His gaze dropped lower, and the sight of her tightly beaded nipples against her gown made his own breathing stall in his chest. Lower still, her tiny waist gave way to those tempting hips that his palms ached to explore.
Even as he talked himself into believing his reaction would ultimately serve his purpose, a part of Theo was forced to acknowledge that he hadn’t reacted this strongly to a woman in a very long time. Everything about her brought his senses to roaring life in a way only the thought of revenge had for the past decade.
Revenge…retribution over the person who had created such chaos in his life.
He gritted his teeth as the sound of tinkling laughter and animated conversation refocused his mind to his task and purpose.
‘Good evening, Mr Pantelides. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening,’ Inez said stiltedly.
She turned and walked off the dance floor before he could reply. Not that he felt like replying. Although he’d mostly kept on track throughout the evening, a large part of him had become far too consumed by her seductive presence.
Inez da Costa was only one part of the game. To keep on track he needed to keep his head in the whole game.
He headed for the bar and sensed the moment Benedicto and his son halted their conversation and moved pincer-like towards him.
Dreaded anxiety washed over his senses but he forced himself to breathe through it.
I am no longer in that dark, cold place. I am in light. I am free…
He tersely repeated the short statement under his breath as he tossed back the shot of vodka and set it down with cold, precise care.
He was no longer weak. No longer helpless.
And he most certainly would never be put in a position to beg for his life. Ever again.
By the time they reached him, he’d regained control of his body.
‘Senhor Pantelides—’
‘We’re about to become business partners—’ his gaze slid over Pietro’s head to where Inez was holding court in a group of guests; the sleek line of her neck and the curve of her body sent another punch of heat straight to his groin ‘—and hopefully a little bit more than that. Call me Theo.’
The younger man looked a little taken aback, but he rallied quickly, nodded and held out his hand. ‘Theo…we wanted to hammer down a time to discuss finalising our agreement.’
He took Pietro’s hand in a firm grip. Benedicto started to offer his hand. Theo deliberately turned away. Catching the bartender’s eye, he held up his fingers for three more drinks. By the time he faced them again, Benedicto had lowered his hand.
Theo breathed through the deep anger that churned through his belly and smiled.
‘Tomorrow. Ten o’clock. My office. I’ll have the documents ready for us to sign.’
This time it was Benedicto who looked taken aback. ‘I was under the impression that you wanted to iron out a few more details.’
Theo’s gaze flicked back to Inez. ‘I had a few concerns but they no longer matter. Your campaign funds will be ready in the next twenty-four hours.’
Father and son exchanged triumphant looks. ‘We are pleased to hear it,’ Benedicto said.
‘Good, then I hope the three of you will join me for dinner tomorrow evening to celebrate our new deal.’
Benedicto frowned. ‘The three of us?’
‘Of course. I expect that, since this is a family company, your daughter would wish to be included in the celebrations? After all, the company was her mother’s family’s business before it became yours, Senhor da Costa, was it not?’ he queried silkily.
The older man’s eyes narrowed and something unpleasant slid across his face. ‘I bought my father-in-law out over a decade ago but yes, it’s a family business.’
Bought out using money he’d obtained by inflicting pain and merciless torment.
The bartender slid their shots across the polished counter.
Theo picked up the nearest shot glass and raised it. ‘In that case, I look forward to welcoming you all as my guests tomorrow evening. Saúde.’
‘Saúde,’ Benedicto and his son responded.
Theo threw back the drink and this time didn’t hold back from slamming it down.
Again he saw father and son exchange looks. He didn’t care.
All he cared about was making it out of the ballroom in one piece before he buried his fist in Benedicto da Costa’s bony face. The urge to tear apart the man who’d caused his family, caused him, so much anguish reared through him.