Beady black eyes stared back as I tilted my head to inspect more. One eye briefly closed and opened back. Frowning I shook my head and looked again, but they were still. My cheeks puffed out a mouthful of air as I glanced out the glass window at the cafe. That's what happened when you stared at a teddy bear mug for half an hour.
Hunter fecking King was supposed to meet me in here, yet there was no sign of him. Two days ago, I called Mr. King senior to meet the junior before I finalized anything. I had to know if things would work between us. Now, with this conduct, I was afraid the conclusion would be in their favor.
Just when I stood up huffing from my seat, a shiny black Aston Martin Rapide pulled over right outside the cafe, and a tall, slender figure in a black Armani suit stepped out. In a matter of seconds he was swarmed by the passersby girls like a herd of female bees around their male queen, err... male king? Right then the door to the other side of the car opened and got down a woman, short and petite with gray hair pulled back in a tight bun. Two men stretched their hands in an attempt to block the crowd from getting to them, and another led them inside.
The elegant, powerful aura they emitted seized the customers' attention as half the cafe staff surrounded just to lead them to a table. The bald man, I assumed was the head bodyguard, drove his eyes around until they fell on me. He whispered something in the male king's ear, and his shaded eyes turned. Fixing his coat he strutted forward; his six feet three built looked down on my five feet five frame like an arrogant giraffe before a flabbergasted zebra.
I stared, the guy I had been secretly crushing on since the day I first saw him on a magazine cover, stood before me. Yes, that was true. You'd be wondering why I didn't say yes to the marriage then? Even though he had the looks of a Greek god, his attitude, according to some articles, was perfect to fit a movie villain, and I was certain he wouldn't be able to give me my dream love.
"Are you Ember? Ember Collins?" the woman asked, breaking me from my thoughts, and my cheeks reddened having realized I had been staring.
I'd be lying if I said their dominating vibes didn't make me nervous for my heart was racing, and my tongue felt heavy. I nodded, extending my hand to shake, but before I could blink she threw her hands around me pulling me in an embrace. I stood there stupefied. A King was hugging me despite all the news I keep hearing of them being the big bad wolves? Pulling back she tugged her slightly wrinkled lips in a hearty smile.
"Pardon me, I got carried away. I'm Karen King."
"Hello." I smiled, my mind boggling inside. She was the eldest member of the Kings, and she certainly didn't seem like a bad wolf to me. What was all that news then? Mere rumours? My eyes drove to the male king who now was sitting across my table. Would that mean he was not the dark and dangerous devil he was called by?
"Here. Seat, darling. Talk to each other. I'll be around." She trotted away and found herself a table at the other corner.
Licking my lips I sat down and gazed at the man before me. He was as handsome as the magazines portrayed him to be, maybe even more with a square face, hard features and a sharp jawline, slight stubbles adorning it. The perpetual frown that latched between his brows no matter what made it seem as though he got his man period all hour round.
My heart pounded in my chest, and the script I prepared was long forgotten. I cleared my throat and stretched my lips into an awkward, toothy smile. "H-Hello! It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" I closed my eyes facepalming internally. Did I have to stutter? I couldn't help it though since his eyes seemed to watch my every move from behind his tinted glasses.
He looked down at his wrist-watch. "Yes."
The rich, velvety texture his voice held hitched my breath, and I gulped. Perhaps, I should stop beating about the bush and break the bone. "Well, I wanted to know your thoughts on… um, our marriage?" It came out more as a question for I still couldn't believe I was gonna be the bride of the famous Hunter King, not to forget, forcefully. I wondered if he knew about the threats.
He didn't move, neither did his mouth, only the eyes bored on me. Diverting my eyes elsewhere, I stirred in my seat. From the other corner of the cafe the granny's eyes, illuminated with excitement, caught mine, and I smiled.
Was he gonna answer or not?
"Wil-"
A menu was placed on the table cutting me off. "Mr. King, what'd you like to have?" The waitress leaned over, her boobs almost falling out of her tight uniform and batted her eyelashes.
My jaw clenched in annoyance when Hunter's hand raised and waved in dismissal without giving her a glance. The way the colors drained from her face, exalted my crush on him a level higher. Biting the laugh in, I glanced back at him.
Perhaps, the marriage wouldn't be a bad thing, after all.
"So, I had been having doubts about the proposition since the beginning, of course, the threats were a big red light-" I threw the quick hint in to observe his reaction.
Silence and an impassive expression were all I met with.
"-but… Now I am thinking about giving it a positive consent. I mean, you guys are good people. What bad could happen, right?"
Again, silence.
At this point, I wondered if he could actually talk, or was the first response a mere hallucination of mine?
Just when I was almost convinced that the great Hunter King was dumb, his hand lifted to his right ear. "Adequate. Finalize it, Denver."
"What?" My brows knitted together.
"Yes, I'm coming." He pressed on the dark device aka Bluetooth attached to his ear. "You were saying?"
I sat there, my mouth agape. That son of a bloody tampon! He was having a darn meeting while I kept blabbering in vain?
He lifted his hand glancing at the watch once again. "Good talk." Then he got up and walked away like he regretted nothing.
The granny rushed to me, "Hope to meet you soon, darling." and followed behind her jerk of a grandson.
I'd hate to disappoint the fair lady for I would never marry this bastard.
Drawing out my phone I dialed a number and held it against my ear. After five rings, the call was answered.
"Hello, Ember."
I inhaled deep. "We need to meet."
"Come to the office. Fifteenth floor, chief conference hall."
Cutting the call, I started for the Kings' office in Midtown Manhattan and reached in no time. I craned my neck in a ninety-degree angle until I could see the end of the skyscraper before me. 'THE KING'S CORP' was emblazoned in bold golden letters on a black board.
My jaw tightened. Filthy money. It corrupted people, making them feel they could do whatever they wanted, but I wouldn't give in to them. Never.
On ascending the stairs, a man in a black uniform opened the door for me. Thanking him, I hopped in the elevator to the said direction and waited outside the conference hall till the last employee walked out, then barged into the room, too angry to maintain decorum.
The offense on Mr. King's face vaporized as soon as it came. "Welcome, Ember. Liked my son? Of course, you did. Who doesn't?" He laughed.
"No."
His laughter was cut short, and eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, girl?"
"I say no to your proposition. Your son is a jerk, and I'm not wasting my life with him."
His lips thinned. "Oh, silly girl. I'm sure you want a job real bad."
I frowned. "Are you threatening me, Mr. King?"
"No, of course, not. I'm only pushing you to the right direction."
"Right direction? Oh, please! Your son didn't even act like he is interested."
"Of course, he is interested. He is just a tough man."
I closed my eyes and asked the question that had been bothering the most. "Why? Why me?"
Diverting his gaze, Mr. King stirred in his seat. "Whatever do you mean?"
"Why so desperate to make me marry your son?"
"Can't a father want a good wife for his son?"
"There's a thousand more girls like me."
"You never know who's planning what." He stood up from his seat and rounded the desk, a smile taking over his lips. "I have known you since childhood, my girl, and I trust you."
If anything, the crease between my brows only deepened. Was he really a concerned father, or was there another motive?
"Still, Mr. King. I can't, I'm sorry. I'll request you to stop bothering me and my family." I turned on my heels.
"Do think again, Ember. I can help you get a job."
My movement ceased. As alluring an offer it was, I was not giving in, the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach wouldn't let me anyway. Shaking my head, I walked out of King's Corp. hoping to never set foot in here again.
Getting in a cab, I let out a long sigh, an arrowy pain penetrating my chest. Turning my phone back on, I tapped on the search bar and typed.
How to hate your crush?
Till reaching home, my mind was fully motivated and buzzing with ideas for the future. You gotta love the internet for it, always there for when we need. Biting on the ice-cream of self-pamper, I stretched my hand to reach the knob when voices halted me.
"They emailed again from the IRS. This was the last warning. If we don't pay the taxes, we'll lose our house. You might even have to go to prison, Joseph," mom spoke, her voice thick with worry. "Do you still think it's a prank? Maybe there has been some misunderstanding?"
"Don't worry. I'll go talk to the officials tomorrow," dad's voice, however, sounded dead.
"What's wrong? Are you okay, Joseph?"
"I don't know what's going on, Sof. They refused to give me my allowance for the month."
"What? Why?"
A thump snatched my attention, and I looked down; splashes of the melting cream painted the wooden porch like all the enthusiasm that melted in my bones. I took two steps back as the air felt too heavy to inhale, and the world was closing in on me.
'You're trapped, Ember,' Mr. King's voice mocked me in my head, 'There's only one way out of it.'
My hand shook as I drew my phone out and dialed the same number for the second time that day.
"Listening."
"Yes. I say yes."
Thank you so much for reading my book. If you liked it, please leave one of your precious votes and reviews. Thank you! Stay safe! Lots of love xoxoxo
A month later~White ribbons and fabrics hung from the trees. Red carpet covered the aisle I walked down, and soft music played in the background. The tail of my veil fluttered as a gentle breeze blew. At the end of the aisle stood the man of my dreams with a smile on his face. He took my hands and leaned in.I leaned in.Our lips almost met.His face started turning into a swirl, everything else getting sucked into it. 'Oh, no, no, wait! What's going on?'The gentle music in the background was replaced with 'The death of a bachelor... oh oh... letting the water fall... The death of...' and a distant voice called, 'Ember! Ember...'My body joggled. "Wake up! Come on, Ember! It's your wedding day!""Mhm... I know. I'm getting married nowmm..." I turned around and pulled the blanket over my face."Wh
Walking down the hall, questions began popping in my head making me rethink going there. What if it never works out between us? What if he never likes me? What if it's all a conspiracy? What if I'm left unhappy forever? What if... Soon my head became a warzone of several 'what ifs', and the war slowly made its way through my mouth to my heart as my mouth felt dry, and my heart pounded against my ribcage like a mad prisoner ready to break free.The door opened, and I stood there, my feet seemed to have frozen. A squeeze in my hand made me look up."Everything will be alright, princess," dad assured with a smile on his face.Nodding, I stepped into the red carpet and walked through the aisle. There were few people present, sitting in the benches chattering. All heads turned towards me, men sending smiles while the women decided on glares. From between, the identical faces of my twin aunts stood out as they waved at me
"We're here." Matthew informed as the car carrying us came to a halt in front of a huge steel gate. The driver said something in the intercom, and the gate opened with a beeping sound. The ride started again through a paved road, around a stone carved water fountain and stopped.After Matthew hopped out, I followed behind, my jaw almost dropping to the floor. The huge four-storied white building looked like something out of the magazines. A mellowy fragrance seized my attention to the sides, neatly trimmed rose bushes ornated the garden around as the evening sky ablazed with the last rays of the setting sun casted a warm, orangish glow over it."I think I saw a fly flying in your mouth," Matt whispered, breaking me from my trance.I looked at him, my mouth still hanging open. "It's so beautiful," I gushed.He smiled. "Welcome to the Kings Mansion, Mrs. King!"
"Julia ma'am doesn't like the name Julie, yet Karen ma'am keeps calling her that," Bella said, her dainty build shaking from laughter along with mine as she shared the two women's battle tale. "Karen's a savage!" I commented, somewhat proud at her boldness even at this age. "They're always ripping each other's hair, and poor Mr. King, sir gets crushed between them. It's so funny to watch." My smile tightened at the mention of Mr. King. "Yeah." Poor, my foot! Bella was helping me unload my suitcases and arrange the clothes in the closet. The war between Julia and Karen was certainly hilarious to watch as per Bella stated. I shouldn't be praying so, but I very much looked forward to witnessing more of that comedy war. My eyes darted to her as something else crossed my mind. "Tell me about Hunter." The weather of the room d
Donna was serving everyone breakfast as I sat there awaiting my doom. My food was untouched, and my heart hammered in my chest. Any minute now I would be caught like a deer in the headlights. I could spot the sinister smirk dancing on Hunter's face since he appeared on the table.That son of a bloody bachelor!"Donna, my chocolate mousse," Julia spoke.I gulped. Oh no!"Yes, ma'am."As if time slowed down, with every step Donna took, Hunter's smirk broadened, and my eyes widened. She placed the bowl in front of Julia and uncovered the lid.Like the earth on a sunny day, Julia's face lit up as she shoved a spoonful of mousse in her mouth. "Mhm... Donna, did we change the cook or something? How did his boring mousse get so good today?"I let out the breath I was holding. Phew! She liked my recipe.
Yesterday was a hectic day. I called Ana later at night to check on her. She was alright. Matt called her twice since the incident which was really sweet of him. I was more than glad for what he did for Ana. If anything was to happen to her, I wouldn't be able to live. She was my sister more than she was my friend along with Beth. Since our childhood, we had been facing everything good and bad together. Once when we were in kindergarten, Ana stood up to my bullies for me even though she was the most sensitive and sweetest girl in the school. That day I knew I couldn't be weak anymore. I had to be strong. She was the reason I could look people in the eyes now without cowering away.Today I decided to explore the library. I had been waiting for this since the day I first stepped foot into this heavenly place.Political section... historical section... business section... accounting section... journals... The heck! A
Knock knock.Dragging my eyes from the pages of another book I found in that old shelf, I glanced at the clock.11:30 pm.Who the heck had the nerve to disturb my reading time at this late at night?Grumbling, I dragged myself out of the comfort of the bed and headed to the door. Swinging the door open, I opened my mouth to give the miserable person a piece of my mind but stopped, my eyes widening and mouth hanging open as wide as was my door. Outside my room stood Hunter in a dark blue, silk pajama set.Was I seeing right, or did the book fall on my face too hard earlier?Bringing my hands behind my back, I pinched on one and winced from the unpleasant pain. He was really there. But why? Could it be, at last, he had come to his senses that I was his wife, and he should be interacting more with me than just passing 'hellos
I took a sip of my virgin cranberry sangria and slammed the glass down on the counter. Couldn't put up with gentlemanly manners for longer, could he? Had to leave me here all alone like the jerk he was. Glaring at the innocent glass, I took another sip from it. The cold liquid went down my throat smoothly, calming my temper a bit. Mhm, it was good. How did they make this stuff so delicious? I took another sip and more sips until someone interrupted by tapping on my shoulder."Darling, what are you doing here alone?"I turned my head. "Ah, hi, Mrs Arthur! Hunter had to g-""I know, dear. The men are busy discussing business matters. Why don't you come join us ladies there?" She pointed to a large group of women gathered in a corner.I gulped. "Sure." I sent a tight smile, took another large sip, then got up and followed her to join them.First five