Chapter 04

Leonardo Cooper

- What do you mean he rejected my offer? Who does he think he is to do that? - my voice echoes through the club's private room, charged with anger.

Indignation boils in my chest. I face Alexandre, who remains calm, as if he wasn't dealing with one of the most powerful men in Valmont.

- I thought the boys in your house did things without making demands. That boy is a daredevil!

- Unfortunately, I don't make boys do anything they don't want to do," replied Alexander, crossing his arms, but without losing his controlled tone. - And in this case, being beaten up isn't within his limits.

I laugh sarcastically, unable to believe the absurdity of the situation.

- Hit? Who said I was going to hit him? This kid is insolent.

Alexandre looks away for a second, and the discomfort in his posture is obvious.

- Well, considering you asked for the red room, I figured...

- You figured wrong. - My voice is firm, sharp. The red room is reserved for intense experiences, yes, but I'm not some sadist who loses control. - I wanted him because he interested me, because I saw him dancing on that stage as if the world revolved around him. Not because I want to take out my frustrations on him.

Alexandre shakes his head slowly, but doesn't seem impressed by my explanation.

- I can find another boy. I have many who would grant your request without hesitation. But Gabriel... he's out of the question. He doesn't want to. He's always been the most stubborn boy in the house.

Alexandre's answer ignites something inside me, a flame that won't be ignored. Without thinking, I punch the wall next to me, the pain in my fist almost insignificant compared to the frustration that takes hold of me. I won't accept being rejected like this by anyone.

- Make him want it, Alexandre, I did it your way. I pay well, I'm generous. You know that.

Alexandre sighs, but keeps his gaze fixed on me, as if analyzing my determination.

- Generosity doesn't always solve everything, Mr. Cooper. Especially with Gabriel. He's... resistant and stubborn.

- Then you'd better find out what's causing this resistance," I say, pointing at him. - Because I don't accept being rejected, least of all by someone who was begging for an opportunity in my company hours ago.

Alexandre hesitates, but nods slightly. He knows I'm not the kind of man to take "no" for an answer. Gabriel would be mine, one way or another.

- I'll see what I can do," Alexandre says, trying to remain calm, but his hesitant tone irritates me even more.

I hold the leather whip in my hand, the handle firm against my skin, and stare at him with a look that would make anyone flinch.

- No, Alexander. You won't see what you can do. You will bring the boy. Or I'll end this establishment of yours with one phone call. I want him...

He looks at me with wide eyes, surprised, but tries to pull himself together.

- You wouldn't do that, Leonardo. We've been friends for years. You're an old and respected regular here. It's not my fault if he doesn't want to accept.

- And that's exactly why it offends me so much. - I run my free hand through my hair, still holding the whip. - This boy has no idea who I am or what I can do. He dares to reject me? Does he think he can just ignore an offer from me? I know it's not your fault, but I don't care, bring him in.

Alexandre steps forward, his hands raised in a conciliatory gesture.

- Look, I'm not going to lie to him, but I'm also not going to tell him that you're the owner of the company where he tried out for a job. It's not my style to expose anyone.

- Good. - I give a half-smile, but it's not one of satisfaction, it's one of control. - Then come back when you've brought the boy. I won't take "no" for an answer, Alexandre. I'm Leonardo Cooper, and when I want something, I get it.

He seems to hesitate for a moment, but then nods and leaves quickly, muttering that he'll sort it out in a moment.

As the door closes, I take a deep breath, trying to control the anger that still pulses inside me. I walk over to the table, pick up the bottle of whisky and pour myself a drink with calculated movements. The liquid flows hot down my throat, but it doesn't relieve the fire I feel inside.

I grip the whip tighter, the leather folding between my fingers as I stare into the void.

"This boy needs to be taught a lesson," I think, turning the glass of whisky in my hand. "Nobody rejects Leonardo Cooper. And he'll understand that, even if it's the hard way."

I sit in one of the armchairs in the red room, the whip still in my hand, while the glow of the red lights reflects off the leather walls. My heart is pounding, but it's pure determination. There's no room for doubt.

I reach into my pocket for my cell phone, scroll through my contacts list and call my secretary, Clara, directly. She answers on the second ring.

- Mr. Cooper, good evening. - Her voice is professional as always, but slightly curious, probably due to the time of day.

- Tomorrow, I want you to hire Gabriel Dantas as my new personal assistant. - My voice is firm, leaving no room for questions.

There's a pause on the other end of the line. Clara, even though she's efficient, knows that some of my decisions warrant caution.

- Are you sure about that, sir? You want me to...

- Of course I'm sure, Clara! - I grunt, interrupting her sentence. My tone comes out more aggressive than expected, but I don't care. - Just do what I'm asking. No questions asked.

- Understood, sir. - Her professionalism doesn't waver, but I can imagine her expression of slight discomfort.

I hang up the phone without adding anything else, throwing it on the table next to me. I take a deep breath, looking at the whip in my hand.

"Personal assistant," I think, letting a smile creep across my face. "Let's see how long it takes him to understand who's really in control."

I stand up, stretching my shirt sleeves and adjusting my tie. The game had only just begun, and Gabriel Dantas had no idea that he had already lost.