We all loved Reflected In You for its writing and suspense and everything else, especially the main twist plot. Everyone wanted a Gideon's POV, believe me, I did too. This is just my try to satiate my curiosity as to what might have happened.Happy reading. :-)


Angus drove us to Eva's apartment from the airport, formally ending the best weekend of my life. We had played cards, laughed, walked on the beach, talked about nothing in particular, just enjoying each others company. We made out like two teenagers, made love on almost every part of the house, never getting enough of each other.

I was still getting off from the high, when she sucked my dick, when I ran my tongue all over her, when I ate chocolate off of her, when I was inside her, when she made me come so hard from each last time, when she moaned my name in ecstasy, when she dug her nails in my back and ass, when we rolled over the beach and the shower that followed, when we wanted to watch the sunset from the deck but ended up rolling over there...

Now I just had to make sure we purchase the beach house, sealing our moments there.

Eva smiled at me, looking at me through her heavy lidded eyes.

After making love on the private jet, she had been sleepy for the whole ride home. It wasn't just her. She always complained that I was never exhausted, always ready to fuck her, but what she didn't know is she makes me weak in the knees.

Sex had always been simple for me—fuck and then leave, nothing concrete. Not with her. Never. With her, it was never just about fucking. Even when we were rough, it was still raw. Never enough.

She whispered, "I love you" nuzzling her head against my throat, her tongue darting out to tease my skin there. I smiled and kissed her forehead, lingering my lips over her skin.

Gazing at her sleeping form, I knew what I needed. Now that finally I have someone whom I call my home, I wanted it to be legal. She was the one for me, and I was eager to seal myself in the bond.

I want to marry her. Share my name with her. Make her mine in every way possible.

After spending the weekend with her, it felt wrong to tiptoe in the apartment, kissing her goodnight as I was to sleep in the guest room and she in her room.

I touched her cheek with my fingers, not liking leaving her, but it was important for her safety. My atypical sexual parasomnia wouldn't let me sleep beside her.

Her grey eyes bored into mine, reading the words I was afraid of speaking. She smiled and kissed me senseless again before going in her room.

I went in the spare room, taking a moment to check all the calls and messages.

A lot of work has piled in the last couple of days, which I have to deal with. But the way chocolate tasted when eaten from her olive skin, it was a small price I was willing to pay.

Two names made me stop in my tracks.

Why had Monica and Shanton called me multiple times?

I went in the voicemail, the hair at my nape standing on listening it.

I quickly changed in a dress shirt and slacks, called at the reception to order a cab, and went in to wake up Eva.

"Eva. Get up." I said, switching on the lights. I quickly strode to her dresser and picked out her clothes.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice hoarse.

"Its Cary." I told her, saying it quickly to get past it. "He's in the hospital."

She didn't say anything, but her tears were not willing to stop. I helped her dress quickly.

"Don't panic, Angel." I told her softly, pulling the shirt on her head, "We don't know anything yet. The cab is waiting for us down. Do you want to drink coffee first?" she shook her head, her mind on her best friend.

I hated seeing her so torn, but there was nothing I could do, until we reach him.

We climbed in the cab.

She finally snapped out of her trance and gripped my sleeve tightly in her hands. "What happened?"

"He was attacked Friday night."

"How do you know?"

"Your mother and Stanton both left messages on my cell phone."

"My mother...? Why didn't she...?"

Of course she couldn't contact us. We hadn't had our goddamn cell-phones with us to reach us.

"Eva." I murmured in a soft whisper, wrapping my shoulder around her, pulling her against me. I had no idea what else I should do for now except for wait and see Cary ourselves. "Don't worry until we know more."

"It's been days, Gideon. And I wasn't here." She cried.

Her tears didn't stop, not even when we reach the hospital. I quickly wore my poker face, giving away nothing, and went through the procedure. The receptionist gave us the room number but didn't tell us how bad he was. And according to the fucking rules, we weren't allowed to see him. I made a few middle-of-the-night calls to the hospital authorities to grant us permission. Thanks to the many donations made by Crossroads in the hospital and charity and the fact that I had been benefactor here many times, they agreed easily to let us enter at night. I knew Eva would want to stay at night with him, so I also made quick arrangements for a foldable cot.

We entered the private room and Eva stumbled at her steps seeing Cary. I held her tightly to me, my grip on her waist the only thing that helped her stand upright, else her knees had turned jelly. Her silent cry turned into quiet sobbing, her hands trembling. Even I couldn't take my eyes off his damaged form.

He laid unconscious on the bed, his head bandaged and his eyes blackened. One of his arms was stuck with intravenous lines, while the other was in a cast, while his whole body was covered in bruises.

Flowers covered every flat surface, cheerful and colourful bouquets. There were balloons, too, and a few cards. Monica and Shanton, too, would have sent him some—they treated him like family. They were even paying for his treatment.

Or even to them he was just a concession? I knew it was that for Shanton. Monica treated him like her own son.

He opened his eyes, which were now red with bloodshot. He first looked unclearly at us, then after a minute he blinked and tears started flowing down his temples.

"Cary." Eva rushed to him, leaving me behind, gripping his good hand in both of her, sobbing. "I'm here."

"Eva" he sounded too hoarse.

"I'm sorry I took so long. I didn't have my phone. I had no idea. I would've been here if I'd known."

"S'okay. You're here now." He swallowed, clearly visible that small movement difficult for him. "God... everything hurts."

It felt rude to invade in their private moment. "I'll get a nurse." I announced, also to give them some privacy.

I found the nurse of Cary's room. She wore scrubs decorated with cartoon tongue depressors and animated stethoscopes. Her eyes ogling me and turned bright. I scoffed lightly and asked to attend Cary. She nodded and told me where to find the night doctor. I thanked her and went in the night doctor's office.

He asked me to come in and introduced himself: Dr. Lewis. He welcomed me in, already knowing me—not a big discovery here as I have been here a few times for charity events.

"How can I help you, Mr. Cross?"

"I want the details of the patient Cary Taylor."

"Oh, poor lad. He has nasty conditions to deal with. Three cracked ribs, a fracture in the skull, a good, nasty concussion and a broken arm. Who beats a boy like him with a bat? Surely the culprit is insane."

"A bat?" Jesus! It was horrible. And the injuries...

"Yes. He got knocked up good. Lucky he was still breathing and has no severe internal injuries."

"Okay. Can you say when he will be discharged?"

"I don't know. But let's say if everything looks good than surely by Wednesday or Thursday, obviously under the scrutiny of a doctor and a private nurse."

"Of course. Thank you, doc."

"Anytime, Mr. Cross. Do call me if you need anything."

"Sure thing."

While I took the steps back to the room I quickly thought about the person and his urge to beat Cary to death with a bat. He could've killed him...

...unless he just meant to give an ultimatum that he's watching us closely. Watching Eva closely.

But why choose Cary?

I went back to Eva, who was still holding Cary's hand, who was desperately asking her to not go.

"She's not going anywhere." I interrupted. "I've arranged to have a cot brought in tonight."

Eva looked at me with so much love then, I couldn't resist but standing close to her. If my theory was right, I was more than eager to demolish him—whoever that was.

She told the nurse to bring some more water. The nurse reluctantly grabbed the bottle and strolled out the room.

I stepped closer to the bed, closer to Cary, and spoke directly to him. "Tell me what happen."

"Trey and I went out Friday, but he had to bail early. I walked him out to grab a cab, but it was nuts right in front of the club, so we went around the corner. He'd just taken off when I got nailed in the back of the head. Took me straight down and whaled on me a few times. Never got a chance to defend myself."

Cary looked at Eva and tried to smile. "Hey," he murmured. "Teaches me. Don't stick my dick in the wrong chick."

"What?" but he didn't answer, drifting effortlessly to his slumber.

She glanced at me with worried eyes. "I'll look into it." I promised. I wanted so many answers that I didn't have now but needed them straightaway. So many things depended on them. "Step out with me for a minute."

"God, Gideon! He looks terrible." She cried. I nodded and told her about his injuries. "I don't understand why someone would do this." She moaned, horrified.

I pulled her close and pressed my lips to her forehead. "The doctor said it's possible Cary will be allowed to leave in a day or two, so I'll make arrangements for home care. I'll also let your work know you won't be coming in."

"Cary's agency needs to know."

"I'll see to it."

"Thank you." She pressed herself tightly against me. "What would I do without you?"

I smiled. That was a question I had an answer of. "You're never going to find out."

The cot appeared in a few minutes and she quickly settled for the night. I left her there, my sense telling me that she wasn't safe here, but I also knew I'll have to let her be for at least a night.

I went to the penthouse this time as her apartment held no importance if she wasn't in it.

I checked the time. It was near to half past two. I took a shower and crashed on the bed, hugging her pillow.

·

·

·

It was just past seven when I woke up from a dream. I got ready and made myself a coffee, missing Eva more as I always made her half-and-half. I sighed and took my coffee to the home office, making a few calls to Mark Garrity and Cary's company about the circumstances.

Then I called Angus. "Ready for the day, lad? I'll be down in a few minutes."

"Actually, no Angus. Not today." I filled him with the last night details and my theory. "I want you to check in the security cameras of the bar, contact the detectives handling this case, and gather as much information as possible. Who did this, their motive, everything. If you see any threat directly toward Eva, call me that instant."

"Okay. Do you think that she is in trouble?"

I rubbed at my forehead, wishing for a stronger drink. "I don't know why, but yes. I have a feeling it is all directly relating to her."

"Okay then. I'll tell Raúl to drive you today."

"Thank you, Angus."

I did a little work, shifting through emails and answering each voicemail. It was nine in no time. I grabbed a few things for Eva to use from her apartment: her clothes, her phone which she had left behind, her tablet, chargers, her toilet kit, and a coffee for her.

Raúl was waiting for me at Upper West Side building. He drove me to the hospital where I was in an actual hurry to meet Eva. I wanted to check on her, make sure she is alright.

I found her talking with Monica, both looking more like twin sisters. She looked over her shoulder and at me, her eyes quickly softening. She turned and walked straight into me, hugging me tightly. I liked her greeting very, very much. I wrapped the arm holding her coffee around her. The other hand which was busy with the bag holding her stuff stayed on my side.

"Hey," I kissed her hair, breathing in her scent. "How are you holding up?"

"It's awful. And senseless. He didn't need another disaster in his life. He's had more than his share."

This was my Eva, always thinking about others but refusing to look at herself.

"So have you, and you're suffering along with him." I murmured softly in her hair.

"And you're doing the same with me." She kissed my jaw, then stepped back from my arms. "Thank you."

I handed her the coffee. "I brought some things for you—a change of clothes, your cell and tablet, bathroom stuff."

"God, I love you."

God, how I loved it when she told me that simple fact.

"Eva!" her mom scolded.

She didn't take her eyes off me. "Sorry, mom. Can't help it."

I brushed my fingers around her cheek, letting my actions cover for the words I wanted to say but couldn't.

"Gideon!" Monica scolded in a low voice, coming up to us and standing beside Eva. "you should know better than to take Eva away without any means of calling for help. You do know better."

I knew better, so I didn't let my face show any emotion.

Nathan had always been a threat to Eva, but his very presence in New York was another thing. If Eva ever saw him...

Eva looked at me sympathetically, and I smiled. I could handle him for her, I could handle everything for her. Even Monica, who she always says gets anxious when it comes to Eva. I couldn't blame her, though, when I was the same in that matter.

Eva walked away with another smile. I watched her walk in the room and then finally turned my attention to Monica.

"I know, Monica, I know. That was the reason I wanted her away from New York for one weekend. I didn't want any chance of Eva running into him."

"That was thoughtful of you, Gideon," she countered, "but don't you think not having any contact or medium to reach you was extreme? You could at least have a phone with you. Look what happened here."

But I wanted a quiet weekend with the only one that mattered, away from all the troubles and problems, away from our world. And I wouldn't mind doing it again.

"About that," I quickly changed the topic, "did you get any idea about why this attack? Why on him? Personal reasons? I highly think it's not just one random selection of person coming out of bar."

"Richard too thinks the same, but I think it was because of his selection. He had a bad history of always choosing wrong partners, and I think this time it's again the same."

I nodded, highly doubting her point. What has Cary's sexual preferences to do with it. Or his being a bisexual is the problem here. I knew Cary too thought the same, that it was some chick he had screwed that did this, but I didn't believe it for a second. The stakes were too high for this theory.

She looked at the phone which was vibrating, and excused herself.

I called Angus, asking if he got any lead. He said he will contact me in a few minutes. Then I called Scott, to inform me about my schedule for the day and telling him that I may be late today. The next call was to Shanton, to ask him for his views on he matter.

"Yes, Cross?"

"I wanted to ask you your views on the matter of Cary's attack."

He sighed, sounding exhausted. "Yes. Clancy is making sure to find the culprit. The detectives are also looking, but I don't trust their judgement. They haven't been able to find anything yet."

This was what had been nagging me since the morning. He has to be a genius to not leave any clue behind. He couldn't be just any random bully and Cary hadn't been at the wrong place at the wrong time. It was too well played. Attacking from behind, making sure no one sees him...

"I fear the same, Shanton." I didn't trust that piece of shit either. "Listen, I know it is not relative here, but did you get any other call from Nathan. Or did he try to approach you?"

"I, too, thought so, that's why I asked Clancy to look into the matter. I don't trust him—that son of a bitch."

"Okay. Tell Clancy to approach me when he find any leads. I have also asked Angus to look into the matter."

"Hope we find him soon. If you get any lead, do tell me. Monica is not herself since Friday."

"I can understand. Also, I'll be making the arrangements for Cary's personal nurse and doctor, and his arrival in his apartment."

Cary will always remain a concession to both of us, it seems. An extended link to both Monica and Eva. And this part was the reason he had been a target. To blackmail us. But who?

At the back of my head, I knew the answer but I wanted it to be wrong.

"Okay. Tell me when you need any help. And Cross, take care of Eva. I am not getting a good feeling out of this."

"She is my first priority, Shanton. Nothing will touch her while I'm here."

"I trust you, Cross. Good day."

"Same to you, Shanton"

The call ended, and another followed. This one from Angus.

"Yes?"

"The detectives are not able to trace any dead end, Mr. Cross. None. They only have Cary's words and his theory of one of his lover going for the brawl."

I already knew this through Shanton. "Okay. Did you got any other leads?"

"I'm trying, but nae. I don't have now, but I guess I am near. I'll inform you instantly when I get one."

"I'm very much relying on you, Angus. I don't want Eva in any danger so you have to find one goddamn single link, no matter how fucking small it is."

"Gideon, don't worry. Nothing will happen to Eva. You go, and I'll contact you as soon as possible."

I knew I could trust him in that.

"Okay." I sighed, letting go of all the frustration here. I have to greet Eva and she cannot see any tension on my face or else she'll panic.

Moving in the private room, I absorbed the scene in front of me. They were again arguing it seemed. And then Eva said, "If Gideon's dick touched anything but his hand or me, we'd be over."

The way she gets jealous and possessive about me is incredulous. Never fails to bring a smile to my lips and making my dick hard.

Cary's brows rose. "Well, then."

She smiled sweetly at him and turned to face me. "Hi, ace."

"Angel." I greeted walking towards her. I looked at her, absorbing the small smile playing at her lips, then turned to greet the patient. "How are you feeling this morning?"

His lips twisted wryly. "Like I got hit by a bus... or a bat." I had to smile at that. He was already getting better, making fun about his condition.

"We're working on getting you set up at home. It looks like we can make that happen by Wednesday."

"Big tits, please," Cary requested with pleading eyes. "Or bulging muscles. Either will do."

What does he mean? I looked at Eva. She grinned. "The private nurse."

"Ah." I tried to hide my smile.

"If it's a woman," Cary went on, "can you get her to wear one of those white nurse dresses with the zipper down the front."

"I can only imagine the media frenzy over that sexual-harassment lawsuit," God knows I don't want any more drama in my life. "How about a collection of naughty-nurse porn instead?"

"Dude." Cary smiled wide, looking as the young man I'd been with many times. Even in the bandages and bruises, he looked handsome. "You're the man."

I smiled and turned to look at the one person that matters the most. "Eva." She nodded and kissed Cary on the cheek, promising to be back soon, and stepped out of the room with me. "I talked to Garrity this morning, so don't worry about that."

She smiled, her eyes already relaxed. Shining with the trust she had in me. "Thank you. I'll need to go in tomorrow. I'm going to see if I can get hold of Trey, Cary's boyfriend. Maybe he can stop in while I'm at work."

"Let me know if you need any help with that." I glanced at my Rolex, noting that it was now just past ten. "You'll want to stay here again tonight?" I mumbled, hating to stay away from her for another night after the weekend. It seemed we were walking backwards now after the most important turn in our relationship.

She nodded, getting the actual meaning of my question, getting me like she always does.

"Yes, if that's possible. Until Cary comes home." And I was going to hate every second of the time we spend apart.

I took her face in my hands, savouring her warmth, and pressed my lips to her. "All right. I have a lot of work to catch up on. Charge your cell so I can reach you."

She nodded. I was about to kiss her again but the vibration of my cell stopped me. I took the phone out and was stunned to read the number.

What lead did Angus get?

"I have to get this. I'll talk to you later." And I was out of the hospital in a few seconds, eager to listen what Angus had found.

"Yes?"

"You'll find this interesting. I knew there was a dead end, so I tried to approach by another way. We know Nathan is the threat" Only Angus was the one who knew about Nathan except for me. And that was the reason I was relying on him so much, because he knew exactly everything. "—we don't have any proof, but we don't need any—so I checked in on him, looked at the hotel he was staying in and found out he had gone out. I reached the reception and used your name to fetch the master key, saying you wanted it straight away. They were dubious but gave me. I went in Nathan's room—don't worry, I was very careful about going in, making sure I am not detected under any camera surveillance, neither did any security personnel found me—anyway, I went in and found out a whole wall covered with Eva's photos since ten days. Many articles, newspaper clips were also there."

"The day he approached me for the first time." I spoke robotically, my insides clenching with horror. It was way more worse than what I had formerly thought about. I should have thought about it when he had first come to me and I had rejected his offer.

"Aye. Also there were photos of Cary and you, of you both, of her in every place she had been in the last ten days. Not so many of Cary, but they are there. And interestingly, I also found a baseball bat in his wardrobe, blooded, along with a gun."

This was all so messed up, just as I feared.

Nathan was desperate for the money, and when I ignored his threat, what are the chances he is using different methods of threats to make me uneasy. Surely he could leave Cary, but he meant so much to Eva, and he knew what she meant to me. He had read it on my face. Why not give her nightmares without appearing in front of her?

"So?"

"You were right to think it is directly linked to Eva. He wants to get to you, lad, so he is indirectly getting to her."

Jesus. Why is he insane?

"Where are you now?"

"Driving to the hospital as I am speaking with you."

"Good. I want you following her like an eagle, Angus. No matter where she goes, I want you with her. Hide if you may, use another car if you must, but she is not to be alone for a second. Do you get it?"

"Aye. But I also fear that you are also his target."

"And I can take care of —"

"So Raúl will be with you every time. Do you get it?"

"Jesus, Angus. It's not that —"

"Gideon," he spoke in his high Scottish accent, taking the elderly tone with me which he only used when it was important for me to be guided by an adult, "you are my responsibility. Either take as your personal bodyguard or your elder, I don't care. But you are my responsibility, and you'll be listening to me. Raúl will be with you every second, and I with Eva. Following her like a shadow."

I counted till five before saying, "She is in your hands now, Angus. Take care of her."

"And you too."

"Did you tell any of these information to Clancy?"

"Benjamin Clancy? No I haven't. But it makes sense. I'll fill him with details. Mrs. Shanton will also require security. Do you want any other thing done?"

"You know what I am thinking."

"And you know she'll be fine. I will not let her out of my sight."

I exhaled, letting the tension slip away for now. "I am trusting you on this with my life, Angus. My whole life."

"Don't worry."

I nodded, though he wasn't there to see it, and ended the call.

Raúl was waiting for me by the car. When he saw me, he opened the rear door and let me in. I told him to drive to Upper West Side apartment and we were on the road within a few moments.

There, I asked the security to raise the guard, that no one was allowed to enter Eva's apartment without her permission, except for Cary, Monica, and myself. If any other tries to enter, it has to be notified to me that instant.

Then I went to Crossfire where I asked the security to make sure no one unknown enters the building without the badge. If there has to be a visitor for any firm, see to it that they are accompanied by the firm members, with an appointment letter. Names are to be registered strictly, their timings and everything else. I also made sure that they keep an extra eye on Eva—when she enters, when she leaves, with whom. I ask the security to link the cameras directly to my computer. I wanted to maintain control over all the actions where it was possible for me to do it.

Scott greeted me and told me about the meeting that were waiting for me.

How was it possible that the very core of my life was threatened but still I had to act like nothing was happening.

I took a deep breath and tried to gain control on myself. Eva was safe, Angus was with her.

"I have some more important time-sensitive things at hand, Scott, so if you could give me another half hour before I start my day."

"I'll see to it."

I thanked him and did the necessary things first. First I checked for empty apartments in the Upper West Side, and found the one next door to hers. I called Raúl to make arrangements for my partial moving in that apartment. I have to be close enough to Eva, to reach her in no time under any circumstances. Then I called Angus to get the name of hotel Nathan was staying in. It was a subsidiary hotel of mine, and I was very much determined to use that in my benefit.

I got his number from the card he has given me, and dialled him.

"Hey, Cross. I never knew you were such a big benefactor at the hospital Cary is staying in."

Eva is safe. Angus is with her.

I hit the record button in case I need it.

"Aren't you at peace now, Barker, that you have hurt Cary and indirectly Eva. What do you need more now?"

"Well, if you recall, I didn't get the thing I was looking for. How much was it? Ah, yes. Two and a half million."

All this trouble for money. He was psychotic. He wanted to play with me and try to harm Eva to have something new. He'd already received the money from Shanton. So money couldn't be the only reason.

"I'll give them to you if you give me your word that you'll leave Eva alone and never come back."

"Of course, but since you have delayed my plans by about one-third month, how about five million as the price?"

"Okay. You'll get that. But I need time if I don't want to bring everyone's attention to why and where I'm using the money."

"Fine by me."

"Till then you'll stop fixating on Eva and her every move."

"You bring a hard compromise, Cross. But lucky for you I don't get into any. For what it's worth, I won't harm her. But let's face it, she can still see me, or look me while I cross the street..."

How I loathed him!

"Funny how you are keeping tabs on her but couldn't figure that she and I had broken up over the weekend."

Hope he takes the bait.

"Oh, sorry to hear that. Though, I wonder how would that affect me. I'm sure you still care enough about her to not let any of those images or video leak."

"Don't you get it, Barker? She and I are over, so why should I pay you for anything related to her?"

Why isn't he taking the bait?

"Typical rich playboys. You hear the siren and run with your tail in between your legs. No wonder both of you broke up. I guess the fact that she kissed Brett Kline was also the turning point."

He was following us there too! How could I have missed that?

"Ah. Typical chasing scenes, Barker. Nothing I didn't expect. Why should I be surprised you followed us there?"

"In the similar way I am to learn that you both spent the weekend together."

"Wrong. Wondering about planning together. But guess I can't be with one who kisses another guy."

"Good for you. Though I must say, she was always a good fuck."

My fingers close in a fist, flexing to hurt him for even thinking about her like that. I closed my eyes, trying to swallow the disgust from showing in my voice. She was mine. Mine. How can he even talk about her like that! "Ah."

"So, you are either paying for her or letting the clips slip by my hand. Choice is yours, Gideon Cross."

"Don't make it hard for me, Barker. Negotiate on this." I demanded.

"I don't think you are in place for negotiation. But still, if you want to negotiate, why not do it in front of witnesses. Say the canteen of the hospital where Eva is currently sitting."

How did he know that?

Unless, he was baiting me.

"Fine! I'll pay you five million dollars. But I want a deal, a sealed deal, that once you get the payment you will never look back at this place again. And especially not around me."

"Rich boys do know how to save their spoiled asses." He laughed.

I wanted to cut his throat, kill his guts for even thinking about Eva in that way, for threatening her.

"I'll let you now when I'm ready."

"Make it this week, Cross. I don't have enough patience. And if I ran out of that, I don't know if I may run into Eva or the clips will find a way to the internet."

"Then we're good, Barker." I ended the call.

The urge to throw the cell against the wall was very high. Why? Goddamn why does he want to involve Eva in this?

I tried to control my aggression and looked at the photo of Eva blowing me kisses.

Yes. I could—would—do that for her.

Before I could think about anything, my phone rang again. This time it was Christopher.

"What the fuck is your goddamn problem?" He growled as a greeting.

Considering it was more of our usual way of greeting, I leaned on my chair and exhaled, letting go of all my aggression. "How can I help you, Christopher?"

"By not ruining my one program by shitting yourself!"

"What are you talking about?" But I obviously knew what was he talking about.

"Brett Kline is the lead singer of Six-ninths. Did you forget that? How could you get in a fight with him? He has marks all over his face! It was just luck he was able to sing on the weekend. Seriously, Gideon, ' Golden' is a famous song, already high on the charts. We cannot loose that now we are making profits from it!"

"I know that, Christopher, of course I know that." It was a whole different problem for me though about what does the song tells about.

"Is the success of Vidal Records not important to you?" He spat.

"You're talking bullshit, you know that. Of course it matters to me! But it was due to personal reasons it all started, reasons I don't want to explain. I can assure you though, it won't happen again."

"I don't trust you."

"Good buy to you too, brother."

I knew Brett Kline was going to be a problem. But I wasn't ready to face it now. There was a whole different sensitive topic which needed my attention.

I thought about having something strong, just to bear the whole day which was going to be more gruesome than it was now, but then my PR team called me. "Yes, Eden."

"We have something sensitive come to us about you and Miss Tramell."

"Come in."

Two minutes later my PR head Eden McAdam and her assistant Ray Young were seated in my office, holding a couple of magazines. "This is the worry, Gideon." Eden noted, handing me a gay magazine. The cover page was of a model, a model who I knew would create problem in our life. Cary Taylor.

I read the article. They had reported the ambush on Cary with a statement Cary Taylor, the bisexual roommate of Eva Tramell, who is said to be the significant woman in the life of Gideon Cross, was beaten very badly this Friday night outside a bar. There are theories about the ambush being a threat for his living arrangements with the mogul's girlfriend—

I stopped reading and looked at my PR team who is supposed to handle such scandals. "How did the whole thing leak out? It is a private matter and everything written in it is utter bullshit."

"We know, Gideon. But we didn't know about the matter until yesterday evening. We tried to contact you but you weren't there. This article is not published yet, but it will by tomorrow morning. And this isn't the whole thing. Several parties who deal with such sexualities and also some political parties are trying to dig in the whole matter, trying to dig something for their advantage. Not only that, many other parties are also standing up, trying to find justice for models trying to sell their faces."

"I don't care what they think or are doing, or the goddamn reason why! I want this whole shit cleared up by today itself. If the magazines find a way out, make sure a statement is out which nullifies everything."

"Of course, but you have to understand. The whole crux of the situation is the living arrangements of a bisexual and Miss Tramell's living arrangements. If we clear on that somehow—"

"Cary is an important part of Eva's life. She isn't going to cut people off of her life just because my name is involved in a scandal through which they are suffering, too. You have to find another way out of the whole mess. And I don't want anything to be blamed on Cary either. It is hard enough for him as it is."

"But you do understand that his appearances with you and Eva on several times had created a speculation on your romantic life. People are thinking about your interests in sexual orgy and all different things—"

"And that's where your role starts. I want this whole shit cleared by today evening. If the matter doesn't stops spreading, make sure you bring it to our advantage. And every article and statement is to be sent me directly, as soon as possible. No one is to reach Eva or Cary for a statement. Is this clear?" They both nodded and left the office after assuring that the matter will be solved soon.

The day hadn't even started and already I was having a headache.

I shook my head, getting everything else out of my mind, fixing my mind on the things that were more important.

I started planning it, going through all the consequences of my decisions and the pros and cons of that.

Enough of people trying to come and shake the core of my empire and my life.

It was time I start ruling it like I always do.

·

·

·

It was near to two when the plan became concrete in my mind. I had been thinking the whole time how to get rid of that bastard, without being noticed, without exposing myself, without involving another person, and finally I had the answer.

But the cost was very high.

Nathan's life would cost me Eva.

To get rid of Nathan, I had to, I must, distance myself from her.

I have to use her insecurities, her jealousies, shove it in her face to get done what was to be done.

My heart, which was already broken in the past, which had started to heal since Eva claimed it, was again breaking into pieces.

But I must do it.

I ought to do it.

·

·

·

Considering that the few people I wanted to meet were still in New York, I called Arnoldo.

"To what do I owe this pleasure in the middle of the day?"

"I have an impromptu meeting today and I was wondering if we could attend it at the restaurant."

"I'll arrange the seating. How many people am I expecting by the way?"

"Near about a dozen. We'll be there by six."

"Okay. I'll see to it."

"Thanks, Arnoldo."

"Not that it is of my concern, but I wanted to ask how are you? You know, after Friday night."

Eva had warned me that Arnoldo didn't like her after what she did to me, for how I reacted after that. Of course I was mad, the need of self-preservation very high. But Arnoldo didn't know that and I was content to leave it like that, at least for now.

"I'm more fine than ever, thanks."

"Okay. I'll see to the reservations. See you in a couple of hours."

I thanked him and asked Scott to call Arash—it was time to arrange for my impromptu meeting.

"Hey, Cross." He seated in front of me in the chair and made himself comfortable. With his black suit and silver tie, his face framed by his black hair, he was one handsome man. But his dark brown eyes were angry with me.

"Arash, what do you think about offloading my shares in the casino at Milan?"

"You want to give away shares, but why?"

Yup, definitely still mad.

"If we offload the shares, we can bring more shareholders in the casino and expand it. Also, we can put it on auction, say whoever brings the most profitable deal in exchange of shares, they can get it."

"The point?"

"There is a winery in Bordeaux that I have my eye on for the casino. So you see, we can have a winery for it."

"A winery for a casino you say." He thought about it for a moment. "Damn, just when I thought you were loosing your business skills."

"If we give away shares, or talk about giving at a significant price, chance is that we can get the deal of winery we were talk about. If we acquire those winery rights, we might be able to up the prices of the whole casino."

"But there is a risk that we might not get the right price."

"That's where you come. You'll deal with them, making a proper offer that they couldn't refuse, and grab the opportunity when it's present."

"Nice. Looks like this weekend did wonders, too." And disasters too. "I thought you have lost all the sense of business when you weren't reachable for a high-scale negotiation for the software we need for GenTen."

"We'll look for that when it comes. For now do what I ask you for. And don't give me a hard time for the vacation I took."

"You're the boss!" he muttered but was intrigued by the idea.

"We are having a meeting with the board members of casino at Milan today at six. Prepare the documents by then."

He glared at me. "Have you gotten mad or what? It's not even four hours whole!"

"That's why I have you. I'll meet at Tableau One at six. And it shouldn't look like a whole meeting, so get a plus-one too. I want them impressed today, no matter what."

"I just hate you, Cross."

"But you love your work." I countered.

"That's the only thing holding me here." He muttered. "I don't even have a date. Who should I ask then? Huh? You have Eva but —"

Here comes the whole setup I wanted to start my plan. "She won't be coming. Cary, her best friend, is in hospital. I'm going to ask Corinne for a favour."

"Are you mad or what? Asking your ex to do favours, to take the place of your girlfriend in a meeting. I'm sure Eva isn't happy about it."

"I'll handle that. You worry about your date."

"Why don't you set me up with someone tonight?"

"Its still a business meeting, Madani."

"Well, okay then. I'll send you the documents by five and meet you at the restaurant by six."

When he exited, I made a call to the person whom I have promised Eva not to see anymore if possible.

"Gideon, what a surprise!"

She sounded excited, her voice a slow caress that I admired once, but she was never the one I needed. Eva made me realize that.

But now I was going to break the trust of the person that matters the most.

"Corinne. I called to ask you a favour."

"What is it, Gideon? You sound stressed."

When was she able to recognise how I sounded and why? It never mattered to her unless it was going too ruin the time I was to spend with her to fuck her in the room Eva called my fuck-pad. She never tried to understand me, then why now?

"Nothing. It's just that I have a business meeting today, but I want to appear it informal so I want someone with me as my plus-one. Eva is currently unavailable due to some personal reasons, so I was wondering if you want to accompany me."

"I'll be ready whenever you call."

I didn't miss the double meaning she was trying to implement. But I let it go. I have to make it appear true, that I was getting over Eva in order to save her.

"Great. I'll call you when I am finished here. We have the meeting at six."

"I'm glad you asked me."

I didn't say anything, and ended the call.

I called Angus to make sure Eva was safe. "She is safe and fine, Mr. Cross. Don't worry."

But I couldn't stop myself. I couldn't not worry about her. She was my life.

It was time to put action in no time.

I asked Raúl to escort Corinne to Crossfire, where I met her in the Mercedes.

She kissed my cheek as a greeting. "Gideon."

"You look beautiful, Corinne." She wore a peach coloured cocktail gown with her hair cascading down her shoulders, adorned with simple jewellery. She looked good, but I couldn't get the image of Eva in her red cocktail dress out.

"You too, Gideon. Never cease to Impress me."

"About that, Corinne. I am asking this favour as a friend. I don't want to misguide you, ever. Nothing could happen between us, so please don't try and make it awkward."

"Of course, Gideon." She smiled, placing her hand on my forearm possessively.

I smiled and took my hand away gently, talking with her about small things to not make it awkward. She seemed happy that I was paying attention to her, and was reciprocating my attention by making a few movements like stroking my forearm or holding my arm or linking her hand with mine. All the while I just thought about Eva, hoping her insecurities get better of her. If she didn't get jealous, then the whole effort was meaningless.

I wanted her safe and for that I have to break her trust I had tried so hard to build in her.

The whole meeting passed in a blur. Arnoldo was surprised seeing Corinne with me instead of Eva but didn't say anything. He sat with us at the table, greeting the guests with his fine desserts. Arash brought a redhead with her, who knew a little about his work and gave a few of her opinions when required.

The whole meeting was a success, considering the board members were impressed by our approach and the media was present to click a few pictures of us.

I knew Eva has subscribed to Google news relating to me and I hoped she will get hurt. I wanted her honest reactions in my favour.

I talked with Corinne too, murmuring anything too close to her, making it sure that it appears as an intimate moment.

Eva had called me during the dinner, near half past eight. I took a moment to appreciate her happy face displaying on my screen and answered the phone in three rings. "Cross." It was an effort to make my voice sound uninviting when all I wanted was to be with her.

"I know who you are," she purred in her sext voice. "but I don't know what you're doing."

"I can't talk with you right now, Eva. I'm in a meeting. You sleep and take care of both of you."

"Okay." She sounded disappointed but quickly covered it with, "Call me tomorrow. I love you."

My hands shook, my heart skipped a beat hearing her. What I wouldn't give to hear those words again after what I am doing, was about to do, with her.

She didn't wait for my reply, ending the call. I took a deep breath and returned my attention to the people in front of me.

After the meeting, I dropped Corinne home. She invited me up at her penthouse, but I declined the offer graciously and went to Upper West Side to the apartment now I will live in, near Eva to make sure she is fine. Raúl helped me shift the furniture and make sure no one was watching me shifting here. The look I had adopted to make sure of that was a worn out jeans with sweatshirt and a Yankee's cap.

It was near about midnight when we stopped shifting and went penthouse again. Eva was going to sleep today in hospital again, and if possible tomorrow too. I had to make the maximum use of that works to arrange all my things in my new apartment.

I went in my home office after a shower and sat facing the wall which was adorned by pictures of us together, her pictures, where she blew me kisses or looked insatiable while sleeping wearing no makeup, her freckled making her look younger.

I slept in the chair itself, imagining of her.