CHAPTER FOUR

Smith gave a wry smile, then gestured to Mike to allow her in. Bella must be the brunette he met last night at his club. Jeez! He didn't even remember he gave her a card. The event of last night flashed through his mind. How he had stormed out of his mother's mansion enraged. He had planned to retire early for the day but that was before his mood was soiled. He drove to his club instead, to calm his nerves.

At first, he enjoyed the distraction Bella's presence offered when she confidently made her way to his booth. Of course, she was denied entry by a bouncer stationed at the entrance of the vip booth. Bella, however didn't allow that to weaken her resolve, such that Smith was amused. He signaled the bouncer to let her in. She had struck him as interesting and stubborn. The two combination had scored her a point with him but after a while, her incessant chatter became a thorn in the flesh. He was forced to send her away in grand style; bribing her with the card. By that time, Smith himself was wasted.

Bella stepped into his office looking all radiant in a mini red dress with shiny silver stiletto heels on her feet and a matching designer bag. She packed her hair in a bun. Her simple makeup complimenting her elegant style. She has a fair skin, curves that accentuates her body shape and slim figure that is perfect for modelling. She gave Smith a seductive smile as she made her way to sit beside him on the sofa. She used his glass to pour herself some brandy. She took a sip, swirled her tongue around it, satisfied with it's rich flavour, swallowed and nodded in approval. She smacked her lips after taking another sip, giving Smith a lewd look. Making her intentions apparent.

She moved closer to him. Rolled to his side, then raised her head to his. In that instant, a flicker of emotion passed between them. She then raised her left hand slowly, to cup the side of his face. She loved the feel of his soft skin against her palm. She played with his light beards, gently tugging at some of the hairs on his chin. Her eyes went to his well defined lips. She used her index finger to trace the outline, amazed at its soft texture. She returned her gaze to his, saw the amusement playing around his beautiful eyes, daring her to go on. She smiled in return as she slowly lowered her lips to his, kissing him softly. She used her tongue to trace his bottom lip before deepening the kiss.

Smith could no longer pretend to be unaffected by the beautiful specimen beside him as he took over the kiss. He was no saint afterall. Damning all ethical reasons he should not be doing that in his office, he positioned her to sit astride his thighs. In the process, her gown slid up a bit, exposing more flesh to Smith's hungry gaze. Their hands roamed each other's body. Feeling, touching, tasting and breathing each other's scent as they made out. Bella was going for Smith's fly, to unzip his pants when there was a sharp knock on the office door. In that instant,

Smith remembered the door was left unlocked. He sprang to his feet, depositing Bella on the sofa, urging her with his eyes to compose herself. Then, there was another knock as the doorknob began to slowly turn.Smith had himself straightened, making his way to his desk, while Bella, on the other hand, sat on the sofa looking quite composed, save for her slightly disheveled hair.

The door opened as a plump woman in her early fifties walked in with great splendor. Her outfits and elegance apparently displayed her class of wealth; from her expensive hairdo to her well polished toenails. Bella gawked at her in sheer astonishment. She couldn't believe her sight. Right in front of her, stood the famous Mrs. Catherine Smith! Mother of one of the few youngest billionaire and eligible bachelor in Africa! The very same she was making out with just few seconds ago!

"Wow!" She exclaimed

Mrs Smith, whose intent gaze had been directed at her son - who stood casually with his back to his mahogany table - turned her head to the sofa, noticing Bella's presence for the first time. She sent her a chilling look, irritated by her little interruption. She walked slowly to her, taking in her appearance. Bella quickly rose to her feet, unsure how to relate with her. She bowed her head slightly, occasionally stealing a quick glance until Catherine stood in front of her. She used her index finger to raise her chin. She looked intently into her eyes.

"Who are you?" She asked coldly

Bella was by now uncomfortable. Her eyes, once again, fixed to the marble floor, fervently wishing it to open up and conceal her from her predicament.

"I ... I am...My name is...." Bella was stuttering. All confidence and excitement of few minutes gone.

Okay, I better come in now. Smith thought as he walked towards the duo.

"Mother! What an unexpected visit from you. Pleasant nonetheless!" Smith said, giving Catherine a quick peck on the cheek and enfolding her in his arms.

He stepped back from her, forcing a smile her way.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, Bella here was just on her way out", he said, directing his gaze at Bella

He picked her bag, held her right hand, as he walked a confused but grateful Bella to the door.

"Come visit me again", he said to her ears before opening the door for her.

Bella nodded and smiled sheepishly before exiting the room.

Relieved, Smith walked back to the center of the room, seething with anger.

"What are you doing here"? He said gritting his teeth.

"We need to talk", Catherine said, matching her son's gaze with one of her own.