The expensive mistake.

The Lizard

In the dimly lit restaurant, everything had gone silent. The whole restaurant seemed frozen with all eyes on the finely dressed men. The tension in the air was palpable as both stared each other down.

Shawn stood like a statue, his hands held up, and the only thing that was moving was his eyes, darting around nervously.

“That is no way to speak about a lady,” Eric growled, his fingers turning slightly red as he held his tie.

“I honestly just gave you the facts…Mr Black.” Shawn said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Eric’s grip tightened around the man’s tie, he knew that the situation had absolutely nothing to do with him. But this man was crawling under his skin.

Shawn swallowed hard realizing that this man was not amused.

“Mr Eric,” Tricelle whispered and moved closer.

She forced herself to take a breath as she moved closer to Eric and placed her hand on his arm. She could feel his muscular arm ripple under her touch.

His eyes softened slightly, but only for a moment.

“Why won’t you join us?” Eric said as he loosened his grip and took a step back.

Shawn muttered under his breath while he straightened his suit and brushed his hair back with both hands, trying to hide his embarrassment and anger.

“With your complex web of deception, I understand why you would seek help from a man like Mr Black.” Shawn spat at her.

Anton took a few steps closer towering behind Shawn.

“So that is a Yes?” Eric said calmly.

Taking Tricelle by her arm and leading her to the chair next to him. Every part of him stilled in utter focus on the small connection they made through touch.

“No, I think I need to...” Shawn was cut off mid-sentence when Anton’s large hand rested on his shoulder.

He peeked over his shoulder and met the smiling face of the bodyguard.

“Maybe just one drink...” Shawn continued.

‘Of course his pride and image is more important’ Tricelle thought sarcastically.

Shawn took the seat across from Eric and Tricelle, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. With one look Eric dismissed his guards, only Anton remained. Still standing behind Shawn, with a smirk on his face.

“I am just curious why; you would say something like that of the CEO of Wincher company. Before your rude interruption, we were discussing my private accounts.”

Eric said as he poured a glass of wine for Shawn and himself.

Tricelle shifted slightly in her seat. If Shawn blurted out the situation she might already have lost a client before she had time to fight for her position.

She glanced around the room, feeling the eyes of curious people watching her. Most of them had already started eating and drinking again, but she could see that they were the topic of conversation as some guests glanced in their direction every few minutes, waiting for a bomb to explode.

Eric saw Tricelle’s delicate features creased with worry, he slightly brushed her hand under the table and gave her a reassuring smile. He didn’t expect her to return his smile, but she did.

“Anne Wincher is taking Tricelle to court for the position of CEO, and I am representing her.”

Eric face tensed up, his mind rolling through the circumstance that could have led to a legal fight between sisters. He glanced at Anton with a stern expression.

Anton immediately understood what his boss wanted and left in a stride.

Turning his attention back to Shawn.

“Whatever happens, Miss Wincher is still the CEO at this moment.”

Tricelle felt confused at the way Eric was defending her at every turn. For the first time she noticed the earthy smell that surrounded the handsome man beside her. His motives were mystifying, she didn’t understand why he would want to defend her.

‘Maybe he is just a gentleman’. She said to herself.

“Still as a lawyer, I will give you advice. So I believe that any further investing in their stocks and company must wait, for your own benefit.”

Shawn said with a smile.

Eric frowned. He never said that he invested in their stocks, only that he was talking to her about his accounts. Before he could ask, the sweet voice beside him spoke.

“Shawn, I don’t believe that we are supposed to be discussing any of this before I have my own case…”

“And her own lawyer.” Eric added.

Shawn smiled bitterly, taking his wine and downing the entire glass.

“Yes, you are right. Let’s talk about the fact that I know Tricelle on a more personal level.”

Tricelle took her own glass and emptied it.

' Scum' She muttered under her breath.

Eric’s face remained stern, watching as the lizard poured himself another glass. He could sense that he only wanted to take out his rage out on Tricelle, but his eyes roved over her with obvious, unhinged delight.

“Well, I am sure that her reasons for leaving you were valid.” Eric said sipping from his own glass.

“He left me,” Tricelle answered barely in a whisper.

“Yes, I did.” He replied with a sinister grin.

Tricelle felt a nervous churning in her stomach when her mind returned to that horrible night.

He had humiliated her, forced her, and betrayed her. A cold shiver ran down her spine, but it was quickly replaced by a warm hand on her back.

Eric’s hand was resting on the nape of her back, while he kept eye contact with Shawn. She realised she was in the middle of a male dominance competition. It was silent for a few seconds, but it felt like minutes to her, she only focused on the burning sensation Eric's hand had on her back.

“Well, I believe that our appetite has been ruined. Miss Wincher?”

Eric said as he stood up extending his hand to hers.

Shawn could only watch as she placed her hand in Eric’s.

“Yes Mr. Eric, I believe so.”

Tricelle answered with a smile. Grateful for an escape.

Eric’s voice was steady but tinged with a hint of laughter.

“You don’t mind getting our check. I believe a successful lawyer like you can afford it.”

Shawn wanted to protest, but no words came from him, only a nod from his head, looking at the expensive bottle of wine.

Eric signalled his men with a smooth flick of his fingers. The four men walked in front as he led Tricelle out of the restaurant.

When they got outside a Black Mercedes was waiting for them.

“Thank you.” Tricelle said with a faint smile.

“I wanted to tell you about the current situation at the company, but I think that I didn’t even registered it myself.”

He could see that there were more things on her mind. Secrets. He hated secrets, but he felt responsible for her and he didn’t know why.

Without saying a word Eric helped her into the car, before he climbed in on the other side.

“Am I right to guess that the Lizard wanted to start a fight. “He said, pinning her with a look that made her feel small.

She smiled for a moment, humoured that he called Shawn a Lizard.

“Yes, he does that.”

Anton, cleared his throat behind the wheel.

“Where to boss?”

Tricelle frowned, he had disappeared and reappeared without her even noticing. She was sure that he must have a military background, the way he moved the way he spoke.

“If Miss Wincher will allow it, I think we both need to unwind.”

Eric said with a smile.

Tricelle thought about it for a while, they still haven’t eaten anything and the two glasses of wine she had was starting to make her feel tipsy. Nodding at Eric a smile appeared on his face.

“Good, The Black Cat, Anton.” Eric said as he leaned back in the leather backseat