Chapter three

Third-party POV.

I glanced at the phone for the hundredth time, tapping my fingers on my desk. It had been hours, and there was no sign from her - no call, no text, nothing.

What was taking so long? I have spent a sleepless night waiting for a message, and for what? My phone's screen was black as death and equally deadly silent. What the hell was she doing?

I hit my desk with a fury. It was a reasonably simple task. I checked the phone, hoping that there would be anything I had accidentally missed, but the screen was empty.

‘ Enough!’ I thought to myself, dialling the number.

“ Hello,” I heard on the other side of the line.

“ Hello,” I replied coldly, " Am I not interrupting you? Have you been busy with something?"

“ Oh, hi. I was just going to call you after the shower.”

“ Did you?” Now, my tone was cold as ice. I had no time for stupid games and even less time for silly excuses.

“ Yes, I just wanted to refresh myself after the night.” Her voice sounded weak, and I rolled my eyes. I couldn't care less about how she felt. Not at the moment like this.

“ My night was rough, too. Do you want to know why?” I paused, giving her time to understand I was not in the mood.

“ Why?” Her voice trembled. Finally, the reaction I was hoping for.

“ Because I have waited for a message from you. We had a deal. Did you forget about it already?”

There was silence on the other side, and I could tell something was wrong. “ I hope everything went smoothly?” I asked, hoping it was just my imagination.

“ Yes, yes,” she mumbled, which only added to my doubts. This woman was dumb as a rock but perfect for a dirty job.

“ So where are they?” I asked slowly.

“ Where is what?”

Was she serious right now? My jaw clenched, and I was on the edge of yelling. I inhaled deeply, trying to compose myself.

“ Photos, where are the photos? Without them, I can't do anything,” I spoke through my gritted teeth. Seriously, she could not be this dumb.

“ I do not have them,” she admitted after another pause, and I pressed my palm on my temple.

“ What do you mean you don't have them? Are you trying to set me up?” My voice was dangerously calm. Did she change her mind? Maybe trusting her was a bad idea, after all.

“ No, I swear. I did everything you asked me to do. You know I would never do anything against you. You mean too much to me.” Her voice broke, but I could not make myself feel pity for her. She had one task: to get solid proof and the photos.

“ I have my doubts. Without that, our future would not look that bright. I thought I could trust you. I thought we had the same goal,” I lowered my voice, giving her time to think.

“ We have, we have. You have to believe me. I am begging you,” she tried to plead, and I enjoyed it.

“ What about the guy? Maybe he managed to get them?” I have decided to help her a little.

“ He did everything according to the plan. But when I went to check on him, he was not there. But maybe he changed the place for some reason. I will get in touch with him right now.” I heard the hope in her voice. I was sure she would keep her word.

“ You better do it. This plan means a lot to me. It should mean a lot to you, too. That is our ticket to a better future.” I reminded her about what we had planned together. That should be enough motivation.

“ He is a good friend and would not fail me; he never did. I am sure he will deliver the photos anytime now.”

I listened to those reassurances, bored to death. I didn't care who this guy was; I paid to get everything done and expected results.

“ Well, don’t waste more time, and get those photos. You wasted your chance, Nicole. Do not waste another.” I said coldly. This conversation was tiring, especially since it did not go as I wanted. I hung up abruptly, not caring for what she was saying. Even if that offended her, Nicole could not be mad at me for too long. She was like a loyal puppy. Especially since she believed I had feelings for her. That let me use her in any way I wished. My position and money worked like a charm. She would do anything I asked her for without a second thought. Nicole was a good servant when the job had to be done and a good fu*k when I needed release. If she only wasn't so stupid.

I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes.

I had plans no one knew about, definitely not Nicole. She lived in her dream, and I let her believe that dream would come true.

But it was not my dream. My dream was way more significant. I worked on it for years and finally had all the pieces in place. There was only one obstruction I had to get rid of, but it was only a matter of time. Even if plan A did not work, I had plan B. I always had plan B.

A sudden knocking at the door brought me back to reality.

“ Come in,” I ordered in a stern tone.

“ Your guest is here,” I heard the voice coming from the door but did not even bother to look in the direction.

“ Then what are you waiting for? Let her in.”

When the door closed, I opened my eyes and fixed my suit, smiling. Finally, this day was getting better.

A moment later, the door opened again.

“ Come in, baby,” I said, standing up.

She smiled at me, swinging her hips as she came closer.

My plan B arrived.