. “And here is your agenda and necessary paperwork.” Tonya hands me the printed copy of the file I sent to Mrs. Jones yesterday.

  I take the stack of papers and leaf through them quickly, reminding myself of the companies I want to explore for possible purchase. I have to give her credit because everything is in order and the way I like it. Maybe having her around won’t be so bad after all, as long as she keeps learning from Mrs. Jones. It’ll be better when she stops the flirting though.

  “Thank you, Tonya. Everything looks great.” I nod and look back down at my agenda, dismissing her. She stands there a beat longer, batting her eyelashes. The smart-ass in me wants to ask if she needs anything else, but before I can, she smiles and walks out.

  I gather my files and head to the board room, glancing once again at Mia’s door. It remains closed and Mrs. Jones tells me she’s still not here. Knowing Mia as long as I have, I’ve never known her to be late. It worries me.

  “Please call her and make sure everything is okay,” I say to Mrs. Jones as I walk by.

  The conference room is fully stocked with bagels, coffee, and an assortment of juices. I did away with the donuts after my grandfather retired. I’d done this after it became clear that we needed to watch our intake of sugar, because everyone was tired by noon and production was down.

  I take my seat at the head of the table, and wait while others filter in. A few smile shyly as they step in, likely pissed for not beating me here. I know they think it looks bad when they’re showing up after me, but right now, I don’t care. It’s Monday and I want this day over already.

  When the clock hits nine, whoever is sitting on my right is tasked with shutting the door. Today, the lucky bastard is Bill Johns, who is looking around the table wondering who is missing . . . Mia. He lets out a sigh before standing and shutting the door; as he does this, my anger level starts to rise. Unless she’s stuck in traffic or dead in a fucking ditch, there’s no reason she should be late.

  “Alright, let’s get started. Bill, you can go first.”

  He clears his throat and rattles off the shipping companies he’s found. Most would be takeovers, adding to our already extensive list of acquired companies. There are a few that sound like solid leads, and I tell Bill to get the meetings set up.

  Everyone goes quiet as the door opens and Mia walks in, head held high. I like her confidence, but she’s late. Everyone knows I find it rude to interrupt an already in-session meeting.

  “Nice of you to join us, Ms. Hudson. Let’s hear your report on Les Belle.” Mia glares at me and normally I’d find it cute, but not today.

  “I’m sorry—”

  “Your report, Ms. Hudson,” I say, cutting her off.

  “Um . . . it’s uh . . .” Mia flips through her papers, reaching into her bag to pull out more. She’s clearly not ready.

  “Is there a problem?”

  “There shouldn’t be, but this doesn’t seem to be the information I sent my assistant to print off for the meeting. I apologize. I’ll just be right back.” She stands and gathers her things. The other members at the table look uncomfortable. Some are agitated. We’re too busy to half-ass work, and honestly, I’m surprised at Mia for being unprepared.

  “Ms. Hudson, your return to the meeting won’t be necessary,” I say as she reaches for the door. The small gasp doesn’t escape my notice, and I feel like a dick for treating her like this, but it’s how I’d treat any of the other department heads if they were unprepared. I can’t show her special treatment, even though I want to.

  As soon as the meeting is over and I’m back to my office, I slam the door. It’s not something I like to do, but I’m pissed. Mia’s door was shut when I walked down the hall, not that it’s required to be open, but after this morning, one would think she’d be waiting for me.

  “Mrs. Jones, please tell Ms. Hudson I need her in my office immediately, and with her reports.”

  “Yes, sir,” she replies as I slam my hand down on the speaker button. It’s only a matter of seconds before there’s a quiet knock on my door, followed by the turning of the doorknob. My chair is turned, so all Mia can see is my back. It’s a dick move, but a line has to be drawn. Besides, there is no way I can face her with what I’m about to say.

  “Sit down, Ms. Hudson.” The harshness of my words stab me in the heart. It pains me to be harsh, but I can’t allow her to walk all over me.

  “Every week, we have a staff meeting on Monday mornings. And I realize Mondays are the worst day of the week, as people are often nursing hangovers, but that doesn’t negate their responsibility at the nine o’clock meeting. Everyone who heads up a team, department, or division, must come prepared with their reports, ready to present to the team.”

  I spin my chair around and look at her. Her eyes are downcast and her usually rosy cheeks are ashen. I hate the way she looks right now, as if the vibrancy of life has been sucked out of her.

  “Ms. Hudson, I expect this from everyone.”

  “Yes, Mr. Ward.”

  The strong, confident Mia I know is not sitting in front of me now. She’s been replaced by a meek shell of who she is, looking more like the person she was when she was dating Zac. The urge to pull her into my arms and comfort her is strong.

  “Please present your report.”

  Mia nods and starts on how she and Wainright went through the entire company and made changes. She tells me of the staff members she’s taken from Ward Enterprises and placed them with the Les Belle staff to teach them better marketing and production skills, not to mention implementing new and fresh designs.

  “Mr. Wainright has been with me through the entire process of rebuilding and is excited to have a grand re-opening of his first store on Friday. The marketing department has secured catering, a pianist, as well as the media. It’s a black tie affair, with the most prominent women in Portland and Seattle being extended an invitation to sample the new line before it goes to mass production.”

  “And why couldn’t you tell us all this before?”

  Mia clears her throat. “Because the notes I had asked Tonya to print weren’t the ones in my hand, and it threw me off. I don’t know why, but it’s not what I had on the thumb drive for her. She gave me the wrong set and I couldn’t remember everything.”

  I lean forward, resting my clasped hands on my desk. “I know Tonya is new, but she’s doing a good job. Maybe your file was wrong?”

  Mia squints her eyes at me but doesn’t say anything, which I find odd. Usually she has a response for everything. It’s one of the things I love about her.

  “Right, I’ll do better next time.” She gets up and leaves before I get a chance to say anything else. It’s probably for the best, because right now, I’m still reeling from her being late and not calling.

  “Good evening, Parker.” Mrs. Schilling, who lives down the hall from me, greets me at the elevator when I step out of my penthouse.

  It’s Friday evening and I’m heading to the grand re-opening of Les Belle. “Good evening. You’re looking stunning as usual,” I greet her as the elevator dings.

  I hold the door open, letting her walk in first. I’ve been tempted to take her up on one of her many offers for an evening companion, but the thought of sleeping with her doesn’t sit well with me. She’s my neighbor and I don’t want things to become awkward between us. I’d happily escort her to the opera or symphony, but Mrs. Schilling is a cougar and pounces on her prey the moment the shows are over. From what I’ve heard, no one ever tells her no, and I don’t want to be the first.

  Mrs. Schilling is rich beyond her y
ears. Her first husband struck liquid gold in Texas, and her second husband invested their money well, leaving her a very rich woman when they both passed away. Now, she mingles—at least, that's what she calls it. Most of the men are barely out of college, and more than happy to be on her arm and in her bed.

  “Thank you. You look dashing in that tux, where are you off to?”

  “Ward Enterprises took over Les Belle and my newest associate is hosting the grand re-opening this evening at their store.”

  “I must check it out after the opera.”

  “Please do,” I tell her as the elevator reaches the lobby. I hold the door for her once more, allowing her to step out and into the arms of her next conquest. I wink at him and adjust my pants, letting him think she and I were just together. I can’t help being childish sometimes. These guys are in over their heads where she’s concerned, and if they think they are the next Mr. Schilling, they’re crazy.

  Pulling up to the event in my limo, it’s a spectacle for the eyes. Spotlights are shining, and lights are twinkling, all set up to bring the large picture window to the forefront. It’s not mannequins modeling the new line, but real-life models who are switching poses every few minutes.

  As I stand outside, I watch as the women are flocking to Mia and Mr. Wainright, and the sight brings a smile to my face. Rachel and her mother are moving around the room, talking with guests who are waiting to speak to Mia, making sure they’re comfortable.

  As I step inside, I notice the noise level. It’s subdued, like something you’d find at an art gallery. The pianist is in the corner, playing a soft melody, adding to the existing glamorous ambiance.

  “Mr. Ward, I can’t thank you enough.” Mr. Wainright grabs my hand in both of his and shakes. “I may not own Les Belle anymore, but I can tell you I’m bursting with pride. You’ve made me a believer. The best thing I ever did was sell to you.”

  “Mr. Wainright, I’m happy Ward Enterprises could be of service to you. Once we have Les Belle back on her feet, we’ll sit down and look at your options to rebuy.”

  He laughs and shakes his head. “I don’t know. I may not want to let Mia go.” I know the feeling. “She’s a gem.”

  “That she is,” I mutter under my breath as she comes into view. Tonight, she’s dressed in red with her blonde hair swept to one side in a wave of curls. Her alabaster skin illuminates against her dress, making her stand out like a goddess.

  Mr. Wainright leaves me to mingle, but the only person I want to speak with is Mia. As I make my way over to her, I overhear women gushing about her designs and asking if they can buy them off the models when the show is over. I stand behind her willingly, letting her bask in the glory she’s earned.

  I graze her elbow with my fingertips to get her attention, and the moment her eyes meet mine, I’m done for. Thankful that my coat is buttoned up, and covering the very erect cock straining against my zipper, I smile and take her in. Her green eyes are alight with adoration and achievement. She’s happy and elated, causing me to feel the same. But it’s her red lips that are my undoing.

  I close my eyes and think of anything else but those lips, to no avail. I see them wrapped around my cock as she looks up at me, taking me deep into her mouth. Fuck, I want her. I don’t care what Wainright thinks, I’m selling this company as soon as I can, with the condition Mia stays on board.

  “Mia,” I croak out. “There are no words to describe how stunning you are this evening. For me to say you’re gorgeous would be an insult. The word I’m looking for hasn’t even been invented.”

  Mia rests a hand over my heart and lets her fingers dance on my lapel. “Thank you, Parker,” she says breathlessly. Before I can muster up another comment, a socialite takes her attention away from me, leaving me to fend for myself.

  All I can do is mingle and eavesdrop on conversations, listening to women gush about her designs. It’s by chance that I stop and look at a dress hanging on the wall, wondering what Mia would look like in the silky, yellow fabric. I pull at the label, examining it, wondering where I’ve seen it before. As my thumb rubs over the intricate H, it all comes rushing back to me.

  Rushing over to Mia, I rudely pull her away. “Excuse me,” I say, as I turn my back on the people she was speaking with.

  “Parker, what are you doing?”

  “What label do you use when you make one of your designs?”

  “An H, why?”

  “Do you sell your designs?” Please say yes. Please, for the love of all things holy, please say yes.

  “No, I’ve never sold any until tonight.”

  My heartbeat thunders in my ears as I stumble away. I can hear her calling my name, but I refuse to turn back. I need to go home.

  I’m praying I’m wrong. But if I’m right . . . I’m so fucked.

  “Parker, wait!” I shout, watching him make his way out the door. He doesn’t even look back. What was that about?

  “Mia!” Rachel squeals, racing toward me, dressed in a gown I designed for her. It’s a strapless, royal blue shift that compliments her skin perfectly. “This is amazing. Seeing your work in a store is surreal.” She links her arm with mine, dragging me across the floor, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “There are so many people here. Did you think it would be this big?”

  I shake my head. “Not at all. I think I’m still in shock.”

  “You’re gonna be famous one day, chick. I can feel it. And when you are, you can come pick me up in your jet and we can go shopping in Paris. Oh, the possibilities.” A waiter walks by and she snags a glass of champagne. “Do you mind if I walk around? I want to see all you’ve done.”

  “Go for it. I’m not going anywhere.” She saunters off, sipping her champagne. I look down at my phone, tempted to text Parker and ask him what the hell was wrong with him. Out of all the nights for him to bail on me . . .

  “What a great showing!” a voice calls out behind me, grating on my nerves. I groan. Tonya is the last person I want to see.

  “Thanks,” I say, turning to face her. Like always, she has her brown hair pulled high and off her shoulders, giving everyone a perfect view of her ginormous tits. She loves flaunting those things in front of Parker. I guess her tactics worked. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”

  She drinks her champagne, smiling at me over the rim. “I wouldn’t miss it. I love your designs.” The thought of her wearing my clothes infuriates me.

  “Thank you,” I reply, knowing her smile is as fake as ever. She doesn’t like me and I’ve made it perfectly clear I don’t like her.

  “I saw Parker . . . I mean Mr. Ward, outside,” she adds. “He seemed to be in a hurry to get out of here.”

  My jaw clenches. “So it seems.”

  She places a hand over her chest. “He’s been working so hard lately. The man needs a break.”

  “Yeah, he’s been working real hard,” I utter sarcastically. “Those long hours on Sunday afternoon have to be tough. I bet you get a lot done together.”

  Her gaze narrows, but then she gasps and slaps a hand over her mouth. “He said no one goes into work on Sundays. I feel so embarrassed.”

  “I’ll bet.” I’m not believing a single word she says.

  By the look in her eyes, she’s not embarrassed at all. In fact, she’s reveling in my discomfort. How come Parker can break his rules for her and not me? The thought of them together sickens me. Parker’s the last person I thought would give in to someone like Tonya. She’s obviously only interested in him for the money.

  “Mia, come here,” Rachel calls out, waving to get my attention.

  I glare at Tonya a moment longer, then smile. She can be a manipulative bitch all she wants, but I’m not going to let her get to me. “If you’ll excuse me.” Taking a deep breath, I walk away, joining Rachel across the room.

  “Girl, you look pissed. Who's that?” she asks, nodding her head in Tonya’s direction.

  I roll my eyes. “Just the secretary Parker fucks in his office.”
<
br />   She gasps. “Are you serious? Where have I been? What the hell’s going on?”

  “Don’t know, don’t care,” I grumble.

  “Honey, we need to get you in a better mood. How about we celebrate at Society X after the show? It’ll be a good change of pace from the sex rooms. We can chill and have us a few drinks. Do you have your necklace with you?”

  I nod. “I keep it in my purse. You?”

  She winks. “Same. You never know when you’re going to crave a good time.”

  “All I want is to enjoy my night. That’s it.” Society X will be a wonderful distraction.

  Her gaze meets something over my shoulder and she scowls. “Fuck me. You have an incoming.”

  “Congratulations, Mia,” Zac announces smoothly.

  Sighing, I turn around. “I would say thanks, but I know you don’t mean it. You were never the type to praise a woman’s success.”

  “You’re just never going to give me a break, are you?”

  Rachel snorts and mumbles, “It’s because you’re a douche,” under her breath. She then scurries off, leaving me alone with him.

  Zac steps closer. “Can we please put everything behind us?”

  “If I say okay, does that mean you’ll leave me alone?”

  He sighs. “I was hoping you’d agree to go out with me for drinks, just as friends.”

  I shake my head. “That’s not a good idea. I’m seeing someone at the moment.”

  His brows lift. “Hopefully, you don’t mean Ward. Because I saw him outside with that brunette over there,” he says, nodding at Tonya. “They were doing a little more than just talking, if you know what I mean.”

  I smile, even though I’m seething on the inside. “What Parker does is his business. He’s not the man I’m seeing. Thanks for your concern though.” Without another thought, I walk away. The last thing I want is for Zac to know I have feelings for Parker.

  I find Rachel talking to Charles with a huge smile on her face. The crowd has dispersed, except for a select few. “Ladies, I think it’s about time to call it a night,” Charles announces.