Lorenzo pov
I sat in the back of the SUV, the interior dark except for the glow of the tablet on my lap. Cemal sat next to me, chewing on a piece of gum, his eyes fixed on the screen.
I had hidden a camera in the silver brooch on Mara's neckline. The picture was clear. I could see the bubbles in her glass and the fake smiles of the people walking past her.
"She's in," Cemal said. "Look at her go. She's not even shaking."
"She's a pro," I muttered, but my chest felt tight.
On the screen, a man appeared, David. He looked soft. He wore a suit that fit him well, and he had medicated eyeglasses,but he didn't look like of a man who knew how to fight. He walked right up to her, and I saw Mara's hand tremble for a split second before she masked it.
"Mara? I can't believe it's you," David said. His voice came through the earpiece loud and clear. "You look... different. Since university, I mean. You used to wear those oversized sweaters and carry a stack of books everywhere."
Mara let out a small, nervous laugh. "That was then, David. People change."
"Not everything changes," David whispered. He stepped closer, filling the camera frame. He reached out and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered on her skin. Then, he leaned in and pressed a slow kiss to her cheek. "I've thought about you every day since I left."
I gripped the tablet. The plastic casing made a sharp cracking sound.
"Easy, cousin," Cemal said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "It's just a greeting."
"He's touching her too much," I growled.
"Because they are friends, what's your problem?" Cemal raised his eyebrows.
"She's very emotional, I don't want her to forget her task." I replied, using my palm to press my temple.
"Don't worry too much, she will handle it, Cemal patted my shoulders. "Watch."
"Uhmm," we both stared back to the screen.
The camera panned as Mara moved through the room with David following her like a lost dog.
"So, what are you doing here?" David asked, his voice dropping. "Thought Vance fired you? These people... they're dangerous, Mara. Especially Ryan Smart. Leave if you were not invited to avoid embarrassment."
"I'm just doing my job, David," she said.
"Vance called me back, and I was invited."
Suddenly, the screen showed a pair of polished shoes. Ryan Smart stepped into the frame. He was taller than David, and he moved with a shark-like confidence.
"Mara Santi," Ryan said, his voice smooth and husky. "The girl with the sharp pen. I didn't think you'd show up tonight."
"I couldn't miss so an amazing event, Mr. Smart," Mara replied. She leaned in closer to him, closer than she needed to. "I have a lot of questions about your new tech project. The one everyone is whispering about. The new design in the your model and it's new features ... they're quite the talk."
Ryan's eyes traveled down her dress. He smiled, and it made my blood boil. "Is that so? You want to know about my tech, or do you just want an excuse to stand this close to me?"
"Maybe both," Mara said, her voice steady. "A man like you doesn't build something that big without a few inspirations. Are the rumors about the data encryption true?"
Ryan leaned down, his breath probably hitting her neck. "Why don't we find a corner where it's less noisy? I might have a few things I can share with a woman as persistent as you.
You're far too beautiful to be talking about wires and tech all night."
David stepped forward, his face twisting with jealousy. "Good day sir, the guest most be waiting for you."
"I have been busy handling them, let me get gave a time with this damsel over here." Ryan holding Mara hand.
"Mara, maybe we should go get a drink. You don't need to stay here." David whispered close to her eye lopes.