Amanda
As soon as Marco stopped the car in front of the restaurant I did not waste a second to open the door and climb out. The air in the car had become so suffocating that I was counting down the seconds until we were not alone anymore.
It was like he enjoyed seeing me rattled. Seeing me confused and slightly knocking my heels. He loved power. Men who used women like him adored power and the thrill of women throwing themselves at him. Did he think I was that weak? Clearly he did not know any better.
If I was alone I would have sped forward just to avoid any further contact with him but he made the reservation. I would look more stupid marching in without a clue of where we were going.
The valet driver seemed surprised as Marco climbed out then handed him the key. Paparazzi were in the distance still racing to get a picture of us but Marco ushered us in quickly before the commotion could start.
We had a more VIP reserved table that stood at a higher platform than the rest of the restaurant and had short frosted glass panels that gave us a sense of privacy whilst still being a part of the restaurant. It helped calm down my nerves because maybe that would calm Marco from whatever ludicrousy he was up to.
Once we were seated and had ordered, we both enjoyed a glass of sweet red wine which I downed faster than I knew I should have but I needed it.
"So Miss Coleman, what have you been up to the last eight years?" he leaned back in his seat and crossed one leg over the other.
"School," I answered with a small hum, "School and starting up my company.
"Why didn't you just make a division of Coleman Enterprise?" he tilted his head to the right.
"I didn't want my success to be tied to my family name. It's easy starting a business when you're cushioned by your family's name already but also with their finances. No one would have taken me seriously," I shrugged.
"I thought you wanted to run Coleman Enterprise with Edward when you finished school?"
I pressed my lips into a thin line, "Edward is a better face of the family business than I ever was. I thought- I thought with years maybe I would mature to be in his league but Edward was born to take over what Dad built."
"Do you envy him?"
My eyes enlarged as I quickly shook my head, "Of course not. Edward has his success because of his brain. He is everywhere. Yes sometimes it does suck that no one really thinks of me when they hear Coleman but I know they think of me when they hear Amanda. That's a legacy I'm making for myself."
Marco stared at me for a long time before nodding. "Then why the House of Agassi? Aren't you worried it might be overshadowed by our reputation?"
"No," I glared, "I'm making your company look good. This rogue playboy look of yours will one day get old. 'Amy' will keep that balance."
"How can I forget?" he chuckled, "The world's Princess. Everyone loves you cause you're everyone sweetheart. Softens the rogue edges of my big bad wolf persona doesn't it?"
"It does," I smiled, "I'm an asset and everything I wear sells within minutes."
"But at the same time you do not wish to sell to me even though you know I will ensure your success," he raised his eyebrows.
"I'm still testing this out. You've so far made a terrible impression. Who knows throughout the weeks maybe I will learn to respect your business mind more than the playboy."
"You play a fair game Miss Coleman," he raised his wine glass.
I raised mine and clinked it against his, "Thank you Mister Agassi."
When Marco was not a prick he was fun to talk to when it came to business. I could understand why Edward felt he would be a better mentor in this field. He was calmer whilst Edward was known for being a no nonsense taker and cut throat and it was well known that I never took nonsense from anyone. I would have been the prime suspect for his murder.
"Maybe Cody can pick me up," I gave Marco a lopsided grin as I stumbled down the steps of the VIP enclosure. I had too many glasses of wine for my own good and I regretted the decision greatly. Yet Marco kept on pouring and I kept on drinking.
"I'll feel better taking you home myself," he chuckled as he wrapped his arm around my waist to help me walk more casually yet for some reason it felt like my dress was sticking my legs together even more that I found it difficult.
Before I had a chance to take another step Marco swept me up in his big, strong, tree trunk of arms bridal style. I let out a loud laugh, surprising even myself as I threw my head back. "You're going to drop me," I snorted.
"I would never do such a thing," he smiled down to me whilst he carried me out of the restaurant. Everyone was staring. A good chunk of women looked at me with complete hatred and envy. There was something thrilling about it, them thinking that Marco had broken the mould of the usual women he went for and went for me.
Even though I knew it was not true it still felt wonderful to imagine.
When we exited the restaurant his Ferrari was waiting. The valet driver opened the passenger door for us and I thanked him loudly with a bright smile which made Marco frown. He gently placed me into my seat and buckled me up before closing the door and getting himself into the drivers as well.
Finally we got to the hotel. I was half asleep and I did not completely remember how I got to my hotel room, but I was sure Marco had himself a handful.