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 trace! Rushing to the front desk, I signaled the receptionist. "Where is the young lady I was with earlier?"
She furrowed her brow while checking the computer, "She checked out and left, Sir."
My heart dropped instantly! I haven't felt this connected to anyone in such a long time and now this! "By chance, do you have her contact details? I need to get in touch with her urgently." I pleaded.
She looked at me apologetically, "I'm very sorry, but it's against hotel policy to share a guest's personal details."
Feeling defeated, I headed back to my seat sulking. How could fate be this cruel to me yet again?
Fifteen minutes later, I was standing to the left of the podium as the host read my bio. As she concluded, the audience applauded and stood as I walked across the stage.
It's a rare occasion for me to make an appearance like this despite being the CEO of the Diamond Club Hotel chain.
Kyle usually makes public appearances, but I made this exception since my late father Kevin was being posthumously awarded. About ten minutes later, I quickly concluded my speech, exited the stage and grabbed a champagne flute.
I downed the drink in one go because I felt frustrated, but then I was startled by a snicker behind me. Turning slowly, I prayed silently to see Yana before me, but fate had other plans.
"Natasha!" I semi shouted, "What the hell are you doing here?" I demanded hotly.
She smirked as she inched closer to me. "A little birdy told me you'd be here, I just had to see you Zach."
My skin crawled at her vane attempt to be sultry or even sexy. Hissing my teeth, I stepped away from her, "Well, you've seen me, so you can go now."
Natasha pouted, but I was unphased! She's the Devil's spawn! She was pure poison and the most conniving person I've ever met in my life.
She's nothing like Yana! My subconscious scoffs, causing me to smile inwardly.
"Zach, I miss you baby." Natasha attempted to caress my chest, but I slapped her hand away.
Grabbing her arm, I haul her towards the door without attracting too much attention. "Get the hell out before I have them throw you out on your goddamn ass!" I tried to suppress my anger, "You have some nerve showing up here after what you did!"
Her cheeks flushed red, but her eyes blazed in anger briefly. "You're going to regret this decision, Zach."
I guffawed, then tucked my hands into my pocket. "The only regret I have is the day I met you."
Walking away, I reentered the room and reclaimed my seat sulking. Could my day get any worse than this?
Moments later, the guest services manager Norman approached me with my messenger bag. My heart leaped for joy because otherwise, I would've been screwed!
I tried tuning in to the presentations, but all I could think about was Yana. She was truly a breath of fresh air compared to Natasha.
A chill overtook my body as I recall our last day together.
Flashback
My last meeting ended and I was eager to go home to see my girlfriend of one year, Natasha Gomez. We met at a charity gala and I was enthralled by her. She was perfect in every way that mattered to me.
Pulling into the garage, I switched the engine of my Maybach off then entered the house through the side door. A bouquet of red roses in hand, I smiled as I headed toward the foyer. Natasha had been sending me nude photos and videos all day so I was super hyped.
However, my steps faltered when I heard yelling.
"My brother will never marry an evil bitch like you!" My baby sister Kyra yelled crying.
Natasha laughed haughtily, "Yes he will and as soon as he does, I'll ship your bratty ass off to Australia!"
Anger coursed through my body at the realization that I failed to protect Kyra! My parents must be turning in their graves right now. Kyra spotted me but I signaled her to act indifferent to my presence. She hiccuped, "Zach won't do that to me. You only want his money and I'm gonna tell him!"
Natasha cackled like an evil witch. "Of course I want his money, I'll spend every dime and you can't stop me!"
Before I could interject, she pushed Kyra roughly into the couch causing her to yell in pain. Being the little firecracker that she is, Kyra kicked her shin and ran to me.
Natasha turned to chase her but froze when she saw me. "Za..Zach baby, you're home early."
She took a step towards us but I raised my free hand stopping her in her tracks. "Pack your shit and leave right now!"
Clenching my teeth, I tried to curtail my anger because I wanted to avenge Kyra. I watched as her face became deathly pale, "Bab...ba..baby you don't mean that..." She ran a trembling hand through her hair. "I was just upset, how about we all just calm down and..."
"LEAVE NOW!" I bellowed, causing her and Kyra to jump in fright.
They've never seen me angry before and at this point in time I was struggling to control myself! Taking Kyra to her room upstairs, I placed her on the bed then locked the door behind me as I left.
Natasha was still planted in the same spot crying so I took the liberty to help her. Heading back to our room, I grabbed three large suitcases and threw all her shit inside. Hurling them down the stairs, I dragged the suitcases to the front porch and tossed them onto the driveway.
She wailed loudly, "Zach, please don't do this. I'm truly sorry baby.”
Instead of listening, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her behind me until she was outside. Stepping back, I slammed the door in her face, then called Steve the security guard to escort her off the premises.
How could I have been so blind?
End of Flashback
I shuddered at the memory, especially as I remembered everything Kyra endured when I wasn’t present. That night, I promised her to never give another woman the chance to even get close to her. If it meant sacrificing my happiness and having flings now and then, I would do it.
I've been an elusive bachelor since that day two years ago, but my armor cracked today. Yana Brighton managed to slip through with a simple act of kindness and a display of selflessness. She didn’t know who I was, she wasn’t a gold digger and she has to be the purest woman I’ve encountered in a long while.
A woman of her caliber should be treasured and I am the man to do just that! Grabbing my phone, I called Kyle and relayed the day’s events to him. He was definitely entertained by my pathetic life, with all the laughing he did much to my dismay.
However, that didn’t matter as he uttered the words I needed to hear: “I will find her for you bro!”
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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
Zach's PoV What the hell just happened? My mind is still reeling from everything that just unfolded. I ended the call with Kyra and the next thing I know, is that Yana is pissed and then tells me to go screw myself! She stalked off towards the hospital, and when I attempted to follow her things escalated! Deciding to give her some space and time to cool off, I grab a seat outside and order a beer. Slipping my phone from my pocket, I dial Kyle's number. "Bro, can you believe Yana just told me to go screw myself and accused me of being a player!?" I rant as soon as the line opens. Kyle gasps in shock, "Tell me you're lying! What did you do Zach?" He asks in an accusatory tone. At this point I'm flabbergasted by the events unfolding in my life: first Yana and now Kyle's accusation! Sighing, I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to stay calm. "Bro, you know me! I didn't do anything, I swear!" Kyle scoffs, "You expect me to believe you guys reconnected today, everything was going wel