Strings to Pull

Orion

The engine purred beneath me as I drove through the city streets, my grip on the steering wheel tightening with every turn. My mind was a chaotic mess of thoughts, but for the moment, I focused on the task at hand: picking up Chloe.

She had been waiting at the Cafe on East Road, and despite the tension burning through me after my encounter with Ava, I couldn't leave her waiting. She has been calling all evening, I could sense how unsettled she is over the phone.

The traffic light flickered red, and I exhaled sharply, rolling my shoulders to relieve some of the tension. It was then that my phone buzzed on the dashboard, a notification lighting up the screen.

I glanced at it briefly, ready to ignore yet another unimportant email or update. But what I saw made my pulse quicken.

Holly. Holly Rodriguez.

The name glared back at me, every nerve in my body suddenly on high alert. Ava’s sister. So she is her Achilles’ heel? My mind raced, piecing together fragments of past conversations and hidden truths.

Ava's father despised her. Wanted her downfall. How could a father harbor so much hatred for his child? Anyway, that is not my business. I knew he was going to give me something to use against Ava.

My mother once said that he's her ally. So, an enemy of my enemy is my friend…right? Holly was Ava’s weakness—one she would do anything to protect. A twisted smile curled my lips. This was the leverage I needed.

Petty? Perhaps. But effective? Absolutely. If Ava thought she could keep me in check, she’d soon learn how wrong she was. Controlling her meant breaking through her armor, and Holly was the crack I’d exploit.

I tapped my fingers on the wheel as a plan began to form. Charm Holly. Win her over. Use her to sway Ava. If Holly believed in me, she could convince her sister to do anything I wanted—including marriage.

Once I had that binding contract, I’d share equal control of the company and gain the upper hand over Ava. Marriage wasn’t the endgame—it was just the first step.

The traffic light turned green, and I accelerated, weaving through the lanes with renewed purpose. Chloe would never know about this plan. This was my battle to fight and win alone.

But when I win, she will stand by my side.

Minutes later, I pulled up outside the café where Chloe waited. She spotted me immediately, her face lighting up as she ran out, worry and relief etched across her features. She threw her arms around me the moment I stepped out of the car, clinging tightly.

“Where were you?” she demanded, her voice trembling. “I was scared. I have been looking over my shoulders afraid someone is lurking behind the corners, watching. Waiting.”

“Sorry Chloe. I had things to take care of,” I said, forcing a reassuring smile as I wrapped an arm around her. “Work, you know how it is.”

Her eyes searched mine, but she nodded, accepting the excuse. Together, we grabbed a quick dinner, the conversation light and filled with her chatter. I played the part of the attentive partner, all while my mind stayed focused on what lay ahead.

When we got home, I retreated to the study. The quiet there was a welcome contrast to the storm brewing inside me. I sifted through documents and notes, planning my next move carefully. I would visit Holly, play the role of the charming brother-in-law she never had, and slowly, piece by piece, draw her into my web.

“Orion?” Chloe’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. She stood in the doorway, a playful smile on her lips. “Come join me for a shower?”

I smirked, feeling a rare sense of victory flicker to life within me. Ava had no idea what was coming. For once, I had the upper hand, and I intended to keep it.

“Coming,” I said, letting my smirk widen as I followed her. Victory was within reach—and I would savor every step of this battle.

The next morning, I was up before dawn, the first rays of light creeping through the blinds as I stood in front of the mirror, dressing quietly.

Ava didn't come home last night either. That will soon change.

Today called for simplicity—a dark blue fitted t-shirt, faded jeans, and a pair of black sneakers. Nothing flashy, just enough to blend in, yet commanding enough respect to not be overlooked. I combed a hand through my hair, glancing back at the bed.

Chloe stirred beneath the sheets, her tousled hair fanning across the pillow. Her eyes fluttered open, still groggy from sleep, as she noticed me buttoning my watch.

“Baby?” she mumbled, stretching and blinking away the remnants of sleep. “Where are you going this early?”

I turned, slipping on a calm mask. “Got called in for a quick meeting at the company,” I said smoothly, buckling the watch strap. “It’s urgent.”

She propped herself up, concern flashing in her eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve gotten ready too.”

I plastered on a reassuring smile, stepping closer. “It came in last-minute,” I lied, sitting on the edge of the bed. “No time to prepare.”

Chloe threw the covers back, determination in her sleepy gaze as she moved to stand. “Give me five minutes. I’ll shower and join you.”

The last thing I needed was for her to come along. This wasn’t a company meeting—it was the first move in my plan to win Holly over, and I couldn’t have any distractions. Certainly not Chloe. What would Holly think when she sees me with another woman other than her sister?

I caught her hand, gently but firmly pressing her back against the mattress.

“Stay,” I said softly, leaning closer. My lips traced the curve of her jaw, leaving a trail of warmth that made her breath hitch. “It’s not worth rushing out of bed for.”

“Orion,” she whispered, a faint protest lingering in her voice. But I could feel her body relaxing beneath mine, her resolve faltering. I kissed her neck slowly, letting each touch linger, savoring the effect it had.

My hands moved with purpose, exploring familiar curves, and I watched as her eyes fluttered closed. Her breath quickened, any lingering thoughts of leaving forgotten as desire took over.

I took my time, letting every caress distract and exhaust her. I whispered promises that blurred reality, holding her close until she was too worn to argue or resist. When I finally pulled away, Chloe lay back, a contented smile curving her lips, the fight gone from her entirely.

“Stay here,” I murmured, tucking the blanket around her. “You’re safest at home, where security is tight.”

She nodded weakly, her eyelids already heavy. “Okay... I trust you.”

I stood, slipping out of the room quietly and grabbing my jacket. Time to start what I had planned.

---

The hospital loomed large and sterile as I stepped inside, my steps purposeful. I approached the front desk and cleared my throat. “I’m here to see Holly Rodriguez.”

Two guards exchanged wary glances before one shook his head. “No visitors. Miss Ava instructed that no one is allowed in.”

I clenched my jaw but forced a smile. “I’m Orion Miller. Ava’s husband. This is a family matter.”

The guards hesitated, suspicion clear. I held out a small bag—carefully selected gifts for Holly, things I knew any kid her age would appreciate. “I just want to see my sister in-law. Go and inform her that I’m here.”

Reluctantly, one guard nodded, disappearing through a door. Minutes crawled by, every second amplifying my anticipation. When the guard returned, he gestured for me to follow.

As I stepped forward, a dark smirk crossed my face. This was going to be fun.