Griffin, Rahela Ferarri [read this if .txt] 📗

was excited like a little child. Excited and determined. She would do anything to make her man proud tonight. And she will once again excel. Chapter Nineteen

 

I could sense the anxiety in her, but she somehow managed to cover it very well. The driver picked us up, and it was already dark outside. She was looking through the winder, absorbing every sight. And I was watching her, absorbing and enjoying every minute of her presence. The opening was in an old luxury villa. As we were pacing toward our table, all eyes were onto us. She behaved perfectly. There they were. Steven, an old banker and his company, with their trophy wives. The wives were envious of Mia, and were not involving her in their small talk. It’s not like she was going to hear anything smart from them. But she was handling it and I let it go, engaging myself in financial markets discussion. But they were all curious.

 

Steven: “James, why don’t you introduce this lovely lady to us.”

 

Griffin:  “Well, of course. Miss Mia Petrov.”

 

Mia:       “Nice to meet you.”

 

Steven:  “Miss, how do you like Malta so far?”

 

Mia:       “It’s very lovely and charming. Love at first sight.”

 

Steven:  “As yourself. James is a lucky man to have such a jewel by his side.”

 

Griffin:  “Steven, you know that I have never invited a woman to a business event, but this one is something special.”- I wanted to give her additional self confidence, and to make her understand how special she was to me.

 

Steven:  “Yes, yes, I see.”-He completely ignored me, and addressed her directly. “I hope we won’t bother too much, such a lovely lady like yourself, with boring financial conversations.”

 

Mia:       “On the contrary. A lovely lady, like myself, happens to be a financial analyst.”

 

He was interested and intrigued. The entire table focused on their conversation.

 

Steven:  “Is that so? Tell me, Miss, what is your area of expertise? “

 

Mia:       “Financial forecasting and risk assessment.”

 

Steven:  “How interesting. Well, why don’t the two of you join us tomorrow for a sailing trip? We usually gather around and discuss some business issues over lunch and a glass of wine…of course, if James doesn’t have the intention of keeping you only to himself.” – He was testing me.

 

Griffin:  “Sure, Steven, we will be there.”

 

Steven:  “Our wives prefer to avoid this kind of reunions, and sneak out for shopping before we even get to sail out.” – He was laughing, a bit over my taste, since they were already tipsy. Then he addressed me, and we let women socializing. I also noticed that Steven’s wife engaged Mia in a conversation, and I was more at ease. “You know, Nathan Finley will join us tomorrow. I arranged everything. He came back from Thailand yesterday.”

 

Griffin:  “Yes. I hope I will be able to convince him that this investment would soon return and double his money.”

 

Steven:  “Oh, he has the money. Don’t worry. It’s just the question how offended he was with you rejecting this UniGlobe contract. You know, Diane and I worked very hard on it. Anyway, how is Diane? The two of you had a thing right?”

 

Griffin:  “She is all right. She was also mad because of this contract. Anyway, she wasn’t the right for me.”

 

Steven:  “Yes, I completely understand. You got yourself a fine jewel here. You know, if you ever get bored with her, I would offer substantial amount of money to take care for her...”- Now I was pissed. I knew that usually the girls who hand around businessmen are there for the money, and that it’s not rare thing for them to change the “owner”, but this was my woman he was referring to, and she deserved nothing but respect.

 

Griffin:  “She is my girlfriend, and I beg you to watch your language in her presence. We are not interested in your schemes. I’m sure you won’t have trouble of finding another one.”

 

Steven:  “Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I thought...well you know. Just forget what I said.”

 

Griffin: “Well then, we should get going anyway. See you tomorrow on the boeat. The weather should serve us well.”

 

Steven:  “Yes, it will be refreshing. Join us when you get up. The boat will be ready.”

               

We soon left to the hotel. She was so tired and exhausted from the entire evening, and she showered first and went to bed. I was still uncomfortable with this proposal of Stevens. Not that he meant anything wrong. He didn’t know, and it’s just the way things work in their world. But the bare thought of someone else’s hands on her made my blood boil. Just to think how many times Alex’s hands were all over her...it made a mess in my mind. I laid next to her. She wasn’t sleeping. Like she was also restless. The sense of her skin next to mine just provoked the need to protect her, and take her once again, just to make sure she was mine. It was all very quiet, just the sounds of waves and the wind from outside. Her back was next to my chests, and I just had to possess her. To mark my territory. I slowly found my way inside of her, and just made love to her. It wasn’t about sex. It was about the belonging. And she said nothing. She knew that I needed her, and she enjoyed being mine.

Chapter Twenty

 

It was deep in the night, and I sensed she was still restless. I put my arm around her.

 

Griffin:  “Why don’t you sleep?”

 

Mia:       “I don’t know. I guess I’m nervous about tomorrow.”

 

Griffin:   “Nervous? It’s just a couple of boring businessman discussing some boring topics, over lunch and wine. What’s there to be nervous about?”

 

Mia:       “I must have overheard that the boring businessman will have somewhat less boring company.”

 

Griffin:  “So? That was always their way of enjoying life. Personally, I don’t see anything interesting in it, but I guess it makes them feel good about themselves. Anyway, you of all people should know that the music industry works out in the same way. Only it’s become normal for some older rock star to enjoy in young and beautiful girls.”

 

Mia:       “James, but they’re at least good-looking unlike those greasy old men.”

 

Griffin:   “I guess it’s a different point of view. Now, go to sleep, and stop thinking about nonsense.” – I believe she took my advice and fell asleep.

             

I was hoping to a very casual day. Sun was up, and my mood was perfect. I didn’t want to show excessive affection in public, so we spent the entire morning making love in bed. I knew that I’d have to keep my hands off of her for the rest of the day, and believe me, it was hard. Mia was relaxed too. She put on her bikini, and a light white summer dress on top of it. We were the last ones to arrive, and everything was ready to sail out. Steven was at the deck welcoming the guests. He reached out for Mia’s and, and politely kissed her hand, holding it a bit longer for my taste. He was checking her out, and I didn’t like it, and neither did she.

 

Steven:  “Miss, I’m very pleased to see you accepting my invitation.”

 

She politely thanked him, and grabbed my upper arm. Good girl. I took her for the tour. She really liked the boat. It had two luxurious bedrooms, with large beds in the middle. A large living room connected the two bedrooms, and the other side of the room led outside on the deck. There were five men on board, including Steven, accompanied by three extremely young girls. They were already in a bikini, drinking champagne and giggling. Total of ten people on board, including us. We were all drinking champagne, while the girls were tanning in the sun. Mia joined them, even though they had very few topics in common to discuss about.

 

By noon, we anchored in a small cove below Sicily. Nathan Finley was supposed to join us at this point. Ten-fifteen minutes later, a small boat appeared and anchored next to ours. It was Finley. He and his lawyer joined us on the boat for a drink.

 

Griffin:  “Mr Finley!”

 

Finley:   “Well, Griffin, long time no see!” – We shook each other’s hands.

 

Griffin:  “True. So, how is the business going?”

 

Finley:   “Outstanding, as usual. Can’t complain. Though I might say you surprised me with cancelation of the contract. Diane said that it was already done deal. Where is Diane anyway? Are you still with her?”

 

Griffin:  “No. The story is long gone. Anyway, the UniGlobe was too big of a risk for us. I hope you understand.” – He smiled.

 

Finley:   “Yes. You should lend me your guardian angel for a week.” – He was laughing. “Well, we’ll talk more. But first, I need a drink!” – He went to Steven and other guys.

 

I went to see how Mia is doing. She was all right. Tanning on the deck. When she saw me, a smile appeared on her face, and she got up to meet me half way. I put my arm around her waist, and gave her a discrete kiss meaning ‘you are doing great’. Suddenly, Finley appeared out of the blue, interrupting our moment.

 

Finley:   “Griffin, wouldn’t you introduce this lovely date of yours to us?”

 

James was proud to be able to present me in this kind of company.

 

Griffin:  “Mr Finley, I’d like you to meet Miss Mia Petrov.” – I was proud that Finley showed her the needed respect, and I was proud to present her as my companion.

 

Steven:  “Miss Petrov is an excellent financial analyst.”- He was sucking up to Finley, inflaming his interest in Mia.

 

Finley:   “Is that so?” Now he was visibly intrigued. He paid no attention to me, and absorbed every sentnce she said. “Please, tell me more.”

 

Steven:  “As I understood, she was the one who prevented Griffin from making a deal with that manufacturer – UniGlobe.”

 

Finley:   “Griffin, that’s the biggest piece of advice you could have received. She saved your butt. Trust me, I know.” – I was so proud of my girl, and everybody was laughing sincerely.

 

Griffin:  “Well, we’re yet to see about that, but I hope she was right.”

 

Finley:   “Well, Miss, since you’re good with making big decisions. What would you say would it be good to invest two million dollars in Griffin’s company expansion?” – His words clenched my stomach. This was the topic we both cleverly avoided ‘till now. There was an awkward silence, and all eyes were pointed at Mia’s direction.

 

Mia:       “I would say