CHAPTER 23- THE DANGER IN HER LIFE

His eyelids flew open and when they did, she wasn't there anymore. Indeed he was working late but He had fallen asleep on the desk somewhere along the line. Glancing into his watch, Hades realized it was 9:35pm. That was a quick nap. He thought.

He had no stamina to continue working anymore, neither could her fall asleep right away so He decided to see how a certain red-haired was doing. He successfully switched the computer to the surveillance camera in her house.

You could have told me you'd be coming over Esra, I had no idea. Allison said, coming out of the bathroom wearing a matching pink pajama set.

I thought I'd surprise you.

Esra said, walking into the bedroom with some snacks in her hands and throwing one at Allison.

Besides, I never get time to see you anymore.

I know I know I'm sorry. We're all just tied down at the office I guess.

Yeah and I'd never thought it'd be this hell of stressful working for Davian.

He stresses you out? I'm sorry sweetie but I'm sure he doesn't mean it.

I can put up with a little stress, the pay is worth it after-all.

How's your resort going?

Huh?

The one at Cuba.

Oh yea, it's been good so far...wait, I don't remember telling you about my beach resort program.

Esra shrugged. Davian told me.

Wow you call him by his first name now?

Esra chuckled. Come off it girl.

Come off what?

Those accusing eyes. You know I'd never touch what's yours.

You'd better not.

I guess my friendliness is just...infectious.

You can say that again.

And besides I'm your best friend so it's only natural.

Forgive me for being a guppy a second there. I'm sorry I ever doubted you.

Esra waved her hand. It's fine, it's fine, I'd be overprotective too if I found myself someone that rich.

Allison smiled. It's not about his wealth.

Oh that's right, you have an empire of your own don't you? Women like you my dear search for love but women like me chase after the cash instead.

You're so silly Esra. She laughed.

Am I?

Yes you are.

Okay I didn't want to say this but...

What is it? Tell me

It's about Davian.

What is it then? Is he alright? She looked worried.

He has confided in me about your no intimacy policy till after marriage.

Allison let out a sigh. Is that so bad?

Maybe not to you but to him, it's driving him nuts and I'd say you give him a chance even if it's just once.

Esra...

I mean what could go wrong? You'd better sit up tight sweetheart before one these conniving witches steal him away.

No one is stealing Davian from me. Allison smiled. Absolutely no one.

Cheers to that.

Yes He loves me too much for anything to go wrong.

I hope so.

Hades switched off the monitor, that was enough. His pet was okay and he didn't want to have a stalking obsession. Although something was off about that best friend of hers.

Davian told me....

He has confided in me....

Women like me chase after the cash instead....

How well do you even know your friends, pet? Why are you so naive?

He thought, bitterly.

But then again, was she naive or was he the one with trust issues? He reached out to the small glass tube at the base of his necklace and caressed it affectionately.

I miss you, Venice. I really do.

THE NEXT DAY

LENSHAW CORPORATIONS.

3:00pm

Knock, Knock.

Come in.

Good afternoon sir,

Hades looked up from his desk. It was Allison.

All done? He asked.

All done. She said, placing a bunch of files on his desk. And also you have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning at eight. Just thought I'd let you know before hand.

You're doing well Miss Doreen. He said, absentmindedly. Thank you.

What was wrong with him today?

Allison thought.

It wasn't usual for Hades to address her formally or not insist she called him by his first name neither was it like him to look so drained.

Is... something wrong? She felt compelled to ask.

Hades looked up at her and smiled faintly. Why? Don't tell me you'd actually care.

Arrogant scumbag! She thought.

Never-mind. Anyways I...she reached for her bag and brought out an envelope.

What's that? He asked, uninterested.

Here, that's two hundred thousand, a few months and I'll be able to clear everything up for good.

I see the beach resort paid off afterall.

Yes it did.

That's six hundred thousand more to go.

Hades stood up and went to the window, looking outside vaguely.

Keep it. He simply said.

What? I don't understand.

I hear Edward is still in the hospital. I reckon he needs that money more than I ever will.

Oh.. She was stunned

What was up with him? Why so...affectionate all of a sudden.

He does but I'd feel much better with part of the debt cleared up.

Mmm. Hades responded. His mind was flooded with images of Venice from the night before. He couldn't think too clearly.

I'm not in a rush to get paid.

I see, well thank you but this doesn't change anything.

Should it?

You're still the one responsible for my father's health issues.

I never sent my men to beat the old man up.

What?

You know better how I like to take my revenge. I never let anyone do my job. Where's the fun in that?

If it wasn't you, then who?

Hades shrugged. Someone who has always wanted my reputation in the mud.

Do you know who it is?

Not yet and until then, keep yourself out of harm's way.

You don't say.

He raised an eyebrow at her. You are my pet, Ofcourse I would want you to be safe.

Don't call me that! She flared.

I'll call you whatever I please and yes....He frowned...That friend of yours, do well to keep a close eye on her.

Who? She asked, confused.

Something with an "E"

Esra? Allison rolled her eyes. You do have a problem don't you?

Maybe but I don't trust her.

What? You've never even met her!

Hades suddenly realized. There was no way he could tell her he bugged her house with hidden cameras.

Just do.

Such a creep! She muttered.

GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE

3:15pm

Esra knocked a few times before coming in but her boss was nowhere to be found. She decided to leave the slip she was holding on the desk and leave but just then she felt someone hugging her from behind, kissing her neck. She giggled, excitedly.

I was wondering where you had gone to. She smiled.

Took you long enough. You had me waiting Esra. Davian said, frowning slightly.

I was working.

Bullshit!

She laughed. But I'm here now aren't I?

Yeah, let's get to work.

What if Allison comes in?

It's lunch break no one should be on this floor by this time.

Don't you think it's time you called it quits with her? I can't bare the sight of having to share. Do you even love me?

Darling you offer me what she doesn't have the stomach to, why wouldn't I love you more?

Then break up with her, I will. She's valuable you know. Only for a little while I promise. He smiled, lifting her onto the desk, hungrily kissing her all over as he undid the buttons on her blouse.

Gosh Davian! She moaned.

Just then his phone rang.

Argh screw it! He cussed frustratedly. I have to take this sweetheart. He looked at the name on the screen.

Put your clothes back on we'll continue this some other time. He said, urgently.

What's wrong?

Nothing, this is going to take a while. Join the others for lunch.

Fine. She whined, disappointedly.

See you later, I love you. He kissed her one more time before she left.

Yes Warner, what is it?

Phase one successful. The man at the other end smiled.

He took the bait?

Indeed.

Good! Davian smiled, contentedly.

To think it worked flawlessly.

Why wouldn't it? The initial approach was flawless.

Mhmmm. I would love to celebrate this but I'm not one to count my chicks before they hatch.

Wise policy indeed. Remember You'll have to keep your end of the bargain Davian, I'm a busy man.

Ofcourse I'll be sure to make this worth your while once this is over.

That's what I like to hear.

But Warner?

Yes?

Are is there really gold underneath those mountains?

Swarming with them infact.

That's good. He'd be more suspicious if gold wasn't detected underneath the earth.

What's next?

Just stay in the background and keep wining his trust.

But I...

Lay low Warner, don't do anything without my orders. Davian growled, displeased. You wouldn't want the end up like Ron and his crew would you?

What happened to them?

Hades got to them. They're obviously dead with no trace of their bodies and If I were you, I wouldn't look forward to ever finding them. I'm sure there isn't going to be any way possible to retrieve their bodies.

Freaking hell! The man gasped.

Yea you should take caution around my uncle. His mental health is practically hanging on a thin thread. Don't trigger the deranged lunatic.

Derange and lunatic in the same sentence? Warner chuckled loudly. You must hate him so much.

I do and I have every reason to. That bastard is literally sitting on my birthright and I intend to take it back! He's an adopted worthless bum for fuck's sake!

I can understand your pains Davian.

Hmm and yes, I think my uncle might have a certain odd connection to Allison.

Your girlfriend.

Mmm

You think they're having an affair?

No no no my sweet little Ally won't do that to me. He smiled. She loves me too much. But my uncle on the other hand, I don't know what's the connection. It's not emotional no, He's not capable of such an emotion not anymore atleast.

And why do you say so?

Apparently, my grandfather who happened to be his adopted father, murdered his lover so he would be able to give all his focus to the mines.

I'd say he took after old Mr Lenshaw if they were actually related.

I fear it might be some baseless obsession creeping in and He may not even know now.

What makes you say so?

He saved her from my plan at Cuba and punished me for not keeping an eye on her and not to mention, He made her his secretary.

Wow! What a web!

I know and I'm not liking it. He scowled. However, I plan on finding out just how much He's willing to keep her under his wings.

What are you going to do?

Not sure but I have a feeling Allison might have to be bait again.

CEO's OFFICE

3:30pm

A letter for you Mr Lenshaw, a male clerk came in and handed him a small brown envelope. That's odd, He wasn't expecting any letters today. He curiously tore it open and the contents were alarming.

"Burkhart, 9pm tonight, her death is certain!"

After the company's lunch break that afternoon, Esra and Allison had crossed paths and the latter was a bit shaky in front of her friend.

Hey Esra! What's going on?

I'm fine, just returning to my post.

Right. Allison noticed an odd change in her friend. You..look...why are so flushed!

Me? No way! I don't think so. She chuckled, nervously.

Wait a minute.. Allison moved closer and sniffed her clothes.

Oh goodness! I hope she doesn't figure anything out!

Why do you smell of male perfume?

Allison you're being obnoxious again?

Esra, she smiled. I know the perfume you use and this is anything but the smell plus I've been with Davian long enough to know what male perfume smells like. So...?

Esra's heart was pounding inside her chest. Err...I can explain...it's not what you...

It's okay. You can tell me if you have an office crush. Allison laughed, heartily.

So...? Who is he? Is it Parker? Oh wait! I'll guess...is it....Vincent? It has to be Vincent. He's soooo your type! She shrieked in excitement.

Thank gooodness, Davian was right, she is indeed a naive wreck! Esra thought, relieved. Oh I'll never tell. She smiled slyly, playing along.

Oh Esra, you can't do this to me. I'm your best friend. Tell me who he is.

So you could go spill the beans and ruin my self confidence? Never!

You know me way better than that Esra.

Alright, Alright, I'll tell you who he is when he confesses his feelings to me. Only then.

Fine I can't wait. I'll be rooting for you and Mr Perfect, whoever he is. She giggled, excited for her friend. So tell me how did you end up with his scent.

We hugged.

Aww really?

Stop it Ally.

I'm sorry, we're probably making too much noise right now.

And wasting work time too.

That's right. We'll continue this conversation at home.

I got you. She smiled.

Oh wait, I and Davian are supposed to go on a date today at nine. Allison sighed. I might come back late. Don't wait up for me.

Sure have fun in advance.

I will. Davian is the best.

He is, isn't he? Esra thought, sourly.

BURKHART LOUNGE & BAR.

9:10pm

Allison sat on the table for two reserved for her and Davian that evening. She checked her watch, 9:10pm. Seems He might be running a little late. She thought. Then her mind flashed back to a few hours ago, just before she left the office.

Any plans for the evening? Hades had asked her.

Yes

Where?

Burkhart.

What?!

Why?

She couldn't understand the alarm in his voice and neither could he. What did it matter to him if she lived or died anyway.

Don't go. He said simply.

Who the hell do you think you are to order me around?

It could be dangerou...

The only danger in my life is you, Hades Lenshaw, stop trying to make a puppet out of me.

So imagine danger warning you of danger You're right I am the only danger in your life and I would love for it to stay that way. I won't be able to tolerate it, if there's any other.