Chapter 9 A Deal With the Devil

Fact: Bosses can date. Assistants can not.

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Beatrice listened as her assistant told her about the meeting her boyfriend and rival shared.

"Something might have happened. She did leave with a decorative box in her hand," Mason pointed out.

"So he's still thinking of her," she thought, her expression bleak. Ever since the party, she's done nothing but tried her best to scrub his mind of her, but she can see when he's still thinking about her.

"I guess I'll have to try harder," she gave an exasperated sigh. She ordered Mason to keep a closer eye on them and was left to plan out her next move. She wanted the Eve family gone, but knew that they had allies hidden all over. It's why many of her men were in hiding. A thought soon came to her.

She knew how much Penelope hated her. So much so, that she knew how much it would bother her if James used her men to take the Eve family down. And thus, she gave James a call.

***

James arrived on time and she noticed he was in a better mood than he had been of late.

"You seem more chipper than normal," she clasped her hands together.

"Yeah, it was just a good day today," he smiled.

'Right. Did anything happen to make it a good day?"

James thought for a moment and she could feel her jaw tighten.

"No, not really. Not as many attacks from Miss Eve, so I guess that's why," he shrugged.

"About that," she kissed him. "I heard from a few people that when you are competing in the sugar trials, that you can get help from other gangs. And I was thinking that I could help you since I strive to be a good girlfriend."

"I don't know about that. If Miss Eve finds out you're helping me, I could be dragging you into a gang war. And you wouldn't want that," he took her hand.

Beatrice forced a smile and tightened her grip around his fingers, to where he winced a little. "Do you think I'm afraid of her?" she flashed a set of perfect teeth.

'Not at all. I just figured you would have better things to do with your time," James tried to pull his hands away, but her fingers were locked around his.

"Oh, sweetie. I don't mind."

"I guess... if you want to," he kissed her hand and she let go.

"I'm glad you agree. After we eat, I know a way we could celebrate," she tugged on his tie.

"Sure love," James chuckled. He called the waiter and ordered a glass of Brandy while Tommy looked on with concern.

***

James felt Beatrice wrap around him as he held her down in the sheets. She clung to him every time they slept together and was more determined to make him hers tonight. He was even gasping for air every time her lips pulled away.

"You're gonna have to let me breathe sooner or later." he exhaled over her. Her inner thighs began to press harder into his sides so that he went deeper into her. When he reached his limit he released into her and collapsed next to her.

She stretched in satisfaction, as James regained just enough energy to sit up. She tried to lay on his chest, but he was already trying to get dressed.

"You're not staying?" she pouted.

"Can't, I have to get up to meet whoever these guys are you're wanting to set me up with. Address on the table?" he pointed towards the door.

"You don't have to meet them first thing in the morning. Come back to bed," she patted the empty space. James finished dressing and pulled a fag out. He kissed Beatrice goodbye and left without another word.

On the way home, James smoked a fag, as Tommy drove. "You seem stressed," he said, keeping his eyes on the road.

"I'm fine," James lied. When he got home he lied in bed as Tommy washed his clothes. When he finished, he sat in the doorway as his boss stared at the ceiling.

"How long do you plan to keep this up?" asked Tommy.

"Don't know what you mean, mate. I had a good night," said James, feigning a grin.

"Of course you did sir. Sleep well." Tommy shut the door and James pinched his nose. Physically, he felt amazing. Emotionally, he was still thinking of her. Her dark brown eyes. Her chocolate-colored hair. The way she smiled when she played with him. The way her eyes filled with lust the night they slept together. He eventually drifted to sleep, dreaming of Penelope, and her smile when she ate the candy he made her.

***

James met with one of the divisions within Beatrice's gang early the next morning and kept the meeting short.

The head of the division, Dexter Black, was more than happy to offer his assistance. "You made the right choice coming to us. We'll do anything you want, for a small fee of course, "Dexter grinned.

"I'll make this quick. I'm giving you one job and one job only. I just want you to hunt down Miss Eve's product and destroy it. Nothing more. You don't touch her or her assistant. And I want as few casualties as possible. Deal?" James' tone was rigid.

"That's awfully tame of you Mr. Brooks. Many clients that walk in my door tend to be a bit more... bloodthirsty. Something special about her?" his words slithered through James. He was young like most of the gang members in their area, but he gave James a bad feeling.

"Nothing special. I just don't need a war at the end of the day."

"If you're trying to avoid a scuffle with Miss Eve, think again." He placed his face on the tops of his hands. "She loves a fight and never needs a reason to start one."

"Is that so?" James tilted his head.

"Oh yes. It's why She and Miss Wells can't stand each other. Both women have more power than we will ever own. But, I've said too much. Let's talk about price."

"What do you want? "James scrutinized Dexter's face, but Dexter continued his snakish charm.

"I'll accept one of your territories as payment. What do you say?"

"Only if I win and pick the territory. And I promise it will be a good one." James held out a hand.

"Hm. You drive a hard bargain. But what the heck," he shook James' hand and he and Tommy went back to the shop.

***

Dexter shuffled his papers and looked up at his next appointment. "Miss Eve! Welcome!" he greeted her, kissing her hand. "What can I do for a gorgeous woman like yourself?"

"I'm glad you asked." Penelope smiled.