The Executive's Red, #1 Read online

  The Executive's Red

  The Executive's Red, Volume 1

  Leeanna White

  Published by Leeanna White, 2020.

  Copyright (©) the author, Leeanna White/L.Whitaker reserves all the rights to this work of fiction 2020. [email protected]

  The plot, characters, names, and settings are a result of the author’s imagination and in no way to be misrepresented as otherwise. If any similarities are noted, it is purely an unintentional coincident.

  This novel is not to be copied, redistributed, or altered in any way, without contact and permission from the author.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Chapter 1 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 2 | Adrien

  Chapter 3 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 4 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 5 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 6 | Adrien

  Chapter 7 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 8 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 9 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 10 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 11 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 12 | Adrien

  Chapter 13 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 14 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 15 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 16 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 17 | Adrien

  Chapter 18 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 19 | Adrien

  Chapter 20 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 21 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 22 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 23 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 24 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 25 | Adrien

  Chapter 26 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 27 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 28 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 29 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 30 | Adrien

  Chapter 31 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 32 | Adrien

  Chapter 33 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 34 | Adrien

  Chapter 35 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 36 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 37 | Adrien

  Chapter 38 | Elizabeth

  Chapter 39 | Adrien

  Chapter 40 | Adrien

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  Further Reading: The Executive's Bloodline

  Chapter 1

  Elizabeth

  I don’t like it. It’s way over the top. I could have told Cate to leave my hair, but the moment she found out I’d be representing my university at some charity banquet, she couldn’t resist the opportunity. To share a flat with the female version of Vidal Sassoon, is impossible at times.

  Cate works at Harriot’s, an upmarket hair salon in the city centre, and I’m studying English Literature and Sociology at ICL University. I’ve shared this flat with her for just over two years now, and it’s saved me a fortune in commuting fees.

  We came to know each other in high school. She was a year above me and took me under her wing when I had a run in with an ex-boyfriend of hers. Got to say, at first I found her overbearing, but once I cracked open that party animal exterior, she has been like the big Sister I never had: protective, slightly crazed, and confident, all traits I’ve been grateful for. Feeling like an insignificant blip in this bustling city, has at times required a friend who is rather forthright.

  So thanks to Cate, I’m now sitting here with exactly five minutes to get these tight poodle curls to drop, before Nathan picks me up.

  Good old Nath; he’s been my saviour. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be going to this stupid event alone. He knows how nervous I am. I’m also aware (from past experiences) that Nathan isn’t the best choice of a well behaved dinner guest. But needs must, and my nerves require a hand to hold.

  It’s purely my own doing, why I’m in this ridiculous situation. My article on global warming and attitudes was, how did my lecturer put it, ‘of great substance and interest.’ Now she wants me to interview the bigwigs of the energy industry on their own turf. See if maybe I could catch some damaging words to put in print. I told her someone else would be better suited for the role. I’m shit when it comes to meeting new people. I always clam up and flush a bright shade of red. Until I get to know someone, I just don’t feel comfortable in my own skin around strangers. She thinks I’ll make one hell of a journalist. But my dream is to spend my life pulling apart words and rearranging them to make a better read. Either it be books or articles. I see myself in my own quirky office, embraced by a big brown leather chair, simply reading from my wall to wall bookshelf.

  “God!” I pull my fingers through my hair, while threading my arms through Cate’s pinstripe jacket.

  Cate is sprawled out on the couch in her green hoodie, with a large bowl of popcorn on her lap. She glares at me over the lime green cushions with one eye larger than the other.

  “What happened to your hair?”

  I frown with a fake confusion. Well, I have to appear oblivious. Her knowing I’ve just spent twenty minutes flattening it out, would cause her to have an aneurism or something.

  “Nothing, it looks great.” I smile faintly.

  “Maybe I should just sort out some of those curls, they’ve fallen too much.” She shuffles on the sofa.

  “No,” I snap. “It’s fine. Besides, Nathan will be here in a sec.” There isn’t a chance I’m going through all that pulling and twirling again.

  If it were up to me, I’d be joining Cate on the sofa. Hair in a messy bun with my slipper boots on, slouching and watching crap on TV. Not uncomfortable in this godforsaken pencil skirt, that’s sucking in my thighs so tight I can barely walk. And the heels she’s loaned me are a definite no go. The red patent stilts I will probably fall on my backside in, are going to remain on my bedroom floor. I’ll stick with my black flats; best thing to make a quick getaway if I need to.

  I take my car keys out of the empty fruit bowl on the phone unit; the knots in my stomach reproducing by the second. I’m so anxious, sweat is beginning to gather on my top lip. Soon I’ll have ghastly wet patches soaking through the underarms of this jacket, if I don’t calm the hell down.

  I glance in the oval wall-mirror by the door; my pale skin is rosy and dark fringe skewed.

  “Liz.” Cate wanders across to me, hugging the plastic bowl. I hum, automatically knowing her next word. “Shoes?” she questions.

  A knock on the door breaks her cross gaze on me. She slams the popcorn down on the phone stand. She’s pissed at me. I’ve been her pet project all afternoon. An awkward ungrateful one at that. I’m just not big on the whole pamper preening thing like her.

  As soon as my eyes fall onto Nathan, not only does my jaw drop open, but dread fills me. He’s in a damn tuxedo; black tie, the whole frigging works. He’s like James Bond standing there with his arm high against the door frame: dark blonde hair sleek, polished shoes, and his scent knockout.

  Cate turns to me, the panic lines on her face silently telling me I’m way underdressed. I don’t have time to change now. I own a grand total of two dresses. One of which is a peach satin meringue number I wore when I was eighteen, for my mum’s third wedding. And Cate, well, I can’t possibly wear one of hers. Every single dress she owns shows a hell of a lot more than a bit of leg. I’ve been through her closet already today, and the most subtle thing I found, was this ridiculous skirt and matching jacket.

  “Ready?” Nathan asks with a curve of his lips.

  Oh crap. I’ll have to wear them now. The six inch patent death-trap heels Cate loaned me, might just rescue this image. The image of a foolish inexperienced student going for a job interview.

  “One sec.”

  I dash into my room, hurdle over a pile of dirty laundry, and flick off my flats as sprightly as a gazelle. I slip my feet into Cate’s stilet
toes while removing the jacket, then I take one last look in my dressing mirror. My eyes are fine, coated lashes framing my dark green eyes. Perhaps I should colour things up a little more. I flip the lid off my red lipstick and smear it across my lips. Great, now I do look like a stripper. I pull out a wet wipe and quickly scrub it off as I stagger to the door.

  I grab my Dictaphone from the phone-stand, then rummage through my small black clutch bag, making sure the sticky notes I jotted questions on are in there.

  “Liz, it’s a girl’s prerogative to be late, but come on.” Nathan takes my arms with a reassuring look on his face. “Calm the fuck down; it’s just dinner. It’s free, so enjoy it.” I reel my eyes at him. “You look great, you always do,” he compliments.

  I smile idly, following him out into the hall. He opens up his elbow and I slip my hand through, linking up to the soft fabric of his suit.

  It was agreed by both of us beforehand, no alcohol tonight. Clear head; clear questions. But I’m so tempted to forget that rule. If I could just have the one. Get to the stage of, ‘hi I’m Liz, pleased to meet you,’ tonight might go smoothly.

  IT’S NOW 7.45P.M, AND we have to be seated by eight. Nathan pulls up in front of Churchill’s. We don’t have to be concerned about parking. The benefactor of this event, a new big-shot from the States, has made arrangements with the high and mighty of London. Basically, I hand the keys over to Beryl, mine and Cate’s Mini Cooper, and she is taken and cared for.

  I sigh out with a shiver as Nathan takes my hand in the cold winter breeze. I look through the glass into the foyer. Shit. I’m going to stand out like a sore thumb. I didn’t think I’d have to wear a damn ball-gown. All I see are black ties and business suits. God, I just want to go home.

  Nathan holds his hand up to the doorman. He takes his place and opens it for me with that cheeky grin displayed, the one I used to get back in the day. Most say you can’t be friends after being lovers. We tried both, and was in absolute agreement, we were best suited purely as friends. We dated approximately one month, and in that time realised that we were something different. He’s kind of like the yin to my yang. I can laugh with him, and talk to him about things I wouldn’t dream of telling Cate.

  I see pressed trousers and designer leather shoes everywhere as I keep my head down, hoping to blend in somehow. For a moment, I think I’m the only female here, until I see two middle aged women in extravagant evening dresses.

  Nathan glances down at the cream marble reception desk, where laminated name tags have been set out.

  “Can I help you sir?” A girl my age, slim, pale skin, with light blonde hair scraped back tight, aims her big brown eyes at Nathan. Her bright red painted lips form a lusty smile for him. She hasn’t noticed me yet. I seem to be invisible.

  “We’re here for the charity banquet.” He peers up to her chest and won’t take his coveting eyes off her. Until I nudge his arm, hard.

  “Okay, do you have a name?” She angles her head, apparently liking his sleazy attention.

  “Yes, I most certainly do,” he flirts as I clench my teeth. “Sara.” He points at her gold name tag.

  I take a shaky step to the shiny desk, but my ankles bow out so I nearly collapse. I redden instantly with shame, holding the edge to keep me steady. I swear when I get out of here, these shoes are going in the frigging Thames.

  “It’s Elizabeth Lovell, and Nathan Hardy.”

  Sara runs her index finger over the name cards as I subtly flail my arms several times, trying to get some air under there. I don’t understand why I feel so damn hot. Even in this classy joint I can see my breath.

  “Here we are Miss Lovell.” She hands me a white card with a plastic clip. “And Mr Hardy.” She curves over the desk and clips his name tag onto his breast pocket, seductively. “You’re in conference room A.” She points. “Have a wonderful evening.”

  Nathan lingers, eyeballing his potential conquest. I yank on his arm. He’s like a dog in heat and I don’t want to have to drag him around all night because he wants to bang some receptionist, who probably gives extras to every male guest.

  “You jealous?” he asks. “Because I’m absolutely free tonight if you want a blast from the past,” he says through a smirk.

  “Nathan, shut up.”

  “Okay, I’m sorry. Sometimes I see a pretty girl and I can’t help myself.”

  “You can do what you want, after we get this out of the way with. You promised you’d behave... so please, for the next few hours, use your brain.”

  There’s a long queue to see the seating plan. The room is vast, with big round tables symmetrically set out. Each one is clad in white with gold candle centrepieces, surrounded by beautiful red and white winter flowers.

  Nathan being Nathan couldn’t just wait. He’s pushed right to the front, leaving me struggling to stop my legs from flexing into some contortion move, while he studies the white board to find our table. I thought just for once he would try his best to fit in. But him and his loud impatience, and me unable to stop wobbling on the spot, we are about as alien as you can get in this room full of high society socialites.

  I need a drink. I really need a drink.

  We find our table to the far left hand corner next to the inviting bar, which is calling out to me. I place my clutch bag on a red velvet chair, nervously scanning the other guests. All male, middle age, either skinny or stout, bolding and sweaty. I’m not going to get anything out of these guys.

  I hobble to the bar, desperately wanting to take off these shoes. Maybe after a few drinks I will. I’ll simply slip them out under the table. Who will know?

  The bartender, who frankly doesn’t even look old enough to drink himself, asks me what I’d like as Nathan prods my arm.

  “Can I have a large glass of chardonnay please?”

  “What happened to staying sober?” Nathan sniggers. “All good for me. Excuse me mate, I’ll have a double vodka and coke.”

  The glass is placed in front of me. I want to neck it down in one and get another. I don’t want to turn back to that table. I’m quite fine here at this bar.

  “Thanks. Have one yourself.” Nathan pulls out his wallet as the bartender sets his drink down on the bar, and starts flicking through an inch thick wad of cash.

  Why he does that, I don’t know. It doesn’t impress me. He’s found the perfect job with perks working at Westons plc, an engineering company, while most of us normal folk work two jobs to get by. He shouldn’t wave his riches in people’s faces. But then, I suppose apart from this guy behind the bar, I’m probably the poorest person in this room. So I guess I’m the one with the problem.

  “Sir, it’s a free bar.” The bartender points to a sign.

  “Well thanks to the host.” Nathan raises his glass as I take a sip of the cool wine. “Who is by the way? I should thank him face to face.”

  “Mr Adrien Knight Sir. But he’s running late.”

  Apart from my lecturer mentioning his name, I don’t know much of this Adrien Knight. All I know is he moved here from the States several months ago, and has pumped millions into the city. His forte is real-estate.

  I take my glass and return to the table. All the bloodshot wrinkled eyes watch my every move, confounded as to why a pauper is in their presence. Perhaps they think I’m a member of staff here, or I’m in the wrong room. Nathan has no problem with adjusting. Things just don’t faze him like they do me.

  “Hi, I’m Nathan.” He shakes hands with every single one of them. “This is Liz. She’s going to be writing an article about you. So on your best behaviour. Okay.” He’s joking, but these men are not impressed.

  I want to slide off this chair, and sink into the cream carpet beneath my feet.

  I take another large gulp of the wine, noting an empty seat directly across from me. Probably someone who did what I should have done, and had the sense to turn down the invite.

  I discreetly take out my dicta phone while the first course of asparagus, parma ham, and quail’
s egg salad is being consumed around the table. I peek at the fluorescent sticky notes in my bag.

  Question one - What kind of economic strategies do you have in place to combat co2 emissions? Question two - Do you offer your staff training in global warming prevention? All extremely immature high school type questions. Shit.

  I blow out and screw up the notes, stuffing them right to the bottom of my bag. I cannot ask these men such undeveloped questions. Or disturbed them as they guzzle down their fine food and drink.

  Nathan elbows my arm. I look up in annoyance. “Liz,” he utters. “Eat your food, it’s rude not to.” I glance up to see each one of the fat-cats taking turns in examining my plate.

  I managed to eat half of the first course, and a few mouthfuls of the main. I’m not a big fan of venison, but the wine dew was nice. I still haven’t interviewed a soul, and to be honest, now I don’t particularly care. If my lecturer asks, I’ll tell her I lost my recorder, or I didn’t go because I was sick.

  I’m on my third glass of wine as the guests around the table prattle on about work, while drinking their free vintage whiskey. I rest my chin on the palm of my hand, lack-lustred. Nathan has been gone for twenty minutes, to the bathroom he said. The bathroom is only ten feet away on my right-hand side, but he went through the white double doors. I put my money on it. He’s out there right now with slutty Sara, trying to get his wicked way.

  I breathe deep, looking down at my phone. I have one message from Cate, telling me she’s gone out and not to wait up, smiley face.

  I put my phone away. I’ve had enough and have mentally agreed with myself to call it a night. As I elevate my head, I’m hit by the unforgiving gaze of a man pulling out the chair right across from me. His eyes are like the beam of a magnifying glass in the sun, burning hot hazel, and for some reason aimed directly on me. God, it’s happening. I’m beet red, breathless, and losing control of my senses.

  He’s dressed differently than the other guests. More casual in a grey suit, open jacket, charcoal slack tie, and slim black belt. I cough, not that I need to, but I have to do something to stop myself ogling areas I shouldn’t be.