General Fiction posted October 9, 2013


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Clash of Egos

by Spiritual Echo

There was nothing that Eric wanted, nothing he couldn't have if he set his mind to the task. Right now he wanted the redhead across the room, and he was determined to have her--this night--in his bed.

The woman he was eyeing, Andrea, was oblivious to the searing lust of the man sitting on the bar-stool. She was mildly amused at the attention she aroused when surrounded by men, and she used it to her advantage. She'd agreed to attend the cocktail party for Edgar Holmes based on her deep respect for the man retiring from Fidelity Forum. Edgar had hired her when others would not. He'd made her life a living hell in the advertising firm, and she was grateful to the man, her mentor, for giving her the opportunity to earn her own success.

Andrea made the rounds, making sure that all the clients were chatted up and felt important. Waiters were alert, favoured drinks appeared before each guest needed to request a refill. The Hilton ballroom was packed with friends and family, but Andy's focus was on the 'paying' guests. Millions of dollars circulated in the room as deals were closed and interest in the agency was aroused in potential clients attending the bash.

While it was an evening meant to extend tributes to the founding member of the agency, even Edgar himself required the inclusion of potential clients. "Let the dumb bastards pay for the party," he blustered when asked to review the guest list. He'd added several names, pointed to one and extended a challenge. "Andy, get this bastard in the office and I'll know you deserved that promotion."

It was a game that Edgar played, daring her, defying her to fail--knowing that his protege could no longer be impressed by wealth. She'd earned her way-- could name her price--but the game always ignited her hunger for victory.

By the time Andrea crossed the room and acknowledged the man on the bar-stool, she knew exactly who Eric Bronson was, his net worth and the reins of power he held in the corporate world.

Eric watched the woman approach, knowing it was just a matter of time before all women gravitated towards him. He was used to the attention, expected it, and could calculate the cost and time it would take before he took them to bed.

This one was prime, either a high-end hooker or an indulged trophy wife looking for some action. He didn't care either way. He could afford both. This was the part he loved the most, the cat and mouse game; the struggle for power in a negotiation they both wanted to complete.

The sensual glide as she moved made the black, silk sheath ripple, accentuating her breasts and skimming across her hips. He wondered if there were any blockades; lace lingerie to peel back before he claimed his prize, but his thoughts were interrupted by the mist of exotic perfume. She slid onto the stool, accepted the champagne the bartender offered and turned-- full body, to face Eric.

"I wondered how long it would take before you got thirsty."

"Have you been waiting long?"

Her ease, her quiet confidence unnerved Eric. The signals were not there. Women leaned in, touched him and played with their hair as they made their willingness known. This one locked eyes and simply waited in silence, sipping her drink.

"My name's Eric Bronson."

"Yes, I know."

The bloody gall of the woman, Eric thought. She didn't tell him her name and she didn't rebuff him. She just sat there staring at him as if she was waiting for something.

"And you are...?"

"The answer to your prayers."

Well this was more like it. Eric calculated that this one would be worth the taming and a diamond bracelet. "Shall we go? Perhaps I can buy you dinner."

"I can afford to pay for my own dinner."

Eric didn't get a chance to respond. Edgar Holmes was at the podium thanking his guests and making lame jokes about retirement. Andy rose to join him on stage, but Eric grabbed her wrist. "Come on. What's your name? I thought we both understood the score?"

Andrea removed Eric's hand from her wrist, reached into her purse and handed him a business card.

"Agreed, we both know the score. I have time for you tomorrow in my office--ten o'clock. It's your window of opportunity. Don't be late."

"You're making this into a business deal?" Eric asked, stunned by the direct approach.

"Of course. That's all it is--business."

I'll be damned, Eric thought. She's Holmes' retirement gift. She's a hooker.

Andrea turned to leave. She waited for the gasp and knew the moment Eric Bronson read the business card, Andrea Stevens--CEO--Fidelity Forum.



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Artwork by MoonWillow at FanArtReview.com

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