Thirty Three

Here was a man with the same background as Deville, and yet where Deville‟s mocking smile made him appear somewhat untouchable and the more appealing for it, Bateman just seemed…menacing. There was an inherent sense of danger about both men, but Deville‟s compelled, whereas Bateman‟s repelled. Maybe it was the overriding feel that Deville didn‟t need to use force to get what he desired.

That his prey would willingly surrender.

"Too bad there aren‟t any horses here for you then, Mr. Bateman. If you‟ll excuse me."

She caught sight of Deville again and decided that he was by far the better option and headed in his direction. He wore the same hot smile, but when his eyes skirted to the right of her, they turned frigid. She lost sight of him again in the shifting crowd.

"He‟s not going to win."

She gritted her teeth, but smiled at a passing widow who was amiably chatting with another guest. "I do not know of what you speak, Mr. Bateman."