Shred of Glass

18 | Elvira

But I won't feel guilty or intimidated. He is mistaken if he thinks I will, just by stepping in his territory.

"So about budgets, here is what our estimates are," I say as I set up the projector and get up in front of everyone.

"The three venues we chose, the fabrics as Irene wanted a rose gold theme, we are going to have to see more samples of them." They all nod listening intently.

"So have guys got in mind about the budg-"

"There is no budget." Comes the firm voice of Zane, he lays slightly back but has a hand tapping on the glass table. He smiles my way but I know this is just to show Irene.

I smile back and nod and sit down after presenting. The meeting soon ends and I stand up.

"Thank you, Irene, for sharing your ideas. I will get in touch with you soon." She walks around the table and gives me a hug which I return. Looking over her shoulder, I watch Zane dismiss everyone, including Ella.

I part away from Irene and she walks away with a satisfied smile on her face.

I start packing my things since everyone is now gone. I don't want to be in a room with him. I am only doing this for Irene and because the girl deserves the world. She deserves everything, it isn't her fault her brother is ungrateful.

"Violet." He says but I ignore him. I quickly turn away from him and head towards the door. My breathing is quickening in case he does something. I won't be able to handle my myself if he gets close to me.

Strangely enough, I started liking bickering with him. But now, now I don't I want to anymore.

As soon as I open it, a hand shuts it and I stagger back when I see him lock the door.

Huffing, I cross my arms and actually look at him now. Eyes narrowed; he stalks towards me as I stay still in my place.

"What do you want Zane?" He tilts his head like not understanding me.

"Where are you going? No pleasantries, not even a glance?" I put a smile on my face and take a deep breath.

"Hi Zane, how are you? Good? The meeting is over by the way, I should leave," I walk around him but he backs me in the nearest wall making the bag and papers from my hand to fall to the ground.

His fiery gaze fixed on me as I try my hardest to breathe.

"Remember in Paris? You said if I ask you once, anything, you would give it to me?" His voice deep as he holds me in place by holding both my upper arms.

I swallow with my heart pounding but don't give any answer.

"Well now Violet, I want something. Willing to give it to me?" His voice turns hoarse as he nears me, his lips so close, so damn close to mine.

"Yes Zane, I do." I whisper back to him in hopes he loosens his grip on me.

"But you know what else I said?" He hums while looking at my lips.

"I said only if you deserve it." He frowns and looks at my eyes which are glaring at him. Slightly shocked, his grip loosens and I push him back and start picking my papers up.

"And guilt tripping me into accepting this deal was definitely a move wasn't it?" He doesn't say anything. I finish picking things up and get up but find myself looking at him. His face not showing anything which makes my heart sink.

He doesn't care?

I don't know what I was hoping for, but it definitely wasn't what he says next.