Goddess of Vengeance - Jackie Collins [83]
‘Lucky, once again, I’m so sorry—’
‘Time for the board meeting,’ she said, her beautiful face expressionless, only her deep-black eyes revealing her annoyance. ‘Let’s go. I don’t intend to keep anyone waiting.’
Danny shut his laptop and trotted after them, wondering how Lucky was able to keep her cool. Armand might be a chauvinistic billionaire, but if he, Danny, was in Lucky’s place, he would’ve slapped the man’s face, a resounding slap heard for miles.
Ah yes, Danny thought dreamily. One of those old-fashioned slaps that used to take place when Diva Queens ruled the movies. Bette Davis, Ava Gardner, Joan Crawford.
Danny had rented and avidly watched all their movies; their outfits alone had sent him into a euphoric state.
‘Danny,’ Lucky said sharply, turning her head. ‘Stop following us and go deal with getting that person tossed from my hotel. I want you to personally make sure he leaves the premises, and be sure to tell Jerrod to alert everyone that he is not allowed back. Comprende?’
‘I’m on it,’ Danny said, once again jumping to attention. ‘Although surely you need me at the board meeting?’
‘Send one of the assistants to cover it.’
‘Really?’ Danny said, disappointed because he hated missing anything.
‘Yes, really,’ Lucky said briskly. ‘And don’t forget that Lennie is arriving at five. Make sure he knows I’m at the apartment. And once he gets here, we do not expect to be disturbed under any circumstances. Got it?’
‘Got it,’ Danny repeated.
‘Tell Bobby and Max we’ll see them for breakfast tomorrow. And organize anything they or their friends might need for tonight. I’m picking up the tab.’
Danny nodded. He understood. Whenever Lennie reappeared, Lucky carved out alone time with her husband. And that, Danny decided, was the reason they had such a happy and successful marriage.
Lucky had her priorities straight: nothing and no one came between her and her man.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Armand was burning up. He had never – repeat never – been spoken to in such a fashion, and by a woman! He was enraged. He felt as if his head would explode with sheer fury. Black spots danced in front of his eyes. He was sick, sick, sick with fury.
The moment they left Lucky’s office he turned on Fouad and began screaming a litany of expletives, as if Fouad was personally responsible for the unfortunate meeting. ‘Fuck that whore bitch. And fuck you!’ Armand yelled, the veins standing out in his forehead. ‘Motherfucking cunt!’
Fouad wasn’t quite sure whether the motherfucking cunt insult was directed at him or Lucky Santangelo. It didn’t matter. He’d made up his mind about moving on, and as soon as he had all his affairs in order it would be sayonara Armand Jordan and everything he represented. He couldn’t wait to return to New York.
However, in spite of Armand’s loathsome anger, he managed to remain stony-faced. He’d warned Armand that The Keys was not for sale, but Armand had insisted on meeting anyway. Had he read the research that Fouad’s assistant had gathered on Lucky Santangelo, he would have realized that she was no ordinary woman. Lucky Santangelo was a lethal force. A woman with a dangerous and powerful past. A strong intelligent woman who seemed able to achieve anything she set her mind on. And a beauty too. Fouad was struck by her looks and composure.
‘What now?’ Fouad asked, when Armand finally stopped yelling. ‘Should I arrange for a plane?’
‘A plane?’ Armand snarled, clenching his fists. ‘For what? You think I’m running away? You actually imagine I would leave here without getting my prize?’
Why was Armand still thinking he could gain ownership of a property that was not for sale? Surely, as a businessman, he realized there was no deal to be made. Especially after his confrontation with Lucky Santangelo.
This situation was becoming ridiculous. Armand was behaving like an out-of-control child who’d failed to get a new bike for Christmas. Could anyone respect a man who behaved like that? Lucky Santangelo and her lawyer