I laughed, "I doubt it, although I wouldn't put it past his bodyguards, they seem to be as possessive as Ivan."
"You're a real conundrum Elle. I can't work you out at all. For someone so self contained and cool, some bitch who's one step up from a hooker managed to rattle you at that ball. You were on the arm of a wealthy, handsome man, yet you looked really uncomfortable.... Am I wrong?"
"I'm not uncomfortable with Ivan at all, I was rattled by the snide comments she made, that was all. She just pressed the right buttons."
"You looked slightly awkward. I know he calls you his girlfriend, but your body language said different."
"Are you an expert in body language?" I was genuinely interested. Paul was proving to be a rather perceptive man.
"Yes. I studied the subject a lot. I have to be able to read people quickly. I am a headhunter by trade you know."
"Ok Paul, how did you read the situation on Saturday?" He looked thoughtful for a moment, as if he was measuring his words.
"This is between the two of us?" I nodded. "I think Oscar is in love with you, but is too emotionally stunted to know how to handle it, and I think Ivan wishes to possess you, in the same way that he wants to own the world. He views you as a grand prize, knowing that Oscar, who has the one thing that Ivan cannot have, which is breeding, views you as his perfect woman."
"I see. That's rather a low view of Ivan isn't it? He actually made a play for me around the same time I began seeing Oscar. Personally I can't see why either of them find me so fascinating. I'm very ordinary, and both of them could do better."
Paul smiled, "and now I know why you were looking at that book. It makes sense now. It also tells me why you looked so uncomfortable over that woman's comments."
"Do tell," I said, keeping my face impassive. Who does he think he is?
"Did she make a comment about Ivan buying you your outfit?" Ok, so you're good at this.
"Yes, that came into it."
"And it made you uncomfortable because you're a clever, independent woman, who earns like a man in your world?" I nodded, not wanting to speak. I didn't want to confirm or deny his assessment. "In their world, you're just a nice girl to be looked after, treated to pretty things, and taken care of. Yet you didn't struggle through years of law school to be no different from a pretty airhead did you? It rubs against your grain, diminishes your achievements, so consciously or subconsciously, you find it a problem."#p#分页标题#e#
"All very perceptive Paul. So what's your ulterior motive?'
"Me? I just think you've got a cracking pair of tits, but I'm a simple man with simple tastes."
I laughed, "I suppose at least you're honest, but quite frankly Paul, despite your detailed analysis, I have to work for all three of you, so it has to be professional all the way. Now, changing the subject, can you recommend any good books on reading too much into people's body language?"
Paul laughed, "I certainly can. I think I've read every book that exists on the subject. I can email you the Amazon links if you like. Some of the better ones are too obscure for a bookshop."
"That would be great thanks. By the way, I should have the new company numbers, and Articles of Associations for your new companies by the end of the week. You can begin trading under them right away, but I'd recommend you wait till your new bank accounts and insurance details are changed over first."
"That's fantastic news. Should save me a few quid in tax. I already sorted the new accounts with Goldings, so I can change my indemnities to Monday, and begin. You never know Elle, cut my tax bill enough, and I too might be able to afford an expensive girlfriend."
I frowned, "I'm sure you're not short of thruppence. Can I ask though, why did you take your sister on Saturday, and not a date?"
He smiled, "oh I don't date, not in the traditional sense anyway."
"Really? Why's that?"
"I hate the superficiality of the dating thing. I can't bear a whole evening spent with a dozy airhead who wants to discuss Brangelina and shopping, so I don't do it. I prefer to be alone." Weirdo alert.
"That's interesting, anyway Paul, thanks for the coffee. I'm going to head home and make a start on Jeffrey." I stood and gathered my bags.
"Yes, me too. Well it's been lovely to see you again, and I'll email you about the books." He kissed my cheek, and I headed out. It had been a strange conversation, and I was a touch unnerved by it. On the surface, he had pleaded almost poverty, yet I knew he was extremely wealthy, and the whole 'not dating' thing was really weird. As I perused the ready meals in the deli, I wondered if he was one of those odd dominants like the one portrayed in fifty shades. Either way, I would be keeping my distance.