Yana's PoV
I've been pacing a hole in the floor of the lobby for the last fifteen minutes. Why did I allow my irrational brain to convince me to do that to Damon?
Oh my gosh, I'm gonna get fired! My loans will be in arrears! Oh jeez, Alex's medical bills! I'm gonna end up penniless and homeless! If only I had thought about all those things before dousing my boss with my drink.
Grabbing a seat by the bar, I signal the bartender who approaches immediately.
"What can I get you today, ma'am?" He smiles, showcasing his dimpled cheeks.
Groaning, I reply, "I'll take a Sidecar please, and keep em coming, Wayne." I said, looking at his bronze name tag.
I might as well enjoy the drinks as that's the last thing I'll get free from my company. As he watched me down the first one, he quickly replaced it but I resorted to nursing my drink.
Yep, I'm a lightweight!
"You look like you've had a rough day. I hope things will get better for you." Wayne said while making a drink for another customer.
I sigh, "I really hope so because I'm in some deep shit."
A rowdy group entered the bar area, so I grabbed my drink and headed to a corner. Minutes later, I started eavesdropping as the gentleman behind me cursed about his misfortune.
He'd just arrived from the airport, and his messenger bag was missing. "Hi I'm Yana, I couldn't help but overhear your rambling." I smiled fondly as I extended my arm.
He glanced at me skeptically before taking my hand. "I'm Zach. Nice to meet you." His tone was clipped, but I cared zero;perhaps this was liquid courage.
Moving around the table, I sat directly across from him. His full beard, even white teeth, handsome face, and broad shoulders were enough to make my stomach clench.
"So let me get this straight." I said while sitting on the edge of my seat. "You rushed here from the airport only to learn your meeting is delayed..."
Taking a slow slip, I raised my index finger, "Your messenger bag with your MacBook, cellphone, and even your wallet was left in the vehicle, and you can't book into this hotel?"
He sighed loudly, "You're absolutely right. This is not my day."
I chuckled at his disdain, "Don't be too hard on yourself. At least you didn't almost drown your boss."
Zach did a double take and then burst out laughing. "You're lying!How did that happen?"
Sighing, I contemplated whether I should open up to a complete stranger or not. In the end I chose the latter. "Honestly, I'd rather not get into it. But I can help you out though, come on."
He raised a brow at me and got serious. "I'll be fine, don't worry about it."
I grabbed his hand, but I let go immediately as he stiffened at my touch. Instead, I headed towards the receptionist desk and beckoned for him to follow suit.
"Hi, how can I help you today?" She asked politely.
I lean forward, trying to be discreet, "Hi Sheila. I wanna book Zach a room for the night until he gets himself sorted out."
She looked between us, I smiled, but Zach's face was beet red. He shoved his hands into his pockets and turned away mumbling something incoherent.
Ignoring him, I proceeded to pay once he gave Sheila his ID, then went and ordered another Sidecar from the bar. Zach opted for Courvoisier on the rocks, and requested salted peanuts as well.
The liquor seemed to calm us both as we talked for hours about any and everything! The chemistry between us at this point was certainly visible to the naked eye.
"You're very beautiful Yana." Zach suddenly blurted out, causing me to choke on my drink.
He immediately patted my back and handed me his handkerchief to wipe my mouth and face.
It smelled woodsy with a hint of citrus, just like him.
"Are you flirting with me Zach?" I blushed like an inexperienced school girl on a first date with her boyfriend.
He smiled and licked his lips, "So what if I am?" He leaned toward me, staring intently at my lips. "You're incredibly beautiful and intelligent, you obviously have a good heart, and you're fucking sexy."
I opened my mouth to speak but no words were forthcoming. My stomach clenched as his scent invaded my senses. Gosh! It's been so long since I've gotten laid! Should I?
I felt a blush creep up my neck and face instantly, so I lowered my head in embarrassment. "Do you say that to all the girls you meet?"
In seconds, his fingers lifted my chin as we stared at each other. Nothing and no one else mattered in that moment but us. "I mean every single word. Frankly put, I want you." He whispered as his thumb traced my bottom lip, pulling it from between my teeth.
Bang! I jumped in fright from the loud noise behind me. Zach's face creased in confusion then morphed into anger.
I turned slowly, my breath hitched and I prayed the ground would open and swallow me whole! There stood the mighty Damon Blackstone, seething in anger as he watched us.
"Is this what you're being paid to do Miss Brighton?" He asked tersely while clenching and unclenching his hands.
Taking a shaky breath I replied, "No sir. I assume you're ready to go?"
Zach moved to stand beside me, "Are you okay? You seem tense." He asked, concerned.
Damon lunged forward and pulled me to his side while I stood in silence, shocked by the events unfolding before me. Zach laced his hand around my waist, glaring at Damon.
"She is free to speak to whoever she wants. Are you her father?" Zach seethed.
Damon chuckled, sending a chill down my spine. He's a vindictive asshole who's capable of just about anything. I couldn't live with myself if Zach got hurt because of this piece of shit. Placing my hand on Zach's arm, I smiled reassuringly.
"It's okay. This is my boss Damon, we're actually heading home today."
Zach visibly relaxed but his stare never wavered. "Okay then. Can we talk..." He glared at Damon, "...privately before you go?"
"Ye...." Before I could finish my response, Damon interjected.
"I'd suggest you let this dimwit know that you're on company time Miss Brighton."
Zach took a deep breath while my anger surged to a zenith!
"What I choose to do in my personal time has nothing to do with you." I quipped.
A throat cleared behind us, we all turned in unison to see a lady standing with a clipboard in hand.
"Mr. Lindsay right?" She asked, addressing Zach; he nodded in response.
She smiled, "I'm Lorraine from guest services. Mr. Henry the Manager would like a word with you right away please."
Lorraine pointed to a hallway to the left. Zach glanced at me and smiled briefly before excusing himself.
The second he entered the office, Damon took my arm in a vice-like grip and pulled me towards the hotel entrance.
Moments later, the valet pulled up with his car. He stowed the bags in the trunk, ordered me to get in then sped off like a bat let loose out of hell!
My mind was reeling the entire time, then it dawned on me: I didn't even get Zach's contact details! Turning my head to the window, I wiped the torrents of tears which finally broke free.
I internally mourned the lost opportunity with Zach and because I couldn't quit since Damon was powerful enough to have me blacklisted!
Screw my pathetic life!
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Zach's PoV I need to teach that asshole a lesson on how to treat women or his staff more importantly. Yana's body language told me everything I needed to know. I seethed in anger as I pondered whether he had ever assaulted her. No wonder she almost drowned the bastard! Entering the office, Mr. Henry greeted me, then profusely apologized because my reservation got messed up somehow. My best friend Kyle Parker usually handles these things, but somehow, the room was booked in his name and not mine. "These things happen sometimes, but I hope there won't be any recurrences." I retorted. He visibly paled instantly, "I've made sure of that sir. We have also given you a complimentary upgrade to the penthouse suite for tour troubles." Nodding curtly, I gave him my final instructions, “Please ensure Yana’s money is refunded for the room.” Without waiting for him to acknowledge me, I headed back to the lobby eagerly. Imagine my disappointment when I realized Yana was gone without a trac
Yana's PoV Damon dropped me off about an hour ago and I can finally breathe. I'm convinced he is bipolar because for the duration of the ride, he behaved as if we were actually in a relationship! My migraine got triggered from crying my eyes out and eating an entire box of Ferrero Roche since I got home. Thoughts of Zach kept racing through my mind: What is he doing? Is he okay? Does he remember me? My subconscious snickers, perhaps he is balls deep in another willing woman Yana. Groaning, I plop unto the couch and cover my eyes with my hand. I must have fallen asleep because I was awakened with a painful slap to my leg. Laura, my older sister, smiles brightly. "Weren't you supposed to call me as soon as you got home?" Rubbing my eyes tiredly, I sigh, then stand up stretching. "Misery loves company Laura. I'm not in the mood." She gasps, "What the hell crawled up your ass and died?" I hiss my teeth, headed to the kitchen and grabbed a water. "Damon was his usual self, but then
Zach's PoVTessa, the nanny called me about thirty minutes ago, I had to leave the hotel because Kyra had an accident. My heart is beating a million miles per minute, that's my baby! As I change lanes stealthily, I utter a silent prayer: Lord, please keep her safe. Luckily enough, the traffic on the road isn't bad, the GPS predicts I'll arrive at Stonybrook Hospital in about 90 minutes. At Stonybrook HospitalRushing inside, I approach the receptionist demanding answers. "Where is Kyra Lindsay? I need to see her now!" My chest starts feeling tight as I start having flashbacks about our parents' tragic death. Closing my eyes, I take a few deep breaths as my therapist had taught me and I manage to contain myself and my emotions.Her almond shaped eyes widen in fear, I take another deep breath and try to remain calm, despite my trembling hands. She clicks on the computer then looks up at me timidly, "Room 201 Sir."Without any delay, I head to her room and the moment I see her, I finall
Zach's PoVThe blaring alarm wakes me up and I sigh deeply before throwing the covers off me. Kyra is fast asleep still, since she practically stayed up most of the night. Heading to the bathroom, I quickly take a shower then head downstairs to get started on breakfast.Yes, I actually cook and I enjoy it immensely. I'm filthy rich but that doesn't mean I have servants waiting on me hand and foot or that I live in a twelve bedroom home. It's a simple four bedroom home, four and a half baths with a pool, garden and entertainment room, inherited from our beloved parents.The moment I enter the kitchen, the scent of bacon and pancakes greet me. Kyle has a full spread prepared with fresh fruits, and of course his MacBook is open close by. "Somebody had an early start today." I snicker, stealing a piece of strawberry before he slaps my hand away. Kyle points a spatula at me, "Don't make me break your fingers! And yes, I had to be since I needed to find your girl."My face sours instantl
Zach's PoV Arriving at exactly 11:00 a.m, I am just in time to see a middle aged couple leaving the property. Heading inside, I am pleasantly greeted by the agent. "Hi Mr. Lindsay right?" She shakes my hand, "I'm Laura Payne, glad you could make it." There's something awfully familiar about her but I can't figure out what it is. She wastes no time giving me a tour of the property and we engage in a friendly banter occassionally. Her mannerisms and her smile remind me of someone I know, but who? About fifteen minutes later, the tour ends and we sit in the living room to discuss my offer. "Based on what you've divulged so far, I think this property will be ideal for the purpose I have in mind." She smiles brightly, "I'm happy to hear that Mr. Lindsay. Does that mean you'll take it then?" Laura asks hopefully and I just couldn't bring myself to let her down. Somehow, she seems to have a lot banking on this sale. Leaning forward, I prop my elbows on to my knees, "Please, call me Zac
Zach's PoVThe car barely came to a halt before Laura flung the door open and rushed inside. Her phone fell on the seat in the process so I placed it inside my pocket and parked quickly. Entering the hospital, a chill ran through my body as memories of my parents' demise resurface. Laura signals me to follow her, as she heads toward the elevator. "I'm sorry for you dragging you into my mess, I know you have better things to do." She sighs and pushes a few lose tendrils of her curly hair from her face.Patting her shoulder, I reply. "Don't worry about it, I'm happy you weren't alone when you got that call."Laura peers down at her feet instantly, "He's all I've got you know. His Dad walked out the moment he got sick so it's just been Yana and I." My anger surges instantly, how could a man do that to his family, his own flesh and blood? Laura gazes at me and chuckles, "Feel free to knock him out if you ever see him." She was trying to be brave but I could see through her façade. Before
Yana's PoVOh fate! Why did you play such a cruel joke on me! My feeble attempts to separate Zach and Damon for the last few minutes has proven futile. Laura tried to help but Zach told her to step away, so now I'm stuck between both men and their egos!"Damon, you need to leave NOW!" I shout, this time grabbing his attention fully. He simply eyes me up and down and scoffs."Why, so you can pick up where you left off with this idiot?" He gestures toward Zach angrily, who simply chuckles in response.Hissing my teeth, I flash his hand from mine and push his chest, "How the hell did you even know where I am?"Damon rolls his eyes, "I followed you because I saw you crying." He steps toward me but I shuffle backward, landing my back against Zach's chest. This angers Damon further; he lunges forward to grab me but Zach moves me out of his reach.Laura is pissed at this point, "You need to get the hell out! For crying out loud, nobody wants you here!"He glares at her and moves to leave but
Yana's PoVZach has not unfastened his hands from mine ever since we entered Panchitas Place. It’s weird but comforting because my previous relationships have never been like this. He continuously gazes at me, compliments me and man am I dying inside!“What made you really help me back at the hotel?” He asks suddenly, causing me to look at him skeptically.“Why do you wonna know that?” I bite the inside of my cheek to withhold the smirk that is brewing. He leans forward and cups my cheek in his hands.“Be honest with me, why did you?” He coaxes gently. I take a deep breath then exhale slowly.Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, I reply “I genuinely just wanted to help you, it’s who I am.” Averting my gaze, I take a sip of water, “If it were me, I’d want someone to help me too.”He nods slowly, “You intrigue me in so many ways. You’re a selfless person, I appreciate that.”Our conversation is interrupted by the waitress as she places our meals before us. I ordered Haberno BBQ Ribs whil