The expensive mistake.

Misunderstood

Eric sat in his office in the heart of the Black Cat, one of his exclusive clubs, smoke swirling around him as he stared out the window at the bustling city. He took a drag from his cigar, the scent filling the room.

"Listen up," Eric's voice was low and commanding as he addressed his loyal men who stood before him, their faces shadowed in the dim light. I want you to find out everything you can about this Red Horse Mop.

"They've been making moves in our territory, and I don't like it one bit."

Eric was silent for a moment, deciding if he wanted to accuse the mop of Tricelle's attack. He decided against it. The less people knew, the better.

"I want to know who is the main man behind this. Everyone must also be on high alert... We may have a mole, and all of you know what happens to moles in my kingdom," Eric said, pointing towards his men with a stern expression.

The men nodded in understanding, their expressions hard and determined. The Red Horse mob was a mystery, a powerful force that had come out of nowhere, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance of power that Eric had worked so hard to establish.

He knew they were responsible for the attack on Tricelle, he just didn't know where she fit into their scheme.

As the men filed out of the office to start their investigation, Eric leaned back in his chair, a frown creasing his brow. He knew that the mop was not to be taken lightly. They were cunning, ruthless, and shrouded in secrecy. But Eric was determined to uncover their secrets and protect his empire at all costs.

Eric knew that he was playing a dangerous game. But he was willing to risk it all to protect what was his. He frowned, wondering if Tricelle fell into that category.

Eric pushed the thoughts to the side, and took a stack of papers on his table.

Eric heard his door open slowly.

"Yes," he said without lifting his head.

" I heard you were here, so I just wanted to see how you are doing?"

Ramona said sweetly from the door.

Eric blew out a sigh,

" Yes, I have work to do." He answered impatiently, still keeping his eyes on his papers.

Ramona boldly approached him, her heels clacking against the wooden floor. She knew it was dangerous, but she could always turn his tension into pleasure. Ramona enjoyed the effect she had on Eric.

"I can help," She said, touching his shoulders.

Eric looked up and locked eyes with her. He felt a wave of irritation wash over him. She had cornered him too often. With a wave of his hand, he motioned for her to stop.

"Ramona, listen, I am not in the mood for your games and flirting. I am not interested."

She paused, disappointment flickering in her eyes, but then a smirk played on her lips. “What, Eric? Does the big bad boss have something to hide?” She leaned in slightly, her face inches from his.

“Is it that you’ve got feelings for that girl from the other night? The one you barely know?”

Eric placed both hands on his stable, standing up slowly, he could see Ramona regretted her words as he towered over her.

"You are on thin ice." His eyes staring daggers at her."

Ramona straightened, unaffected by his stern demeanor. “I am only telling you what I saw, and you are a powerful man. You can have whoever you want.”

Ramona leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she seized the moment. “You can do better, Eric. Far better than that naïve girl. She won’t be able to handle the life you lead. She’s just a fleeting distraction.”

Eric wondered how Ramona could know of his affection towards Tricelle. She was only there once. Was it so obvious that he was interested in her?

Eric's brow furrowed, his expression hardening. “You mistake my affection for weakness, Ramona. She has a light that many in this life lack.”

“A light?” Ramona scoffed, her laughter harsh and biting. “It will be extinguished the moment she understands the price of this world. You need someone forged from fire, someone who can stand by your side, not cower in its shadows.”

Eric sat down again, leaning back and clasping his hands together. He knew that Ramona knew more than what she was saying."

She stepped closer, her confidence oozing from every pore. “I’m offering you that. I am power, I am cunning. I know the game, and unlike that woman, I can play it to win. Together, we could rule this city. We have been familiar with each other for a long time.”

Eric smiled,

" Yes, we have been familiar with each other. You are familiar with many men."

Eric narrowed his eyes, watching her eyes grow wider.

"You were just a... distraction occasionally."

For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air between them, charged with the weight of their opposing desires. Ramona's expression shifted, revealing a flicker of something deeper.

Eric and Ramona noticed Anton standing at the door, his expression a mixture of confusion and irritation.

Ramona turned back to Eric, with a wicked smile.

"As you wish, Mister Black. If you need me for anymore 'distractions' I will be more than happy to satisfy you."

Without waiting for his reply, Ramona turned and walked past Anton.

For the first time, Eric saw Tricelle's petite figure behind Anton.

Anton and Tricelle entered the office and closed the door behind them.

Eric's dark eyes narrowed as he took in her appearance. She was dressed in simple oversize sweatpants and a large hoody that made her look like a hipster. A cascade of red hair framed her face, highlighting her striking features. Eric soon realized that it was his clothes.

“What are you doing here?” Eric asked, his voice a low rumble, a mix of concern and gratefulness lacing his words. “Do you have any idea what could happen if someone saw her here?”

Eric directed his anger toward Anton.

"I told her, but she didn't want to listen." Anton said, looking at Tricelle.

Tricelle raised an eyebrow, unperturbed by his fierce demeanor. “I came to give you a sandwich... you've been here for two days.”

Tricelle held out a container with a few sandwiches in it.

Eric looked at the container and then back to Anton.

Anton's expression told Eric that he didn't know what to do with Tricelle.

Eric took the container with a stern face, but it touched his heart that she cared if he had eaten anything.

"You are supposed to rest and stay out of sight."

"I needed to go buy clothes, so I asked Anton if we could see if you were okay... It's not his fault."

“You shouldn’t be here,” he said, his tone softened by an unexpected hint of concern. “You don’t understand the danger you’re in and who can see you here.”

“Do you think I’m afraid?” She challenged.

"You should be." Anton said, rubbing his neck.

“Curiosity can get you killed in my world, Tricelle,” Eric warned, leaning forward. “I have enemies. I have people who would love to use you against me.”

“Then let them try,” she said, her voice steady, tinged with defiance. “I have my own enemies, so yours and mine can have a party together?”

At that moment, Eric felt something shift within him—a ripple of admiration, a flicker of something long buried. He was drawn to her, but he was also furious with himself for feeling this way. An attraction to a woman like her was a risk he couldn’t afford.

“Leave,” he commanded, the weight of finality in his voice. “It’s not safe for you here.”

Eric gave Anton a look, and Anton understood he was commanding him.

When Anton took Tricelle's arm she shot him an angry look before she looked back at Eric.

" I am not a baby, I will leave. So your "distraction" can come back." Tricelle said trying to hide her jelousy.