The Carrero Contract

Chapter 5

The opera is not my idea of a good night and as we arrived only minutes before it began, I must suffer it before I am supposed to seduce this so-called future Mayor of the city.

We are in a private box above the theatre and I feel a little like pretty woman up here—it's practically a remake if I was setting the scene, although Alexi outshines Richard Gere hands down in his sexy black tux.

The box is private, dark and comfy, with a red curtain draped to one side should we want more privacy. The dark red, velvet seats are like posh dining chairs with extra oomph and padding and weirdly very formal. It's obviously a V.I.P. box as we are the only ones in here and seems we have a prime view of the stage below us, with complimentary binoculars, a balcony and a curtained entrance to our rear that leads to an outer corridor.

My strapless dress is red too, seeing as he did say it was my colour; long, fitted and has ultimate cleavage boosting abilities under a glittering faux diamond necklace that draws your eye to my assets. It's figure-hugging but kicks out to a fuller skirt past my knees and trails the ground when I walk.

Alexi totally digs it, even if he refused to comment or admit it; I caught him trailing his eyes up my curves more than once when we were getting in here and I wonder if maybe he is a cleavage guy when they are framed by the right outfit. This dress definitely makes the most of my girls and his hands on my waist when guiding me in here was a tad on the possessive side when other men strayed a little too close with a wandering gaze.

As much as I hated obeying him, my hair is up after I spent an hour in a salon making it perfect and my makeup is naturally flawless with a bold lip. Alexi gave me the once-over with a nod when I emerged from my bedroom and his appreciative glances implied he was satisfied with my efforts. It's probably painful for him to admit I look smoking, as much as it pains me that I had to obey him on every aspect of how I look.

I guess I can live with it occasionally when his approval is the reward. It makes for a less hostile environment and if the music was a little less ear aching, I would probably be enjoying myself in his company.

He isn't too bad as a date. Although he is a man of very few words. Even now, sitting side by side, I keep catching the little looks as he casts another quick scope over my figure in this dress. He only paid forty-six hundred dollars for it, so I am assuming he thinks it's worth it. I did make him pay through the nose to look this good, but he would have the nerve to tell me how to dress and I wanted him to suffer for the privilege. He didn't even react when I told him I maxed out the credit card he gave me today. Instead, he took it and pushed it back in his wallet with zero conversation, glance, or emotion at all.

I was expecting an outburst at least, seeing as the hair salon was two hundred bucks alone for the up do, then there was my nails, shoes, clutch bag and jewellery, facial, makeup, massage …… I guess money is not one of the things he is hung up on when it comes to this kind of thing. That suggests he has more than enough to think of a few grand as pocket change.

He probably doesn't know what it's like to scrape by and have to make a few dollars last you a few days when surviving on the streets, hungry and cold. He has no concept of that kind of life; another reminder of how far apart we are in reality.

The high-pitched singing is giving me a headache, and as I glance his way, I cannot really tell if he's enjoying it or not. He's watching intensely, looking at all the characters on stage, completely engrossed. With his skill at complete inexpressiveness, he could be having the time of his life for all I know.

I still have not perfected any sort of art in reading him, and judging by his cousins frustrated digs occasionally, I do not think there is a human alive who can read that face, no matter how well you know him.

I'm not stupid though and I know he's probably scanning the room at the same time for faces and people and generally keeping a watch on his entire surroundings. What with his constant flank of men standing behind us in the shadows, behind the curtains and I feel uncomfortable with the duo's presence.

I get that he takes an entourage everywhere he goes, but I think he could have at least left them standing outside his private box and not almost right behind me where one of them keeps leaning forward to look down my cleavage. It's one of his younger escorts, and he has clearly not learned where his eyes should stay in terms of Alexi's possessions. He's lucky Alexi hasn't caught him yet or his eyeballs would be yanked out of his face.

Alexi leans in close to me as the curtain starts to fall and turns his face my way, clean-shaven and smelling like my idea of a good time with his sexy aftershave and masculine scent and hits me with those almost clear eyes which always knock me sideways, no matter how often I see them. They really are his best feature, which is saying something, as his face as a whole is pretty near perfect in my opinion.

He can give me butterflies even now, and I hate that my body jumps to attention whenever his eyes meet mine. For a sadistic arsehole, he was blessed with a face that comes straight out of female fantasies.

''Interlude. Now we go find Demagio and invite him here for the second half. Get your game face on London; you have a future Mayor to impress.''

* * *

It doesn't take him long to hone in on the man and his very young escort, whom I presume is his daughter, or else he has a taste I cannot fulfill.

Hanging by the glittering bar in one of the plush carpeted lounges, under low lighting and chandeliers as Alexi swoops like a bird of prey and is fast in pushing me and my breasts right under the other man's nose.

He isn't shy about handling me in whatever way he wants, and tonight is no exception in that respect. I am a piece of attractive meat to be dangled in front of a very hungry animal. Alexi is the game keeper.

Now I see why I was getting the appreciative glances from Alexi as Demagio becomes instantly mesmerised with all that creamy flesh on show and practically salivates between them. Alexi knew he was a boob man, clearly. Another premeditated game play on his part and I honestly feel like nothing he does is ever genuine.

Anger and a sense of hurt pride aching low inside my gut and I push it away as stupid. He brought me as a pawn, and I shouldn't be upset to be treated as such. This is who he is.

''Alexi! What a pleasure running into you here tonight; I wasn't sure you still came to the opera; it's been a while.'' Demagio literally cannot tear those watered green eyeballs off my derriere as he talks and even though this is something I am used to, I am finding it increasingly uncomfortable as his young date eyes me warily with a distasteful look. She looks all of thirteen at most and has a haughtiness that is reserved for spoiled brats of rich people. I ignore her completely but it's hard when a teen is giving you the mother of all death glares.

Young, short, mousy brown, chubby and dressed in a mother approved gown that would be better suited on a pensioner. I can see why this red painted woman is a source of disgust and her mother must be a joy. Now I see why it is a sexless marriage. I am guessing this offspring marked the last of their bedroom romps.

Demagio is a round, red-faced and balding specimen that reminds me of an over inflated tyre about to pop out of his trim fitted tuxedo. He seems like a man who should be eternally greasy in a vest and scratching his balls on some swampy back porch somewhere.

''I'm a busy man and Camilla here insisted on this little outing to show off her new dress, didn't you sweetheart? Camilla this is Marcus Demagio … Marcus, Camilla Walters.'' Alexi throws me a fake look of adoration and gently presses his hand into the base of my spine, so I am thrust back into the fold of the two men, with my boobs right up under Demagio's chin once again. I wasn't aware I had been back stepping to get away until this moment and I throw on an equally fake smile back at him, at his lame pet name and manhandling. Standing my ground, so he can't get me any closer.

I sure as hell do not need any prompts on seduction from him. I can handle this on my own. There is more skill in this than just waving my breasts at the man and Alexi has no comprehension of how to subtly work a man into a sweat. He is all about the full offensive and that is not how I play.

''Charmed Dahling.'' I shake Demagio's outstretched hand and smile sweetly as he practically melts at my feet. ''He likes to keep me hidden in little dark places away from any form of human contact, as though I am some sort of ugly leper, don't you baby? Anyone would think he is ashamed of me.'' I flutter my lashes adoringly Alexi's way and almost grin at the hint of annoyance that flickers fleetingly by. Demagio bursts into an over dramatic laugh and brings both our attention back to him.

He is one of those enthusiastic types who over laughs at women's attempts at humour because he thinks it might get him laid.

In your dreams creep! You couldn't even pay me to let you at me.

''How delightful, you're a Brit? I love your accent, how very royal. So completely charming and funny too, you are just divine!'' He swoops up my hand in his for a second time and attacks it with sloppy wet kisses that get an Alexi eyebrow raise before he looks away and smooth's down his jacket, fixing his bow tie a little aggressively.

I try not to pull my hand back and wipe it down Alexi's sleeve, even though I get the impression he didn't like that little move at all. Demagio is a little more hands-on than Alexi would seem to tolerate but as he is trying to sweeten him, he is letting it slide. I learned quickly that you do not touch Alexi's toys, he is not a sharing player even when it's a ruse in his favour.

Demagio makes my skin crawl but as requested I am all smiles and charm with little subtle touches to encourage the flirtatious play as I slide an arm in his, giving him the full Camilla spotlight treatment, which assures men I am completely smitten for them. Really, inwardly I am recoiling at the overpowering stench of his old man aftershave and the clammy sweaty feel of his suit as he pushes against me a little possessively.

Luckily, I am a practised hand at convincing ugly men that I want them naked, sweating all over me and it's as easy as breathing.

''I may just steal you as my date.'' I squeeze his arm and nestle closer in a very touchy-feely gesture, smiling adoringly. ''Seeing as you appreciate my finer qualities. Alexi likes to tease my Englishness mercilessly, don't you Muffin?'' I flutter sweetly his way seeing that cool mask of indifference envelope his face as he tries not to stare directly at my arm in another man's. He has taken on the unreadable manner that usually means he is not a ''Happy Chappy'' while reaching for a glass from a passing tray.

I sigh inwardly and wonder if all men revert to children when it comes to sharing, as Mr Boss as he is sometimes, he gets a faint stroppy look in his eyes that screams of man-child and now is no exception.

My insides sink a little. I am still wary of Carrero even if he does make for a good night out.

''How dreadful, you surely cannot resist this accent or that dress. It's simply alluring and I bet she's a vixen in the sack right? These English girls normally are.'' His dirty laugh, inappropriate comment and shifty look at my t**s for the umpteenth time make me wholly uncomfortable as I am fully aware his kid is standing literally two feet away, her face reddening at his remark. It's obvious he has had a few drinks, lost his inhibitions and Alexi seems to almost exude a change in the atmosphere very rapidly.

I know this type of sleazeball and can handle him a thousand times over if I was not under the scrutiny and command of one intimidating Carrero with an ulterior motive. Alexi is making me just as uncomfortable with his weirdness over a task he wanted me to carry out and I'm simply at a loss with how to respond, except giggle and playfully nudge Demagio coyly as though he is insanely funny.

Flirt mode still intact, pander to the man and make him think he amuses me. Brush that ego.

''She's surely something alright.'' Alexi grits through a smile with an edgy undertone yet captures my upper arm and pulls me towards him, so I'm dragged free from the other man and positioned right beside my seemingly jealous date, who hauls me in against his side with a strong arm and a no-nonsense look plastered on his face. I can feel the slight tense sizzle in the air and Demagio looks a little perplexed suddenly.

With his attention ripped from my body he seems to realise who he is f*****g with. It was subtle, but he got the message loud and clear. Alexi doesn't like me playing over there with another man, even though it's what he brought me here to do and Demagio is getting a very strong hint that I am Alexi's girl in all aspects.

I, on the other hand, cannot tell if this is part of the act, or if he is genuinely pissed at this. I try to ignore it and stick to what I am supposed to do, my stomach tightening in knots and getting a little uptight with his change. I hate having to second guess this man.

He really is a mind f**k! He is making me tense.

''Where are you seated tonight? We have a great box over on the left side.'' I ask demurely knowing Alexi wants to coax him back to our box and even if he is acting weird, I know that is tonight's goal. Sweetness and smiles oozing from every pore and I try to blank out the stiff and uncharming attitude that's fast-growing on Carrero. I am playing my part like he wanted and schmoozing and smiling the future Mayor's way with all the skill of a seasoned player. He cannot be mad at me for obeying him.

''Is that an invitation Miss England?'' Demagio seems to have forgotten he was scalded and goes back to a full sleazy offensive, fuelled by alcohol and eyeballing my boobs once more. Leaning into me suggestively and getting a little too close for my liking.

Alexi looks around the room yet keeps a firm hold on me, as he seems to be preoccupied with other guests smiling his way. His grip however, hints at something more going on in his head; he is tuned into Demagio for sure and not about to let me go cuddle up with the man any time soon.

''Walters. Miss Walters!'' He snaps back into the conversation abruptly, with a tight smile pasted on his face, unamused, that Demagio seems to miss and corrects him. I am not liking the vibes, but I carry on. He is reminding Demagio of his authority I guess, and the man is too drunk and too hormone fuelled to notice, too busy undressing me with his eyes and fighting to keep his tongue in his head.

I have no doubt I am already starring in a porno in that filthy brain of his.

''Sure is, and we would love to have you both come sit with us and keep me cosy. Alexi isn't much of a small talker and I get so lonesome over there while he's intent on watching his opera.'' I joke and give Alexi a nudge to remind him of why we are here, a raised brow and a subtle ''get with the plan'' in the look I give him. It seems to register somewhere. His face softening slightly, and I sigh with relief as his grip on me loosens.

I wonder if he thinks I may find Demagio attractive and am too convincing at what he asked me to do; he clearly is not a man who likes his playthings to give anyone else the attention he demands anyway.

Wasn't that why he asked me to come here though, because I am good at doing exactly this?

If he wasn't being so weird, I would be on seduction overkill and finding my comfy zone, but Alexi makes this whole thing completely unworkable. I don't feel comfortable flirting with another man under his gaze, even if it is something I excel at. He is killing my mojo and how I normally operate is nothing like this.

I am all about sussing a person out first and using subtle wiles, body language and my smart mouth to reel them in and get them eating out of my hand. Enticing and leading a man by the nose gets you a lot further when he thinks there are hints of s****l possibility. Alexi, however, has pushed me in like a paid w***e, all t**s and smiles and flaunting my s*x brazenly. Putting my victim's brain on nothing but f*****g me mercilessly.

Once a man's brain is fully engaged in that horny mess then you lose some of your ability to cajole and sweeten, and he's like a dog with a bone that zones everything else out.

Amateur Alexi … I mean, really?

It's obvious Alexi is more apt at seducing women.

''We have plenty of room for a couple more and you two are more than welcome. I have some business you may be interested in.'' Alexi finally gets with the program and smooth charmer is back in place as he gets over himself finally. I don't know what that was, but Jesus, the man really knows how to make me antsy. It's not like I want to bed this old chubby p*****t. Demagio isn't attractive by any standard and his beer gut makes him look ready to drop a child at any moment.

His daughter is glaring at him with a filthy look of hatred and tugging his arm as if to make it clear she doesn't want to go with us, but he ignores her completely.

Alexi is distracted by more greetings and smiles aimed his way and I guess it is the first time I have really noticed that everyone here seems to know him. Looking around briefly I can see he is getting a lot of attention from various sets of eyes, nods, and subtle smiles. We are in the fold of the rich and the powerful and he appears to be some sort of celebrity among them. It's a little weird to be the centre of attention in this way and it just adds to the pressure I feel to perform.

''Lead the way and bring a fresh bottle of champagne for my new charming lady friend,'' Demagio commands, surprisingly dominant as he slides his arm in mine this time and I try not to react as Alexi's whole manner stiffens in a millisecond, hostility churning up like a tornado. It's pretty obvious he is very much a guy who doesn't like people touching his things or being told what to do. Even if I am a human thing and have a mind of my own. I know he is all about appearances and I can only guess he sees this as a display of disrespect by Demagio, when surrounded by peers watching him.

I can feel the pissed mood coming off him in swathes even if his face gives nothing away. Demagio should be glad that Alexi wants something from him as it's probably the only reason he has not handed him his arse yet. Without any more small talk, Alexi orders a new bottle to be served to his box by a passing waiter with a snappy tone and leads the way. Taking my hand possessively, he pulls me once again free of my new admirer, so we walk ahead and move further on with some speed.

It's a power play to regain what is his and the other man falls behind in step with his young daughter, enough of a gap to let Alexi turn to me quietly. He smiles softly and seems completely unfazed despite all of that, lacing my fingers in his warm strong hand snugly, and I am distracted by how familiar he feels.

''Are you okay?'' I nudge him warily, testing the waters and wondering what he would do to me if I ever truly pissed him off. He has mellowed almost instantly, now we are walking ahead of Demagio, and I am starting to really wonder at his change in moods. For a guy who barely tolerates me at work, he seems to be a tad overprotective now we are here. I don't understand the mechanics of all this game playing and etiquette in his world, but I am guessing people are always watching for things like this; c****s in his armour. I don't know how to read his face, but he gives off enough static to hint of changes in mood, and he has had about five since he introduced me to the other man.

''Completely fine; you're setting him up perfectly.'' That quick look and half smile that gives me absolutely nothing from what is going on in his head, and he seems completely normal once more.

Boy, are you confusing and very hard to read.

This is very new for me, and I am completely out of my depth with this one. I am not even going to try and dissect the psychology of it. He clearly thinks he knows what he is doing, and I honestly do not have the energy to figure Alexi out.

The curtain is due to go up at any second as we take our seats back in the box, Alexi guiding me to sit between him and Mr Demagio, and as I do so the older man slides a concealed stroke over my thigh out of Alexi's viewpoint with his thumb. I do not react at all, just keep my cool and plaster a smile on my face but my skin is recoiling across my body and my insides are clenching up on me.

I have been out of this game too long it would appear, and my short stint working in Alexi's club has dampened my immunity to unsolicited male groping. I have a lost a little of my edge and not as immune as I used to be.

His young friend on the other side sits forward to peer over the balcony, completely oblivious to her dirty old escort and I hope for her sake it is her father and their relationship is innocent. I don't see any facial similarities that suggest this is her Daddy, but you never know.

''You're a charming creature Miss Walters, most alluring. Mr Carrero you are a lucky man to get to delight in this beautiful morsel every moment of the day.'' He leans over me to talk to Alexi and breathes down my cleavage as his face gets that close.

I sit back, leaning so my breasts are prominent, and try not to recoil with the contact, making a good show of an innocent manoeuvre that gives him a boner. It's hardly concealed in his tight trousers and open jacket, and I glance at Alexi to see if he has noticed it too. Demagio is practically humping my leg like a dog in heat and I guess he is a little s*x starved judging by his behaviour.

He's an easy play; heck, I could probably get him to strip naked and do the deed right here if I coaxed him a little more. Eating out of my hand so effortlessly, because he is about ten seconds away from coming in his pants over a pair of perky breasts; that suggests he hasn't had s*x that he didn't pay for in a very long time.

Alexi looks mildly pleased and yet somehow not. He's giving me some mixed signals and I cannot tell if he's being hostile or happy, but there's an aura. He tenses a little as Demagio lays a hand on my knee to push himself back and conceal some of the obvious trouser tenting he has going on. Alexi isn't making it obvious if he has noticed, so I am guessing he has not.

''So lucky …'' He says with a slight hint of sarcasm and I narrow my eyes at him with attitude. I know his sarcastic tone very well; I get it on a daily basis. That smug look and twitch of a brow as he mocks me.

So much for being jealous. Prick!

The curtains start lifting as the band warms up and the house lights start to drop. I have no idea when Alexi plans to secure all that he wants to with this man, so I need to keep up this act of extreme interest until he does. I smile softly Demagio's way, sexy looks, suggestive body positioning and place a hand on his thigh very lightly to give it a little tap. It's all the fine details.

''You're quite charming yourself. Your wife is the lucky one.'' I wink, making it obvious that it's for his eyes only as I tilt my head away from Alexi and conceal my face slightly. He almost beams in delight as the room darkens and I go back to sitting upright, waiting to endure the crescendo of noise coming my way and bracing myself for this awful entertainment once more.

I'll just be glad when we are done, and I can go home and unstrap myself from this lung restricting dress.

For a girl who likes expensive things and opulence, I have always hated the opera. It's just noise and over dramatic acting for me and I would rather put pins in my eyes than do this on purpose.

I jump slightly as a warm hand slides cheekily into the side split of my dress, which comes to hip level when I am seated and it's pulled up. Fingers curve my skin and squeeze suggestively on my upper thigh, fingertips curling around to graze the lace edge of my underwear and I freeze instinctively, knowing I should not openly react.

I squirm in my seat a little; wholly uncomfortable with the unwanted searing touch of a man who thinks he has a right. Trying not to make it obvious, I glance over to Alexi to see if he has noticed, his eyes are forward and on the stage, sitting casually and effortlessly owning his space and I wonder if he is deliberately ignoring this. He wants favour with Demagio, but I don't think he will break his own code of ''touch not what is mine''. If he could see this, I think we would see his psycho side come out to play very quickly.

''I need to use the powder room, excuse me.'' I stand, the hand dropping away discreetly, and I make sure I don't look his way. I agreed to play flirty but if the creep thinks he's going to get his hand in my G-string a foot away from Alexi, then I am all out. I don't need that kind of drama and Alexi will flip his s**t if Demagio disrespects him so blatantly.

It's obvious the guy has had too much to drink and has lost his freaking mind and sense of self-preservation. Alexi will snap his neck in the blink of an eye for touching what is his, right here beside him in such a s****l way. There are lines that even I know you do not cross, and I won't be slaughtered along with Mr Stupid over there.

As far as Demagio knows—I belong to Alexi. Even though I don't, well I sort of do.

Fuck!

Alexi throws me a look that says absolutely nothing, maybe a little question as to why after an interlude I wait until now to use the bathroom and then nods with an irritated look; giving me permission to leave and I make my way out of the box.

I pass the curtains and his two burly bouncers without making eye contact before heading for the sanctuary of the bathroom to get this s**t under control. Face flaming, heart rate elevated, moving fast and glad that cooling off time might give Demagio some thinking space to realise he is trying to play with fire.

My heart is hammering like a war drum and my palms are clammy with that very close call. I can pretend all I like that Alexi is just an arsehole who annoys me most of the time, but it's in moments like this when I fly too close to the sun that it's obvious there is a whole lot of fear in me from that man. His unpredictability that lingers below the surface is something I am eternally wary of.

I cannot dismiss the reputation of the man, even if at times he seems completely stable and normal. Demagio clearly has a death wish tonight.