Beneath This Ink (Beneath #2)(16)

His tone had become less than complimentary at the end. I decided to ignore it, but Titan didn’t take the hint.

“I had a call of my own take me away for a few minutes during our first course.”

A feeling of dread pooled in my belly. He couldn’t have seen… Heat burned at the back of my neck, and the field greens on my fork fluttered back to my plate.

“We both have the habit of working too much, then,” I replied lightly.

Turning away, I intended to join the conversation of the woman seated on the other side of me in hopes Titan would just drop whatever point he was trying to make.

My attempt was fruitless. He placed a hand on my arm and leaned closer.

“So was it your relationship with Leahy that ended yours with Duchesne? Or was it your relationship ending with Duchesne that allowed Leahy to move in?”

I gave him my best sugar wouldn’t melt in my mouth smile. “I’m sure I don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about.”

His expression twisted into something predatory. “And I’m sure you do. Although I have to say I’m surprised; I wouldn’t have thought you’d put your entire career on the line for a quick f*ck in a coatroom.”

All of the blood drained from my face. I straightened my shoulders, unwilling to show any other outward signs of distress.

“Does this conversation have a point? Or are you just trying to ruin my appetite.”

“Oh, rest assured, I always have a point.”

“Then I’ll thank you to make it and move on, Mr. Titan. I’m finding your company is growing tedious.”

His green eyes flashed, and he lowered his voice. “Would you find it less tedious if I took you into the coatroom for a second round?”

I embraced the burn of anger. I turned my head so I spoke directly into his ear. “You can go f*ck yourself, Mr. Titan, and I don’t give one good goddamn where you do it.”

His grin stretched across his face as he leaned back. “I knew I liked you, Vanessa.”

Stunned by the rapid change in his behavior, which only moments before had been downright crude, I refolded the napkin on my lap.

“The feeling isn’t mutual,” I clipped.

He chuckled and draped his arm over the back of my chair. “I wondered if you were truly the ice queen they call you behind your back.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not behind your back when you’re well aware of the nickname.”

“I think they’ve got it all wrong. I think you’re more fire than ice. And I think that’s why Leahy can’t keep his eyes off of you… even now. He probably wants to break my arm.”

My only response was to stab the field greens and dried cranberries on my plate.

“I’ve heard the rumors about your relationship with Duchesne and how it wasn’t really a relationship at all.”

At his abrupt change in subject, I lowered my fork and reached for my water glass, wishing it were wine. “This really isn’t the proper time or the place for this conversation, Mr. Titan. In fact, I’m fairly certain there is no proper time or place for this conversation.”

He eyed the remaining guests at our table. The dinner conversation around us was vibrant and loud, with the award recipients telling fascinating stories of life growing up on the other side of the proverbial tracks. As one of them was a boy from Con’s gym, I would have much preferred to spend my meal hearing what he had to say, but Titan wasn’t backing down. As a member of the board of directors, he had all of the leverage he needed to torpedo the future of my career. But he wanted something—that was clear. I just had no idea what it was, or whether I’d be able to deliver it in a way that extricated myself from this situation.

“Call me Lucas, please, Vanessa.”

I took another sip of water. “I think I’ll pass on that delightful invitation, Mr. Titan.”

His smile faded, and I got a glimpse of the man who wasn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with Louisiana’s toughest negotiators on unpopular positions. “I don’t think so, Vanessa. In fact, I think you’re going to be accompanying me when we leave so we can discuss exactly what I want from you.”

“And I think you’re crazy if you believe I’m going anywhere with you.”

In an almost inaudible tone he said, “If you want to keep your fling with Leahy under wraps, you’ll do exactly what I say.”

“Why are you doing this?” I turned to stare him straight in the eye.

“Because I find that I need a service you can offer, and knowing what I know now, I doubt you’ll do it willingly. But because of what I know now, you’ll probably do it anyway.”

I was fairly certain flames shot from my eyes.

Titan rolled his. “Not that, Vanessa. Spending too much time in the gutter has rubbed off on you already.”

We sat in silence as those around us finished their meals and our plates were cleared. When Titan’s name was called for his keynote address, he turned to me.

“Don’t go running off. We have a date when I’m finished.”

I gritted my teeth and stared longingly at the exits. Well, all but the one in Con’s direction. I deliberately avoided looking that way. I didn’t need to give Titan any more ammunition. Although it seemed he already had plenty.