Chapter forty-six

Alina’s POV

I didn't tell Sebastian anything when I got home. There was nothing to tell. I maintained a distance as much as I could, not responding when he spoke to me. I couldn't let him know what had happened. That would only mean more chaos. I was tired of the chaos it had managed to become a part of my everyday life.

I was going to see the French men by myself the next day, I would make it work, with or without his help.

“What are you offering?”

“A partnership with my company is going to be a big step for us. It would give a fusion both to French and American culture , it gives people the same experience. My team will be in charge of developing the products and marketing your own, it is going to bring us together.” I smiled at the men in front of me . They looked like business tycoons but their demeanor was different - they weren't arrogant or condescending. In fact, they seemed eager to have a collaboration between companies. A few seconds of silence passed between them, as if contemplating their options before one stepped forward and extended his hand. I shook his hand firmly.

“What else do you have to offer?” I heard the deep voice of one of the men next to me, “what can you offer that would make this deal worth our while?”

“I am a bit confused sir” I smiled tightly , not wanting him to see through my façade. This might turn into a bigger negotiation than what was planned, but there was still time to back out.

But backing out meant I would lose my position.

“You see Wolfe, we as a company don't just jump into propoosals without running a background check first,” I felt another man put a hand on my shoulder.

Cold ran down my spine, I should have come with Sebastian.

He would know how to handle these guys. But he was far away and I couldn't exactly call him to come save me now, could I?

“I understand.” I nodded curtly. I needed to calm myself. It couldn't possibly be what I was thinking.

“We heard the rumors about you” The man that was speaking still didn't let go of my shoulders.

“Somehow you have convinced us. We've seen you interact with other businessmen and you handled it well and then suddenly you're here. What do you want to do here Mrs Wolfe ? How can we benefit from this?” He asked, sounding desperate. He sounded almost like he wanted to talk to me again.

I removed his hand from my shoulders before answering, “Well, you are looking at a woman who knows her way around these kind of things, so that should help,” I shrugged. He nodded, not seeming satisfied with my answer. His partner stepped in.

“What Mr. Pierre, is saying is that we want a foursome. You and the three of us” he said confidently, the French accent coming across smoothly.

“What?” I stared at him disbelievingly, at the trio. I felt humiliated . My face went cold, anger rising inside me. I wasn’t going to allow this. It felt like everything was closing in on me at once and I had no place to turn. I was trapped, the only option left was to get up and run.

“Don’t play innocent Alina, we've heard all about your involvement with some of our competitors” Pierre sneered. The man's eyes shone with excitement and he continued, “We also hear that you are good at what you do. We want have a taste. A taste in exchange for a partnership ”. He was leaning closer to me, smiling menacingly. I took a shaky breath. He wasn't getting any closer to me.

My mind started working overtime. I needed Logan and I had to act fast. If I stayed where I was, I would surely be overpowered.

I forced myself to stand up straight. “I'm sorry sirs,” I replied icily, “but you are mistaken. It sounds like you have the wrong person. I am not interested “

The three men behind me started laughing mockingly.

I made to reach for the door but the one called Pierre grabbed me back by the arm and pushed me against the wall, pinning me with his body.

I struggled against the man but he easily held me there.

Pierre laughed loudly, enjoying himself too much, “I don’t think you should miss this opportunity Alina, you really want to leave this opportunity open huh?” He leaned his head down close to mine and whispered in my ear, “I’m sure this will give you the opportunity you need” He pulled his lips away from my ears and smirked before moving back. “I will leave the door open for you, in case you change your mind . Don't say I never did you a favour”. He grinned widely before turning his attention back to his companions.

“Fucking bastards!” I spat before leaving , slamming the door behind me. The sound of the men laughing filled my ears, even after I had rounded the corner of the hallway and entered the lobby, it didn't fade completely, echoing throughout the building.

When I got to my car, I sped off.

As I drove aimlessly through the city, my thoughts began swirling. Tears streamed down my cheeks, making the corners of my eyes sting. I couldn't believe it.

What was happening to me? I was supposed to be happy and content, this was supposed to be behind me but it had been sticking to me like a badge of honor since this whole thing started. The pain, the guilt, it was always there.

As the tears blurred my vision, I couldn't see clearly enough to see the traffic lights ahead turn green. Without realizing it, I swerved and slammed hard into the side of an SUV which had turned into the road directly ahead. The impact sent me flying forward, crashing harshly against the wheel wells. A searing pain coursed through my head and shoulder. My neck cracked loudly and I fell unconscious.