#reyhan.wyatt1

[reyhansolmaz]

— SETTING: a fancy schmancy place in Atlanta ; dec 23rd — AVAILABILITY: closed starter for WYATT ABRAHAMS  | ( @wyattxabhrams )

To this day, Reyhan didn't know why people decided to make Holidays benefits all about the drinks they were serving or the food that would be in each plate they had bought, but, the money spent there tonight was going to one of many women's shelter in Atlanta and of course Reyhan felt inclined to help. Especially after hearing that her own boss was going to be there, so, to be seen in an event like this could also be helpful to her career, too.

She was wearing a red, sleeveless gown, and although she looked beautiful, she was truly feeling like a fish out of water there, as she often felt whenever she was by herself in places such as these.

The brunette had just taken her second champagne flute from one of the passing treys when she felt someone bumping into her back (more like... someone shoved her onto someone else), which flung her forwards, making the brunette collapse onto someone else's body. "What the—" As she turned around, she saw two women covering their mouths as if to hide their giggles as they looked at her, which both infuriated Reyhan and also, made her shrink.

She drew in a breath, then turning to the person she'd bumped into. "I'm sorry." She then shook her head. "I hope I didn't spill anything on you?"

[reyhansolmaz]

Once Reyhan was past the teenage-like bullying that had just happened to her, she allowed herself to steady up on top of her high heels — all thanks to the gentle soul that had stopped her from falling. Her ears recognized that voice. One that she had heard one too many times during some parties and benefits her clients were participating. One that at the same time made her knees weak, but also, made alarm sounds go off in her mind.

Wyatt Abrahams was everything she had ever wanted in terms of looks, but he didn't seem to be available for her. Or, at least, that was what she would tell herself whenever she would see him out and about.

The way he spoke, although probably unintentionally, made her feel like she didn't belong there. And just like that, the same feeling of being alone in a crowded room, of being too little, less than herself, returned to her. Alas, Reyhan didn't let it show.

"Wyatt, hello." She smiled, wearing it like an armor. Like her own shield, whenever people started throwing knives at her. "Yes, I came at the request of my boss." With that, she gently pried herself from within his grasp, by taking a minor step back. "Thank you for steadying me. It seems that people leave high school, but high school doesn't leave them." Her gaze was trained on the two young women who had bumped into her and made her collapse onto Wyatt. "Would you like a refill? It'll be a way of thanking you." / @wyattxabhrams

Wyatt was truthfully grateful to get out of Covington. Even if it was only to Atlanta. A man that spent more time on the road than at home, it was exhausting to be cooped up in his tiny hometown where every passerby looked at him with the same pitiful looks. Because despite being away for years, the Abhrams notoriety did not dim. Especially not with his father galivanting god only knew where. And despite trying his best to keep things under wraps, to keep the disappearance a secret, within a few months people started to notice that their former Mayor, who rarely stepped foot out of Covington, was nowhere to be found.

Tonight was a breath of fresh air, partly as it felt like he stepped back into his old life. Galas, banquets, fundraisers. This was his wheelhouse and as he weaved through the crowds, stopping to speak with the various people who he knew, Wyatt felt like he was back in his element. He might not be a detective equipped to solve the case of a disappearing father but he was a damn good consultant who knew how to schmooze up to the hosts of this event. Who knew exactly how to weave policy into small talk.

With his empty flute deposited on a tray, he was heading towards his table when another body collided with his. Gripping her shoulders to steady her ( and avoid any more mishaps given the still half full flute in her hand ), he surveyed his own clothes first. No major damage, and luckily most of the drink landed on the carpet rather than on either of them. Gaze moving up to meet hers, his lips curved up in recognition and his brow raised in surprise. “Reyhan? You, here?” | @reyhansolmaz

[reyhansolmaz]

As he stepped forward, Reyhan instinctively took a step back, feeling her back gently hit the balcony ledge behind her. She had no intention of walking away from him, but it just felt... daring in a way, and as his long fingers took a strand of her wavy hair and tucked behind her ear, she found herself swallowing hard in response. Her body reacted to his brief touch, eyelids fluttering shut for a second there as his fingertips ghosted against her skin. Her lips parted slightly, drawing in a breath and letting out a pleasing sigh in response. It almost felt like that small action had been enough to send a wave of electricity along her body.

Blue.

His blue hues towered over hers, invitingly, daringly, overwhelmingly. It was cold indeed, but her body felt hot in his presence, almost as if Wyatt knew exactly what to do to flip the switch inside her. Her fingertips itched to reach up and caress the nape of his neck, or to scratch his perfectly shaved beard. The tie had not been an excuse, but now, it would have been the perfect time to wrap her fingers around the fabric and pull him close, close the gap between their mouths—not that they were that much distant in the first place.

She was cold, but those goosebumps had been provoked by the thought of his lips on her skin, his hands pressing onto her hips, his beard tickling placed covered by the red fabric of her dress... weren't they? It couldn't have been the wind, or the face that her skin was pressed against cold marble. Not at all.

God damnit that crooked smirk.

Reyhan had noticed it before. Not only tonight, but the other times they had met... the Wyatt Abhrams smirk. The one she had trademarked it in her head, and the one that was making her short of breath right now. "It is." She replied, a shaky breath escaping her lips and at that moment, Reyhan knew she couldn't deny his influence on her. She would be pathetic to do so. Her mind began clouding for a second there, hands reaching up to his waist line, to tug on the lapels of his suit jacket, as if trapping him to her embrace just as he had trapped her on the balcony. Instinctively, Reyhan inched closer, her body almost pressed to his.

"I'd like that very much." Just like him, her gaze never faltered from his blue hues. Well... they might have, when she nodded in response to his question and her dark orbs glanced at his pink lips for a second there, her throat again going dry at the mere thought of having a taste of his lips. "Let's go." Finally, she gave his jacket one final tug, before letting go of it almost as immediately as his hands dropped to his sides, thus freeing her from that overwhelmingly warm trap he'd set up for her. / @wyattxabhrams

— END.

Wyatt raised a brow in silent acceptance. From the outset, he did not shy from acknowledging that he was being complimentary towards her. Throughout the evening, he’d peppered in flattery amid conversation. While she outwardly minimized his praise, chalking it up to charm, the upward tilt at the corners of her lips, the amused glint in her eye, were proof enough. His words had their intended impact. Reyhan returned his repartee, and he chuckled in turn. “Might depend on the cat.” After all, he wasn’t quite a pet person. A moment later, she returned to the same topic and Wyatt couldn’t help his amusement at how seriously she seemed to consider the humorous hypothetical. And though the joke had run its course, he humored her addendum in their imaginary exchange. “No kid, no cat. That leaves only the kidney.”  

It was pleasant. Despite the obvious chill in the air that cut through even his suit jacket, the breeze was refreshing. And as he appreciated the moment of separation from the crowds, her matter-of-fact statement drew his attention back to her. He met her thoughtful gaze with a creased brow and bemusement. Blue? As though understanding his silent question, she laughed to herself, furthering his own interest. What about the color blue was funny? Her reply was unexpected. And for the second time that night, Wyatt found Reyhan in close proximity. The first had been accidental. A welcome happenstance that it was his arms she’d stumbled into. This was deliberate.

A few short strides brought her before him. While she admired the hue of his eyes under the moonlight, he admired the way the same illuminated her sharp features. The color of her lips matched the flush on her cheeks. Presumably, from the chill in the air. Though Wyatt might have dared be more presumptuous that night as she adjusted his tie. He waited for her gaze to meet his once more as she finished her thought. “It’s not the moon.” It was his turn to be precise for what was intended as a compliment. Or maybe his way of clarifying. “They’re always blue.” Therefore, theoretically, she should always like them.  

Her fingers lingered for a second longer than necessary, much like his gaze had the entire night. Wyatt discarded his drink on the balcony ledge as well, taking a few steps of his own. His free hand caught a loose curl of her hair. Was his tie crooked? Perhaps. Was her hair out of place? Not really. But he was returning the favor. And testing his luck. Letting the strand catch between his fingers, a moment later, he brushed it back into place. His fingertips grazing the curve of her cheek, he tucked the loose tress behind her ear. The back of his hand brushed against the nape of her neck barely. Ostensibly innocent. She had fixed his tie. He adjusted her hair. It was escalation only if she wished it to be.

“You’re cold,” he observed, voice just loud enough for her to hear. They stood close. Enough that his pitch didn’t need to compensate for the buzz of the conversation inside. Enough that he could see the goosebumps dotting her exposed shoulder. Another detail revealed courtesy of the moonlight. “It’s,” he paused, elongating the last consonant while searching for his next word, lip curving up slightly as he repeated himself, “cold.” His hand fell onto the balcony railing, inches from where hers hung by her side. Without diverting his gaze, he nodded towards the ballroom behind them. “And I’ve had enough of this party.” As had she, he suspected. “Do you want to head out?” The ‘with me’ silent. Implied, but unspoken, for all the same reasons his actions were always calculated. Plausible deniability. | @reyhansolmaz

[reyhansolmaz]

The way her gaze caught his, for that split second, she almost believed his words, but Reyhan knew better than to believe men who looked like him and who were as smart as him. White men like Wyatt, carried the world in the palm of their hands. Men like him had little toys as distractions since they were kids and tended to get possessive with those, only to change toys as they shifted their attention to something else, or, better yet, someone else.

And yet... she almost believed him.

There was something about the way Wyatt Abhrams carried himself that made her feel like he could sell her a nice vacation in an igloo and she would be perfectly happy with her choice. He was enticing, enthralling and not only that, but he was also so great with his words that Reyhan second-guessed her sharp perception and almost let herself buy what he was selling. That, however, wasn't the worst part of it all.

The worst part was that she wanted to believe his words.

Reyhan caught herself trying to hide a little smile as she rolled her eyes at his words. She didn't want to seem naive to him, but catching the attention of someone who could clearly have anyone else in the room and yet, chose to spend his time with her, definitely prompted a little twist up from her lips. "You're full of charm tonight, aren't you?" Not only tonight. She knew that for sure, having had the opportunity to chat with Wyatt in other gatherings in Atlanta. "I appreciate it. A little stroke on the ego has never hurt anyone."

His joke, however, stole a soft chuckle from her lips. "You know... the kidney I could do without, but the newborn would have to wait until another lifetime. Would a cat suffice?" While she understood that no, he wasn't asking for a kidney, let alone a newborn, it just felt like a funny retort to give. Right? Reyhan could be funny sometimes without getting lost in her own thoughts about how illogical she was being. Right? But then again... she really did want to adopt a cat someday... "Wait. Can I take it back? You can't have a cat either." And by the end of her sentence, of course, the joke had run its course and Reyhan was left feeling a tad bit stupid in return, which was the perfect opportunity for the brunette to simply step outside and welcome the cold breeze.

She could feel her entire body vibrating with excitement, even after moments had passed between her conversation with Walter Harrison and now. It was like electrical charges coursed through her veins, making her beam with happiness as she leaned onto the balcony and closed her eyes for a moment. Reyhan drew in a breath, as if the cold night air would be able to steam down her lungs and cool her off for a bit. The steam of her exhale was still dissipating in front of her face when she opened her eyes and turned around to face Wyatt, noticing a slight change she hadn't noticed before.

"They're blue." She stated, plain and simple, as if he needed no explanation to what she had just said. As if that didn't make her seem like some kind of lunatic. It brought yet another soft chuckle to her lips. "You eyes, I mean." Setting her glass on the balcony, Reyhan reached up and gently adjusted his tie, who's knot was slightly crooked, and letting her fingers linger there for longer than they should. "The light of the moon is making them blue. I like it. It suits you better." / @wyattxabhrams

“True. But not every one catches my attention.” Wyatt did not give her an empty denial of the observation. It was true that he was frequently surrounded by gorgeous women. That didn’t detract from the fact that Reyhan in particular had caught his eye that evening. Granted, he’d noticed that she was beautiful the first time they met. Much like how Walter Harrison, and every other man in the circle they’d just left, did as well. But it was undeniable that tonight had shown him a different side of her. One that had been unexpected. Because up until moments before, he’d viewed her as someone so out of her element in this space that he’d nearly written her off. Of course, that was a mistake on his part. He should have known better than to make assumptions. But they were grounded in the fact that the few times that they’d seen each other, she’d always felt like Colin’s shadow. He’d heard very little from her and seen nothing more than her nerves.

Now, the slight buzz of excitement from having successfully wooed Harrison paired with the beauty that he’d already noticed only made her that much more fascinating. Alluring even. Which was why as she turned away from him, Wyatt’s gaze subconsciously raked along her bare back and the red silk that accentuated her figure. Yes, Reyhan Solmaz was far more than met the eye. Or Wyatt had been slow to realize. “He will. I’d bet on it.” He offered, gaze turning back towards the blond author who had very carefully pocketed Reyhan’s card.

“I’m not going to ask for your kidney or first born, don’t worry,” he laughed, attention refocused on her. When she asked him to accompany her out, he might have otherwise cast a glance around to see if there were someone else who he’d missed in making his rounds through the event. For now, however, Wyatt had done enough schmoozing. This event had been his much-needed escape from Covington. A reminder that outside of the small town, his name carried weight of its own respect, not because of his father or his family’s political inheritance. But now, Wyatt welcomed the distraction from the endless small talk. Which was why he motioned for her to lead the way, enjoying the refreshing chill in the air as they did step out. “Guess I needed some space too.” | @reyhansolmaz

[reyhansolmaz]

It was like an entire weight had been lifted from her shoulders as they stepped away. Reyhan wanted to scream at the rooftops and for all of Atlanta to hear her, alas, for obvious reasons, she simply thanked Wyatt with a smile. She would probably give his hand an extra shake once they parted ways for the evening, since he seemed to have more important things to do than entertain her presence, but while he had her, she would accept his company. Gladly so.

"As if you weren't always surrounded by gorgeous women." With a slight cock of her head, Reyhan offered him a smile. She was, in no way, telling him that she didn't find herself beautiful, but the way his compliment was offered, it felt like he was trying to make her feel special... just like he probably had done to so many others before. Some, that could also be in this very room with them. As she turned around, letting the exposed skin of her back face him, Reyhan sipped on the sparkling, orange drink. "I sure hope so." Her job wouldn't be on the line if Walter Harrison didn't call, but she was sure that Colin would respect her more if the author in question did call.

Again, she drew in a breath. The red of her lipstick rested tenderly on her fleshy pout as the brunette chewed softly on the inside of her cheek, pondering whether or not she should let out the question that had been burning on her tongue. In true honesty, Reyhan didn't mind owing him one. There wasn't much that she could offer the blonde man, at least, nothing that she could think of at the moment.

As she turned around to face him, Reyhan then clinked her crystal glass against his. "I don't know what kind of debt that would mean for me, but, yes. I owe you one, Wyatt Abhrams." She told him with a nod, before motioning her head towards the balcony. "I know it's cold, but... if you don't have others to entertain, would you like to step aside with me? It's starting to feel a bit crowded for me and I need some space." Voicing her needs was something she had learned as an adult, too. Therapy had helped. It was okay to admit when things were too much for her, to ask for space, to tell people to back off. / @wyattxabhrams

And just like that Wyatt fell behind her, allowing Reyhan to take the reigns from him effortlessly. He’d done this exact same thing countless times before. His role was to schmooze. To rub shoulders with the rich and powerful, gain insights and contacts. Leveraging his own powerful pedigree and vast social network, Wyatt harnessed the power that came from being a white man in the world of other white men to fill his book of contacts. From there, he would cycle through them as needed, making introductions to those that would give him something in return.

Reyhan was the odd one out in his typical exchanges. She did not have anything to offer him as readily as the men that he usually arranged introductions for. Nor had they struck a tacit bargain prior to his introduction. He was helping her with no immediate gain, which was an odd move for the likes of Wyatt Abhrams. Yet it was not one that would be purely sacrificial. After all, there was always a benefit to having an IOU with a person. A favor that could be cashed in the future.

Watching her interact with Walter Harrison, it was as if he were witnessing a completely different woman. Gone as the self-conscious and timid outsider he’d stabilized when the women they’d discussed previously gave her a hard time. He could no longer detect the anxiety or awkwardness that had radiated off her when he’d caught her merely moment ago. Instead, completely in her element, she transformed into a radiant and confident professional. One who was well versed in literature and knew how to dazzle her company with the right compliment. It helped that her words were paired with well-timed smiles. And seamlessly, she transitioned from demonstrating her extensive knowledge of his works ( which Wyatt had the misfortune of reading a few times in the past ), to offering him her services. She was a natural and she had not been lying when she said all she needed was an opening.

Taking the glass from her as she offered her card to Harrison, he could see the man was impressed ( and taken ) with the woman in his company. It was hard to beat a beauty with brains, and it seemed she’d proven herself to possess both qualities in that brief encounter. And he’d say it was because he had never spoken with her extensively in the past, but the truth was he never imagined this side of her because the few times they interacted, she always acted as if she were out of place. Like she did not know how to behave in a setting such as this. Exchanging a few parting words with Walter, he accompanied Reyhan back to one of the tables around the perimeter.

And because he was not a man who would turn down an IOU, he nodded with a slight smile. “I’m not so chivalrous as to give away introductions for free. Besides, it’s always a benefit to have someone indebted to me. Especially when it’s a gorgeous woman like yourself. Regardless of how small as the debt might be,” because a mere introduction was hardly something to blow out of proportion. “He was impressed by you. You should expect a call.”  | @reyhansolmaz

[reyhansolmaz]

The way Wyatt carried himself was exactly how Reyhan aimed to carry herself. She could still hear her mother's voice telling her to walk into a room with the confidence of an old, white man, and while Wyatt was not old, from the little she had been able to see throughout their casual meetings and interesting conversations, he was a confident white man. It sparked something inside her... some form of desire, of craving, that burned inside her chest when he said he wasn't about to correct whoever said he was trying to make her feel special. That same burning flame streamed straight between her thighs as the blonde made a B line towards the man Reyhan had just mentioned to him.

So... this was happening, huh? She was really going to be introduced to one Walter Harrison. Well, suck on that Colin!

With her drink in hand, Reyhan followed Wyatt. Of course he knew Walter. Was there anyone the blonde didn't know? Somehow she doubted that, but, in hindsight, it would be hard to be involved with politics like he was and not know a lot of people.

Reyhan observed carefully as the duo joked around. Wally sported a friendly smile upon seeing Wyatt, his body language seemed relaxed, so she didn't think any of them were bothering him. When given the room, Rey smiled while looking from Wyatt to Walter and offering the latter a hand. "Not everyone knows how to appreciate a good narrative, I suppose." She chuckled in response to Wyatt's words, joining in on the casualty of things as she shook Walter's hand. "Reyhan Solmaz, it's a pleasure." Yes, she knew that her companion had done the honors, but it didn't hurt to repeat her name. It showed interest.

And just like that, the meek Reyhan was replaced by the professionally confident one. Most days, Rey wished she wore this confidence at all times. She mentioned one of Walter's books... one that had done poorly in sales and praised it, despite not being her favorite. Actually, if she were to be honest, Mr. Harrison was mediocre to say the least, but people liked him. He had a touch of John Green meets Nicholas Sparks, which meant he could speak to both a younger audience and more mature women, but all in all, his writing lacked originality that Outlander had, or even, Phillipa Gregory's books. Alas, she wasn't there to judge. She was there to leave an impression and to get her agency on his radar.

After the opening Wyatt had given her, Reyhan was able to set up a pace of conversation easy to follow. Sometimes lingering on the professional side, others including Wyatt and spilling some bullshit about him, like meeting him last week or something. You know, minor things that wouldn't offer him a reason to be angry at Reyhan. "...But, if you're looking for a new publishing agency, we would love to come up with an offer for you, Mr. Harrison." Rey casually handed Wyatt her glass so she could fish her business card from inside her clutch and then offered it to Walter, quickly retrieving the untouched glass from the other's grasp. She then raised her glass to a random person, who wasn't even looking at her, before taking Wyatt's arm. "It was a pleasure to meet you. I would love to meet up and discuss your work, too." She said her goodbyes and waited for Wyatt to do the same.

Once they were at a safe distance, Reyhan exhaled a breath she'd been holding in and then looked up at the man standing next to her, letting go of his arm. "Thank you." She couldn't remember the last time she felt this excited about something. Electrified, even. "Seriously, thank you. I don't know how I'm going to repay you, but... just know, I owe you one." / @wyattxabhrams

It was a strategy that he kept him alive his whole life. It was what kept him from receiving pitiful looks from everyone when he walked into a room in this event. Because no one here knew of the Wyatt Abhrams of Covington. The poor little boy whose father lost the election and then fell off the wagon. The flighty son who returned to town only to discover that his father was nowhere to be found. The moment his father laid a hand on him was the day that Wyatt knew that his darkest secrets were never to be spilled to anyone. His family knew. Ryan knew. And that was it. Like hope, the secrets of Wyatt Abhrams would always remain caged away in the confines of the very box she analogized him with.

These thoughts no longer caused the stress lines on his forehead to deepen or for his otherwise polite smile to falter. Even when his mind wandered, his expression remained calm. Years of self-indoctrination that his past did not impact him and he had somehow managed to divide his body from his mind. The former obeyed him, even when the latter wandered away from his tight grasp. “Well, I’m in no rush to correct that someone.”

He nodded at the question, because Wyatt never made offers he did not intend to follow through on. He liked Reyhan, but at the same time, he could tell that she felt out of place in this setting. While he was not a typically altruistic man, he was feeling generous that night. His eyes followed hers, landing on Walter Harrison. Even before she introduced him, Wyatt knew exactly who he was. She knew him as a bestselling author of historical fiction. He knew him as the son of Reginald Harrison, the CEO of a company that he’d often promised infrastructure projects to in the Rust Belt.

As the bartender returned with their drinks, he offered her the glass. “Sure, I’ll make the intro.” Motioning for her to follow, he found his way beside Walter with the same confident and charming smile that he wore around everyone in this venue. “Wallie Harrison, it’s been a while. Last I saw you was when—New Years Eve, 2019? The Hamptons.” At his father’s place of course. “How’ve you been? Haven’t seen you on New York Times bestsellers in a while. Waiting for inspiration or have you run out of history to butcher?” The typical masculine joshing that would be expected among a crowd of powerful ( and therefore egotistical ) men aside, Wyatt motioned towards the woman in his company. “By the way, my friend, Reyhan Solmaz, huge fan. I don’t get it, but she won’t hear a word of criticism.” And he gave her the in to introduce herself, falling back as he set her up with the opportunity to speak about her work. | @reyhansolmaz

[reyhansolmaz]

Smart. Reyhan noted with a slight twitch of her lips as her dark hues moved from his perfectly trimmed beard, lips, up to his dark-green orbs as Wyatt told her he didn't spill his secrets all at once. Smart, yes. She'd noticed this from their previous conversations and, his thought process mixed with his good looks were what kept her so amused by him. "That's a good strategy." She said, almost in a whisper, her brain finally catching up with the fact that they were standing far too dangerously close to one another. Whereas Wyatt seemed not to be bothered by it, Reyhan caught herself feeling a flush of heat on her cheeks as her throat suddenly went dry.

Hah. Was she... thirsty for him? Oh, for fuck's sake! Hopefully, he wouldn't have noticed the light change of color in her cheeks.

"Is that so?" Rey arched one brow at his follow up comment. "Careful now, someone might think you're trying to make me feel special." Which... she doubted he was, but it didn't hurt to joke about it. In fact, it even made the brunette chuckle a bit as she finally pried herself away from his immediate contact and took a step back. He was dangerous, wasn't he? The type to chew women like her up and leave them begging for more. She ought to be careful with him.

As they moved towards the car area, another question caused Reyhan to arch one brow. Was he actually offering to introduce important people to her? It made Reyhan bite softly on her bottom lip as she considered his offer. There were in fact, two authors she'd been dying to get to her agency, but they were too popular and obviously, competition was tough, but maybe, if Wyatt nudged them in the right direction, she could make this work, because Reyhan wasn't confident about many things in her life, but she sure as hell knew how to make an effort when it came to her job.

After telling Wyatt she'd be having an Aperol Spirits, Reyhan pressed her lips together again, considering his offer. "Were you serious about your offer?" She asked, giving Wyatt enough time to answer before turning towards the general direction of her target and hoping Wyatt would follow. "See the tall, blonde guy in the dark blue suit over there?" Her gaze then moved from the man, to her own blond companion. "That's Walter Harrison. He's looking for a new publishing agency, so, if it's not too much trouble for you, I'd kill for an introduction." Hell, she'd even owe him money if he wanted to. All Reyhan needed was an opening. She was confident enough to take it from there. / @wyattxabhrams

He accepted the title with pride. Wyatt did not walk around gathering secrets of everyone like Tess. But he knew the more salacious ones that he suspected most in the room knew as well. They were open secrets of affairs and corruption that he, like all others in attendance, kept handy in his back pocket. Yet it gave him an opportunity to impress a beautiful woman solely because she was an outsider, not privy to the intimate details of the businesspeople, politicians, journalists, and others in the room whose bread and butter depended on this gossip. “Except I don’t spill all my secrets all at once.” He kept up with her act as he spied the gaze of one of the women directed at them. “Or to just anyone.” Tonight, he’d shared a few for free. The generosity was unbecoming of the eldest Abhrams. Maybe he was tipsy off only half a flute of champagne. Or maybe he was taken with the upward tilt of her full lips.

A safe distance established once more as they walked to the bar, his eyes swept the room briefly for her boss. A survey to see the likelihood of her being attention being required elsewhere. But Colin, as she reminded him his name was, appeared engrossed in conversation with one of the campaign managers for a state senator who’d had an unexpected landslide victory. Eventually, he’d make his rounds and catch the man for a brief exchange as well. For now, he was content with her company. “Anyone here you want me to introduce you to?” There was that generosity again. Though he would quite brazen to claim his actions were prompted purely by altruism. He either knew a majority of the people here and for the rest, he could find an in, should she take him up on the offer.

“Yeah, surprisingly, I am. Might not usually say so, but tonight, I am.” These parties were a necessary evil in his profession. Wyatt didn’t hate them, by any means. They just grew redundant after a while. The same small talk, the same joshing around, the same locker room talk. Yet these days, he found himself craving the simplicity of these very fundraisers. He sought the escape to a world he knew. One where his name elicited respect, not pity. He shook his head at the question. “I should ask you,” see as he was the one buying. | @reyhansolmaz

[reyhansolmaz]

When Wyatt leaned in close, so did Reyhan, and, as he began speaking of the people who had tried to bully her just then, it made Reyhan realize just how close to him she was standing. She wasn't a prude of any kind, but she also wasn't used to men invading her personal space like that, without making her feel uncomfortable... which, was definitely not the case here.

There was something highly casual about the way he leaned in. One that didn't make her overthink things, and Reyhan overthought everything. Maybe it was the way he shamelessly shared gossip with her, prompting a chuckle from her red-tainted lips as her dark hues found his. His scent filled her nose as she inhaled him and, unlike it would have happened in a different scenario, it didn't make her head spin. Although inviting, there was nothing flirtatious about his actions, thus making her head not go there in the first place.

"Look at you being a true Pandora's box." She chuckled, lifting her free hand to cover her lips, making it seem like she was saying something close to Wyatt's ears without wanting others to know what it was. Her gaze was trained on one of the women they were talking about. Two could definitely play this game. As nice as Reyhan was, she had a backbone to show. "Remind me to be careful with what I tell you, then."

Meh. Not that she had anything interesting to make him use against her in the first place. For what was worth, Reyhan's life had been mostly boring.

Alas, she agreed with him. She too, was glad she had decided to come because, while the teenage attitude from the two women had been unwarranted, it was always nice to chat with Wyatt. He managed to keep her entertained in ways most couldn't, and she didn't say that easily about people. Wyatt was smart. He knew how to hold a conversation. He knew how to lure the attention to him, and Reyhan found that extremely attractive, especially since she didn't really like being the center of attention herself, but she appreciated when someone could maintain a conversation with her for over five minutes without letting any awkward silences linger. So yes, she was glad she'd come too.

"Thank you." The brunette smiled when he gently pried the flute off her hands and placed it on a passing tray, which prompted Reyhan to hold her clutch with both hands as she started walking towards the bar area. "It's been quite alright, actually. Colin is usually the life of the party, but I've managed to secure some nice connections for the company." She shared with him as they reached the bar. "What about you? Are you having a good time?" Again, she smiled, placing her clutch on the bar top, then turning to face him. "What are you having tonight, Mr. Abhrams?" / @wyattxabhrams

Once she’d regained her balance, his hands dropped as well. He didn’t exactly recognize the two women but the men that they ended up going to, he did recognize them. With an amused smile, he leaned in closer to ensure that no one else around them could hear. “I don’t know what their beef with you is but see the man in the tux, peppered hair. He’s from California. His wife has no idea that he parades that one around in these events on the East Coast and I doubt she knows he has a whole family out in San Diego.” It wasn’t his job to collect the dirt on people, he had interns for that. But it was his job to know it like the back of his hand to use as leverage when needed.

“And the other one. She’s not supposed to be here. I heard her arguing at the front and they made an exception to get her to stop throwing a fit.” Wyatt had no horse in this race, but at the same time, the woman standing beside him was known to him and those standing a few feet away giggling were unknown. Thus, it was a given that his allegiance would lay with the soft-spoken brunette in his company. They’d met a few times in the past and while her petty rivals were forgettable, she certainly hadn’t been. Remembering her name had little to do with his impeccable recall when it came to people.

As she explained her presence, he nodded, casting a quick glance around the venue to spot her boss standing off chatting away. “I’m glad you did.” Letting his eyes linger for a few seconds past what etiquette allowed, he averted his gaze to their empty glasses. “Let me.” Taking the flute from her hand, he placed it on a passing tray, gesturing towards the bar area. “Aside from that hiccup, how has your evening been?” | @reyhansolmaz