I’ll do anything to save her, anything at all, even if it means stealing from a man as dangerous as Leon Hart.
CHAPTER 13
Leon
The week passes so uneventfully, you wouldn’t say it marks a turning point in my life. The knowledge of my creation sits like a warm, fuzzy secret in my mind. I turn it over and examine it, selfishly enjoying the success of my hard labor while running a sequence of tests. The plan is to deliver the program to Gus after the financial year-end party in February. He’ll appoint any new staff and announce the promotions after the start of the new financial year in March.
I’m one step away from becoming a partner in the biggest underground software operation on the continent. Another step in this game of snakes and ladders, and Violet Starley will be mine. She’s been avoiding me all week, walking circles around my desk, but she won’t escape for long. It’s Saturday, and Gus invited me for dinner at his place, ensuring me with a pat on the shoulder his stepdaughter would be present.
Taking extra care with my appearance, I dress in a suit and button-down. Casual is acceptable at the office, but dinner is different. At ten to seven, I pull up at the stately gates of Gus’s property. Having been announced when I signed in at the entrance of the Kyalami estate, I’m expected. The gates open when I approach.
I park in a circular driveway that runs around a fountain. The setup is a cliché. Like the fountain, the house is a replica of European wealth and status. Unoriginal and pretentious. With the gifts I brought in my hands, I head up the steps to the front door and ring the bell. A lady in a housekeeper uniform opens the door.
She relieves me of the bottle of scotch and the box of macarons before stepping aside with a barely audible, “This way, please.”
She leads me through a foyer with a double-volume ceiling. We pass a wrought iron staircase with an intricate design of vines and grapes to a lounge with French doors that open onto a terrace. Gus poses in front of a wet bar, pouring drinks. Elliot leans on the counter, a glass already in his hand.
At the sight of me, his eyes narrow marginally. I give him a cool look in return.
“There you are,” Gus says, carrying a glass to me while the housekeeper deposits the gifts on the coffee table and takes her leave. “I like a punctual man.”
“Thank you for the invitation,” I say, accepting the drink he offers me.
“I don’t usually socialize with my staff.” Gus grips my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “But you’re as good as family.”
When he raises his glass, I follow suit before drinking to the informal toast. No surprise, Elliot doesn’t join us.
“The women should be down shortly,” Gus says.
On cue, the clacking of heels sounds on the floor. An instant later, Violet and another woman, who I presume to be her mother, appear on the doorstep.
Violet freezes, making the woman behind her bump into her back. Wearing a simple black dress with her hair in curls around her face, she looks like a dark angel. That’s where the angelic comparison ends. A devil’s flames burn in her pretty, lavender-colored eyes, shooting sparks of displeasure as she registers my presence, which clearly comes as a surprise.
“Violet,” Gus says. “Come say hello. I believe you know our guest.”
At the nudge her mother gives her, she purses her lips and enters the room, walking toward me with a limp. I take her in as she crosses the floor. She’s slightly broken yet perfectly whole. Her disability has made her stronger. However, it’s not her outer appearance that holds my attention, as attractive as that package may be. What captures me is the fire in those pretty eyes as she stops in front of me. It’s her attitude.
“This is the reason I had to dress up?” Violet asks, giving me an impersonal once-over.
The not-so-subtle insult makes me smile.
Her mother extends a hand and quickly brushes over Violet’s inhospitality with a bright voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hart. My husband told me how impressed he is with your work.”
I shake her hand. “Please, call me Leon.”
“Only if you’ll call me Gia,” she replies with practiced charm.
Turning back to Violet, I wrap my fingers around hers and bring her hand to my lips. “Hello, Violet.”
The kiss I press on her knuckles leaves no doubt about my possessive intent.
She pulls on my hold, trying to free her hand.
“If I may call you Violet?” I tease before letting her go.
She jerks away.
Elliot snickers.
“Drink?” Gus asks.
“Yes, please,” Gia says, overcompensating for the uncomfortable atmosphere with a jovial disposition. “Are you staying in town for the Easter break?” she asks when Gus hands her a glass of wine.