Chapter 26
Andera’s pov.
I swallowed hard, my heart skipping a bit while Thane held my second wrist.
I knew Thane well enough to recognize that menacing look in his eyes, and a shiver ran down my spine.
“She isn’t going anywhere, we came together, we will leave together. Perish any thoughts you’re conjuring Grace. It won’t work.
“He maintained.
If it were any other person on the receiving end of Thane’s subtle threatening statement, they would have fled, but this is Grace. She was there since his childhood. The woman is like a big aunty to him.
Grace clicked her teeth, frowning in disapproval.
“I will not let this beautiful woman here-” she gestured at me
to waste a fine evening as this. ”
Challenge flickered in her jade eyes, she tugged me closer again.
“Grace, let her go.” Thane answered calmly, too calmly to be anything but frightening.
He tugged me closer, and Grace pulled me towards herself. That was how I found myself sandwiched in between their bickering.
Thane’s eyes narrowed when Grace stood her ground, his jaw clenched in annoyance. “I’m sure Andera has no interest in your
son, Grace,” he said, his voice low and even
A faint headache throbbed in my head, accompanied by irritation. I opened my mouth to speak but Grace beat me to it.
“Oh, I think she’d be perfect for him. I know a gem when I see one.” She smiled sweetly at me; I didn’t return the gesture, not
when they were still both gripping my wrist and talking about me like I was some trophy!
I felt Thane’s grip on my wrist tighten, his fingers digging into my skin. I tried to pull away, but he held firm.
That’s enough.
“Stop, both of you!” I yell at them, earning us the attention people within hearing.
Grace releases my hand, her jade eyes darting from Thane to me and back to where his fingers are still wrapped around my wrist.
“Let go of me.” I said to Thane with gritted teeth. Reluctantly he withdrew his hand, his fingers purposefully sliding on my skin-
as they left, while his eyes never left mine.
My spine stiffened.
“Just business partners,” Grace murmured under her breath.
“Let’s go” Thane ordered.
+20 Bonu
Bonus
My head snapped in his direction and my eyes narrowed to slits.
Did Thane just order me?
“I am more than capable of making m my own decisions as to where and whom I want to be with. “I sneer at Thane; then I turn
toward Grace.
Grace, I’m here for business, and I have no interest in anything aside from that; please do understand.
Thane laughs lightly behind me while Grace frowns, but she gives me a slight nod of approval.
“And Thane…I didn’t intend to come here with you; I only respected you because we’re business partners, but it seems you don’t know how to maintain boundaries. “A smile tugs at the corner of my lips when Thane’s face falls.
“I’m going to enjoy the party. “I announce. Grace nods again with respect.
Walking away, I made sure to sway my hips, knowing that both their eyes were on me.
“Rum and coke, please,” I ordered when I reached the bar in the lounge, needing something to cool off my rising nerves. I took a sip of my drink, watching lazily as men and women of business minds made small talk with each other, occasionally, one or two people walked up to me, some seeking endorsement with my company, others trying to pry out information about my father – if
he was moving to Seattle anytime soon.
I played my role well tonight. I learned all these business ethics when I went back to business school, and I made sure I said. enough to leave people intrigued but not enough to satisfy their need for information.
I could see Thane from across the bar; he was talking animatedly with a blonde woman; for some reason, my stomach began to
churn, and memories of Melissa started washing in.
Thane had mentioned that he and Melissa were cohabiting. Does Melissa know that her man picked me up tonight? I could imagine her shock when she found out that I was not the low–life wrench she thought I was.
Everyone, please take your seats; the inain event is about to begin,” the MC announces. From the corner of my eyes, I see two bulky men watching me closely. They’ve both been standing there since I ordered my first drink.
I look away, creeps, they can be anyone and anywhere. Even in a sophisticated event like this.
I tried to stand upright, but my head started to spin and feel a little bit light; even my eyes were dizzy. I didn’t understand, my body never reacted this way to alcohol, and I barely finished my third shot.
People were now making it to the main hall to be used for the conference; I palmed my forehead, surprised to find it burning hot and with dizzy eyes, I pulled my heavy body to the bathroom. On reaching there, I splashed water on my face till the burning came down. It ruined my makeup, though, but at least the dizziness was gone.
When I opened the door to go back, my blood turned cold. I was greeted by the sight of the two men who were watching me while
I was at the bar.
The first man should be about six feet tall, with red hair, dressed in a black tuxedo, the other, much shorter and overweight, with
a mass of brown hair; the two of them glared at me.
+20 Bonus
My throat constricted, and an ominous feeling settled deep in my stomach. I didn’t know their intent yet, but I could swear it was
something bad.
The short one notices my nervousness a
and flashes a crooked smile.
“Gentlemen. “I say as a way of greeting, forcing my voice to sound calm and unafraid.
If I can just stall them till someone else walks in, or maybe if I scream, how far would my shouting go before the red–haired cuts
my airflow with his large hands?
“Andera, a pleasant surprise to see you, although if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were avoiding us all night. “The short
one says.
“I believe this isn’t the convenient place for any discussion; if you want to talk, we can do so after the conference.” I held my
ground as I looked at them both, cringing in fear would do me no good. I need to get out of here, now. The longer I delay, the more
danger I’m prone to.
“I will see you at the hall. “I gave a curt nod and moved past the short man. Walking fast in my heels, I turn back once, a
catch then the red–haired face; a shiver runs down my spine, and my hands go cold with undiluted fear.
and I
ht; once I reach the main grounds, I’m calling my chauffeur to come pick me up along with extra security.
ed man is still wearing that foul smirk when I bump into something hard.
up to find that I bumped into the chest of another man. He held my shoulders, looked at me, and then at my back towards where the two creeps stood.
“Help me” I mouthed. The man’s head fell back, and he burst into laughter.
Well, well, well. If it isn’t Andera Campbell. You’re a hard one to get you know. We were elated to see you walk into the party today; now we can take back something precious from my rival who happens to be your father.
Fear gripped my heart. I opened my mouth to scream but was cut off by the man in front of me; he swiftly placed a white handkerchief over my mouth and forced me to inhale it.
I was kicking and trashing against his hold, and suddenly, my body became numb, my kicking lessened, and my eyelids grew heavy; I knew I was going to pass out soon, but I couldn’t give up just like that; I had to do something, anything.
I slipped a ring off my finger, not that it would do anything to save me, but at least….. a clue.
My eyes finally closed, and the last thing I registered was being slung over on a shoulder.
