Hesitation was my worst enemy. Five seconds could be the difference between life and death. Every ticking second counted. Hesitation could be deadly or could save you from catastrophe. Those exact reasons were why I had stared at my computer screen for ten minutes. My fingers slid across the keyboard going back and forth between escape and enter.

There was a difference between talk and action. Like the wise saying stated, talk is cheap. Action required doing something to achieve an aim. For me, action meant hitting the send button. On that note, I put an end to my hesitation. I hit enter and with it sealed the start of my preface.

Natalia stumbled into my bedroom, bringing my attention to her as she jumped up and down attempting to slide the tight leather material over her thighs. "Shit, you're not dressed? We are already late."

I sent her an apologetic look and closed my laptop. Scowling at the price, I ripped the tag on the elegant dress. The price wasn't the issue here, I could afford the expense. It's what the price reminded me of. A number followed by six zeros— the cost of nulling my contract.

That, I couldn't afford.

A glance in my direction was all the evidence Elias required to conclude I needed more time to think things over. I practically stomped out of his office without saying a word. It annoyed me that he made such conclusion for me even though, he was right. He had asked me a million-dollar question. I didn't know that then. No, it was not until I made it home and rummaged through my room that I saw said number. I nearly dropped to my knees.

Displeasure coursed through as I recollected him nonchalantly stating he would pay it. He made it seem as if we were discussing a parking ticket. He couldn't answer a simple question yet, without a second thought would offer to fork up the cash to fulfill my wishes. Hell, maybe he wanted me gone. Maybe, I was more trouble than he bargained for.

I could harp on about my transgressions. Or about the fact I found myself in the same situation I swore would never happen again. But, I wouldn't. There was no point. Feeling sorry for myself wouldn't fix my problems. Time was of the essence. I needed to lick my wounds, put on my big girl panties and keep it moving.

That's what I had done.

It had been four days since Elias's doomed ultimatum. I've yet to give him an answer and purposely ignored all his calls. I had no rush to respond and every intention in my bones to let him sweat it.

"You okay there, love?" Natalia asked raising her eyebrows.

I smiled and nodded. She had been stressed over tonight's event from when she arrived three days ago. No need to burden her with my issues. Her employer was branching off from New York to the California region. Conveniently in sync, when I needed to sell the appearance of a social life. Her companies celebratory launch party was exclusive, only high-level executives and influencers were invited.

If it wasn't for Natalia I wouldn't be on the guest list. I despised these types of events but since Thomas was included, I made an exception. He was just the man I wanted to see.

I slipped off my band t-shirt, exchanging it for the short dress. Looking at the mirror, then at Natalia I shook my head in disapproval.

She rolled her eyes, laughing as she wrapped the last uncurled brownish blonde strand into the curling wand. "Nothing wrong with showing a little skin. Flaunt those boobs and ass you were gifted with. Many people have to pay for it."

I analyzed myself head to toe. The dress fit perfectly and was a combination of feminine and sexy. A part of me felt confident and desirable. The other felt the need to cover-up. It wasn't so much the revealing factor of the dress, more that, it was something Thomas would have loved, down to the navy-blue color. Considering, I would be seeing him tonight it made me detest this dress even more. I tugged at the fabric trying to give it more length.

"The dress won't magically grow more fabric. What's your deal? Nervous about Thomas attending?" She questioned, as I threw the dress over my head and onto the floor.

More nervous about what I had sent twenty minutes ago and what I had planned to do tonight.

I couldn't tell her that. No one could know about this vendetta, not even my closest friend. I barged into my closet and slipped the black jumpsuit off the hanger. "I'm not worried about Thomas."

"Ahh, this must be about Elias?" She said, practically cooing his name. "What's up with you guys? You've been coy about the details."

"I'm not being coy. There's nothing to talk about." I replied, starting to feel guilty for being dishonest.

Tonight, was about creating the illusion that I severed romantic ties. In reality, I wasn't sure where Elias and I stood, so, for now, that's what this was, an Illusion.

Elias gave me validity and power to men that thought like Cain and Thomas. Without Elias, I'd revert to the insignificant woman that they thought of me before. I had made a mistake being bold. Vocal and brazen wouldn't win this fight but silent and deadly would. It was imperative that I appeared weak.

She playfully jabbed my shoulder. "Shut up. You clearly have feelings for him. It's written all over your face. I've been your best friend since kindergarten." She zipped up my jumpsuit glaring at me bug-eyed through the mirror. "I never even told anyone about the bag of chips you stole from Mrs. Carter's desk in second grade. I surely won't tell anyone about your undercover lover."

I laughed and mentally noted to work on my body language. It's not that I thought she wasn't trustworthy. I just needed to sell a story tonight and I might as well start with her. "Why are you being persistent about this? Is he attending this event? Do you want my approval to bust a move on him?" I dug into my purse and popped a mint into my mouth. "Go ahead he's all yours."

She narrowed her eyes at me while snatching the mints out of my hand. "Isn't that something you should know? Now that I think of it, I find it weird that you requested off these past days when you've never done that. Is something going on that you're not telling me?"

I stayed quiet. Her inquisitiveness these past days caught me off guard. She had never been the type to ask a million questions. Diving into my suspension and all the other details it entailed seemed too taxing at this moment.

"I-" She cut me off and enveloped me into a tight embrace. "Forget it. Tonight is about having fun." Stepping away, she concentrated on her phone. Seconds passed before she looked up at me, grinning like an idiot. "Elias and Alexander from Castellano Enterprises are on the list. Although, assholes didn't RVSP so who the hell knows."

I swiveled to the side, examining myself through the mirror as if her words didn't faze me. Not sure why I had not prepared for the possibility of him being there. Putting the thought to the back of my mind, I inspected my outfit once again. The jumpsuit was low cut with an open back, revealing my tattoo and a little side boob.

Satisfied with my once-over I shooed her out my bedroom as I received the text that our ride was here. The whole drive to the event, I questioned myself. My motives, My plan, My desires and the point of it all. Closing the door to the Uber, I shut my doubts and the what ifs. There's no place for them here.

I winced as I stepped on the sidewalk, the contrast between the midnight sky and bright flash photography, burning my eyes. Natalia tugged my arm, forcing me to take a photo with her. We stayed blended into a rose wall until she's satisfied with the shot. We make our way inside and my steps faltered taking a second to admire the view. The venue is spacious, high ceilings filled with cascading chandeliers entwined with greenery.

An ethereal mixture of electric blue and pink fluorescent lights illuminated the space. While the upbeat music gave the atmosphere a lively feel. The dance-floor already filled with people soaking up the energy as they danced. Other's took a subtle approach and were seated across the sitting areas scattered around. Natalia had marketed the event well, the turn out seemed substantial.

She gave me a quick hug and excused herself. No disillusion there, I knew I'd be alone most the night. Her work wasn't finished, she had to mingle and snag as many potential clients as she could.

I scanned through the endless wave of individuals. There was no sign of Elias. My heart settled in my chest. We were late and If he wasn't here yet, it was a good indication he wouldn't show. Starting to feel strange standing alone, I headed to the bar.

In dire need of some liquid courage, I briefly looked over the drink menu and I decided on an apple martini. My drink came fast, taking a swig, I went over the details in my head for the millionth time. My palms started to sweat, my face flushed from either the liquor or my nerves.

Tonight, was the night. My plan was officially in fruition.

I chugged the rest of my drink and made it to the dance-floor. Operation 'find a man to dance with' is on. The alcohol had worked its way through my system. Something I had realized when I felt my body move to the electric beat not giving a damn if anyone was looking at me. I raised my hands in the air, beaming at the fact it doesn't take much for me to feel buzzed.

A man came around me, invading my space. He's cute but his looks don't matter. I'm using him. He seemed overly excited becoming a little too touchy for my taste. I stepped back and when I did I spotted Thomas walking in.

For a brief second our eyes locked. I underestimated how angry I would feel in this moment. The thought of punching the stupid smirk on his face crossed my mind. I disregarded my feelings and wrapped my arms around touchy guys neck.

Play the game, Scarlett.

The song finished and the touchy guy tried to talk to me but I scurried away. I had accomplished what I needed and had no use for him now. The edgy buzzed cut blonde bartender gave me knowing look and poured me another drink. I appreciated the fact that we were on the same wavelength. Not even two sips in, before Thomas scooted the metal bar stool back and sat beside me like I knew he would. He cleared his throat as if his ego wasn't warning enough.

He pivoted my face to meet his eyes. "Trouble in paradise, already? Not surprised, figured he just wanted an easy screw. Is that why you are here? Trying to find a new man to leech off? I never took you as a gold-digging slut."

He brought the stool closer, practically hovering over me as he gave me that shitty smirk again. I forced myself to frown and moved my face from his grip. "Are you here just to gloat? Haven't you hurt me enough?" I mumbled, making voice crack on the last word.

He faked a laugh and tsked. "Wow, your little fling is really over. I bet you feel stupid. Choosing him over me. I actually loved you, Scar. You could have lead with me, now you're irrelevant. Hope that makes you feel like shit."

"Everything comes to end." I leveled his gaze, then quickly turned to the floor. Lack of eye contact from me will empower him. He fed off intimidation. "You don't need to gloat. I am highly aware of the mistakes I've made. Do you get off on publicly degrading me? Does it make you feel as good as slapping me does?"

He scoffed and took a drink of his scotch. "It does and I'd do it again to teach you some damn manners. You forget we're not equals, sweetheart. Know your place. I made you who you are, I own you." He hissed, slamming his glass on the bar. "You should be on your knees showing me gratitude. Instead, you disrespected me by being a whore and sleeping with my enemy."

"I'm sorry," I mumbled, twiddling my hands in my lap.

My pride shattered with the words, but it was a necessary evil. Eradicating the possibility of opposition from me would lower his suspicions and get me off his radar. He needed to believe he broke me.

"You've won, I'm ruined, I'm scared. What else do you want from me? Please, I beg you, just stop. I won't be an issue. You can forward that message to your father as well. I don't want problems. I'll keep my mouth shut like I always have."

He simpered, striving off my vulnerabilities like expected. "If only you had made this revelation earlier when I was playing nice. I coddled you like a stray kitten, told you sweet lies but that didn't work, Did it? Tell me, where is that tough girl from the stairwell? Is she gone, like your dignity? This is pathetic, really. You begging, it's quite sad. We're past apologies. You've pissed me off and now I want to play dirty. I own you. Let that sink in. I won't stop till I get my royalties off you. You know too much and I don't trust you not now, not ever."

"What could I possibly do? I am one person and like you said I'm irrelevant. I have no power to take down a corporation. You and your father know I'm not a threat."

He lifted my chin, digging his fingers into my skin. "We'll see about that. I have plans for you, Scarlett." Letting go of my chin, his eyebrows raised then his lips twisted into a smile. I watched as he left to the other side of the room. He stared at me, laughing with his friend.

I turned my back, completely disgusted. What did I ever see in him? Every fiber of my being hated him.

The bartender grabbed a tequila bottle and uttered "Douchelord" in Thomas's direction. She plopped a shot onto the bar declaring, it was "on the house". I chuckled and clicked my glass with hers. As the liquid burned down my throat, I decided to stay here with my new-found friend.

Socializing with a bunch of uptight people didn't appeal to me. Plus, I was a woman still on a mission. The person boring holes into my back reminded me of that. Most likely deciphering if my words were true. He was on the fence and I'd push him over it. What more sold the broken and depressed image like sulking at the bar?

Shots later, Natalia checked to see if I was obliterated. Little did she know the liquid in the glass was water. My new-found friend eyes widened at my request at first but didn't question it. I wanted to appear drunk, not actually be it. Thomas was buying into my act. I could tell by the increase of smirks in my directions. Unbeknown to him that I was fully in control of myself.

Another shot down with the same process. Chug, lick, suck on a lemon and repeat. I was on roll until I felt a tap on my shoulder.

A man in his mid-twenties wearing a fitted gray suit introduced himself. He began to tell me more as I tried to act like I cared. He was strikingly good-looking but a complete bore. The conversation dulled, even more, when he began to speak about his salary and expensive cars. He seemed confident in himself like this method had worked for him before. It's was like the more he spoke the more secure he felt that my panties would drop for him.

Boring guy took me out of my daydream when he husked something into my ear. Someone told him I was looking for a good time. He assured me he could do that for me. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Thomas sipping on his drink, watching expectantly. I giggled and tugged bore galore's suit jacket towards the dance floor like a drunk girl would.

I didn't know what game Thomas was playing but I'd play. I moved my hips to the beat keeping distance between us. My body stiffened each time his hands were on me. I felt objectified, like a puppet on string playing into exactly what Thomas wanted. But at least this time it was on my terms.

The guy brought me closer forcing me out of my thoughts and to him. His hands traveled down my back. I stilled, my eyes fleeting from the hungry gaze I was under. I surveyed the venue to anywhere but him. As I did, I caught Thomas glowering with a twisted smile across the room. Instinctively, I followed until my eyes met with a hard gaze.

My heart dropped.

Elias.

I quickly hid, burying my face into bore galore's chest. It was clear what Thomas's game was now. He was testing me, trying to crack the façade.

Elias doubted me. I didn't owe him anything, especially after our last encounter. This revelation didn't stop the wave of various emotions to wash through me.

I didn't get this far, to only get this far.

I continued to dance, forcing myself to relax under his touch. He whispered disgusting things in my ear and I giggled fighting the urge to knee him in his balls. Curiosity got the best of me as I swerved back to have Elias in my vision.

Alexander and another man stood beside him. They spoke but clearly didn't hold his attention. His eyes remained on me, shifting from my face to my lower back where bore galore's hand was placed. He appeared less than satisfied. His body was stiff with his jaw set in hard while his hand remained closed in a tight fist. Elias's blatant distaste riled something inside me. Maybe I could use this situation to teach him a lesson.

I swayed my hips more, looking him dead in the eye. I was now dancing for him—for his reaction, for the way he made me feel as his eyes raked through my body. Thomas was now on the back of my mind. Something Elias' presence tended to do since the day I laid eyes on him. A smiled reached my eyes when he slightly grimaced. In a sense, this felt like retribution. I was killing two birds with one stone. How productive of me.

I let out a sigh when a couple blocked Elias from my view. Luckily, the song was on the last chorus. My torture was almost over.

Thomas walked past the dance-floor with a brunette who wasn't his fiancé locked into his arm. He grinned at my direction, there was something sinister about it. I would use that grin as my fuel. That grin told me I had him right where I wanted him.

Waiting until he exited, I took the hands off my hips. Bore galore tried to yank me back into his hold but I moved quickly. I panted as I made my way through the crowd setting my destination on the cleared hallway ahead. Once I made it, I leaned against the wall taking a second to catch my breath.

Just as my body relaxed, my phone vibrated in my jumpsuit. I hit my head against the wall, frustrated that my moment of serenity was ruined. Keeping my eyes closed, I answered the phone.

"Hello," I grumbled, not caring to hide my disdain. The person on the other line spoke but I couldn't hear. I covered my other ear and pressed the speaker of my phone directly in the other and grumbled again.

"Can I have a word with you?" Elias said in a stern voice that sounded deeper over the phone. I opened my eyes and cast the venue in search of him. He appeared to do the same because our eyes met concurrently.

"Is this a demand or request?" I countered, locked into him as I hid the excitement of hearing his voice on the line.

"A request. I will never force you to speak to me."

"Not here," I answered simply, turning my head to the side to hide the blush that crept over my cheeks.

"Fair enough."

The static over the phone grew louder as he drove past me. We did not glance in each other's direction. Which only thickened the tension in the air.

"There's a VIP room in the back towards your left." He voiced, the static over the phone dissipated as I heard the door click shut.

"Okay." I ended the call before he could speak again. I honestly couldn't decipher if I was being too hard on him. I figured being too hard was better than being too soft. He needed to know where I stood.

I went into the ladies' room deciding to have him wait longer for me. I tousled my hair and freshened up but not to the extent it appeared I did. Exiting the restroom, my nerves were a wreck. Even more when I twisted the handle and opened the door. Elias sat on a leather couch his head hung with his elbows resting on his legs.

Raising his head, he admired me. "Una belleza, like always." He signaled with his eyes for me to sit beside him. I released the breath I was holding and sat as far as I could on the opposite end.

He continued, reaching towards the table for a rectangular wooden box. "I love when you do your eye look like that. The dark line accentuates your eyes." Holding the cigar in his mouth, he ran the flame close and puffed. He rested one hand over the length of the couch and relaxed back.

"It's called eyeliner. I didn't know you smoked." I asked, trying not to sound eager that he noticed small details about me.

He held the cigar back to his mouth and took another drag. "I enjoy the occasional cigar. Did you enjoy yourself out there?"

I crawled over to him, the thrill of playing with fire taking over me. Bringing my leg over, I straddled his lap. Determined for a little payback, I took the cigar out of his hand. He gazed at me, confusion and lust riddled in his eyes as I drew the cigar into my mouth and breathed in. Taking the cigar out, I delved into his heated gaze that no longer held confusion just need. Bringing my lips closer to his, I slowly blew the smoke into his mouth. "Are you jealous, Elias?" I shifted down against his groin and placed a kiss over the pulsing vein in his neck.

He wrapped one arm around my back and with the other placed the cigar in the ashtray. My breath caught as he grasped my hips pulling me closer again. His hands slid lower and grabbed my ass possessively. "Yes slightly, but I also noticed you didn't react to his touch as you do mine." He rasped against my ear.

His hand traveled up my spine settling on to the nape of my neck bringing me forward to meet his lips. I pulled back, refusing him. I held his chin, tugging on his lip slowly while I grinded my hips, feeling him harden beneath me. Groaning, he gripped my hips and pulled me down hard against his lap. A shiver prickled my skin as I continued and brought my lips to meet his neck again.

He fisted my hair and tugged my head back to kiss down my neck. I moaned, his eyes darkened, feasting on me as his restraint slipped into the abyss. I had him. I bit my lip and pushed myself off him. Sitting on the coffee table in front of him, I crossed my legs, suppressing myself as well. He ran his hand across his beard giving me a look I couldn't place. I marveled that I was seductive without error.

I leaned back, clenching the edge of the desk as I zeroed in on his face. "I never took you as an arrogant man. Hate to break to you but I did react, we hit it off well, actually. So well, that I seduced him to relinquish all his company's secrets and 401k. You know, cause that's the type of woman I am. I play influential, high-profile men like a violin."

He adjusted his slacks, his eyebrows furrowed taken back by my statement. "Is that what you believe I think of you? You mistook my pause for something else."

"You say your actions speak for themselves and they spoke volumes to me. You gave me no chance to explain myself nor did you answer my question. Pardon me, for filling in the blank on a question you left unanswered. I wanted your honesty but you gave me this stoic bullshit attitude like your impenetrable. Which tells me you don't trust me, that you have doubts on the type of person I am."

"If I thought you were the informant and sleeping with him, would we be here? Would I have cared to clear your name to my board? Wouldn't have I terminated you? Would I be here showing you affection? You clearly have doubts about the type of man I am, if you think I would. If I had let you explain it would have resulted in the same outcome. My personal feelings, whether I trust you, can't come between my executive decisions."

I stood, pouting as I crossed my arms over my chest. "Your inability to answer a simple question is the cause of any doubt I have. It has never been about your executive decision. I felt owed personally but you shut me out without regard. You have no idea the hell I went through that weekend and only for you to finish me off."

"I'm sorry— "

"Save it. I don't need your sympathy." I fumed, turning my back on him to get my emotions intact.

Shaking my head, I rolled my eyes and exited the room. I had my fill of this conversation. He yelled my name. I ignored it and the tingles that traveled up my spine as my name rolled off his tongue. I continued charging through the hallway until I was back in the venue. I couldn't hear his footsteps over the blaring music but I could feel him. I wandered aimlessly trying to find Natalia. When I did, she was behind the bar speaking to a client. I waved goodbye not wanting to intrude and mouthed 'see you at home'.

The cool night breeze flowed against my face as I stormed out. I quickened my pace down the sidewalk and I called an Uber.

He yelled my name again this time his voice held a hint of frustration. I turned around, expecting him to be far but he wasn't. His hand caressed the small of my back. His touch against my bare skin does things to me. Things that make me want to forget this argument and use my lips as a sign of surrender.

"I've never chased anyone in my life, never cared to. But here I am chasing you. I know you don't owe me anything, let alone your time. So, I'll keep this short. Do you have an answer for me?"

"What happens if another situation like this occurs? This suspension and investigation are not even over yet— I feel like I can't do this again."

"Hopefully it won't but if it does we'll move forward. As for this investigation, it's over. Your name is cleared. You can return to work immediately if that's what you decide. If not, I'll need to get ahold of my lawyers to start the process of nullifying your contract."

I never expected to hear those words. I anticipated tragedy, chaos, an avalanche of bad news— not this. I didn't even know how to react. My mind swirled with different possibilities. I wondered if this had to do with the urgent situation that involved me. Every thought made my stomach turn. What cleared my name? I'd have to speculate. He wouldn't answer me, not here on a public sidewalk surrounded by people.

"Do you want me to stay?" I blurted, barely above a whisper.

I wasn't sure why I had asked; my mind was already made. I waited for a response while a black sedan took the curb stopping a foot ahead of us. My phone vibrated. The black sedan must be my Uber.

He rested his forehead on mine and swallowed hard. "This decision needs to be of your own volition."

Once again, he denied me. I pulled away attempting to hide the blow in his response. As I opened the car door, we looked fixedly at each other, the air fraught with emotion almost unbearable to withstand.

"I'll stay. I'll stay because I have to. I'll stay because I gave my word when I signed that contract. I'll stay because it's my duty to fulfill my responsibilities. But most importantly, I'll stay because I refuse to be at the mercy of you or any other man. Goodbye, Elias."

Did Scarlett go too hard on Elias? Or not hard enough?

Is Elias out of the doghouse or should we make that his permanent residence?

Or Should Scarlett be in the doghouse for this time?

What did we think of this revengeful side of Scarlett?

Did Elias set some things right or not at all? Does he need to work a little harder?

Thank you for reading!