CHAPTER 38- HURTFUL WORDS

They finally arrived at 'LENSHAW MANSION' after a great deal of minutes. It was just as it was the last time she was here. Her memory flashed to when the one time she held a gun to his head in a desperate attempt to run away. Oh how that still brought chills to her spine.

"Where's my room?" She asked, still holding Archie in her arms whilst holding her luggage in the other hand.

"Here." He said, casually walking inside.

"But this is yours."

"And we're supposed to be married."

"Well yes in the eyes of everyone else."

"Listen, this isn't Hamilton Mansion, you stay where I want you to stay Allison. I can't risk you triggering something."

"Triggering?"

"Hmm, each bedroom has something...special."

Oh how she dreaded what he meant by "Special" just like when he said he was an "Artist" and the naive her thought he was talking about something like Leonardo's Da Vinci's Monalisa.

"I'll keep my bags in here but I'll be sleeping in the living room with Archie." She said.

That bloody defiance nature of hers again.

He thought.

"Whatever you want." Came his reply.

"Oh yes."

"What is it?"

"Archie needs dog food."

"I'll send someone to get them."

"Do make sure it's as soon as possible." She added without an attempt at being polite. Why should she afterall?

After taking a shower, she decided to spend time in the living room. Archie had also taken a bath and ate to his full, now he was bustling around and all over the place.

"I'm glad, I found you Archie, I'm glad I have you as company, who knows? Without you, I might as well lose all my nuts in here." She smiled. Just then, she thought of Karl. Oh that's right! She promised to call once she arrived. Hurriedly picking up her phone, she dialed his number.

"Karl?"

"Yes Princess?"

She broke into a wide smile, she missed him and right now, his voice brought her so much comfort.

"I'm in New York."

"How was your flight?"

"Great. How are you? How are things going for you today?"

"Well, I'm basically sulking given that I haven't seen you in over five hours now."

"Aww." She giggled. "I miss you too."

"I miss you even more."

"I'll be back soon okay. So don't you worry."

"Can't wait."

"Mmm, later?"

"Definitely. Bye Princess."

"Bye."

Allison hung up and lay back on the sofa, Archie climbing up to her and nestling on her chest. Her thoughts went out to Karl. What was she really doing? Was she in love with her bodyguard? That was one question she had never really given a thought.

Hades was a thorn on her side and at that moment of despair and frustration, Karl happened to be there. The direct opposite of him. He became a shoulder to lay her head on. He supported and cared for her. Karl was always there and now she didn't want him to leave, she needed Karl just as one always needed their favorite stuffed teddy in their arms whilst asleep. She shut her eyes in guilt.

You're being so selfish Ally....

So what if she was being selfish? She was scared to admit she wasn't all that strong. She needed Karl for his protection and for the love he showed her. She needed him to escape reality, for delusional fantasies. Like a boyfriend bot you download on your cell phone. Urgh! That just made her feel worse.

You're only using him Ally....

The voice in her head won't shut up! Whatever the case may be, she was enjoying the role play as long as it lasted.

The minutes ticked by and soon it was night time. Archie had already fallen asleep and so did she. Meanwhile a little to ten, Hades came downstairs to check on her. Seems she meant what she said earlier on. He met her there on the sofa, sleeping, eyes closed, one leg out of the mattress and the other leg on the couch.

How vulnerable! She was most likely a deep sleeper. He thought as he lifted her off the sofa and carried her in his arms to the bedroom. Archie got up and barked at Hades with his little voice. He looked back at the puppy and smiled.

"Uh uh not you little guy, stay here!"

roof! roof!!

"That's adorable but we can't have you seeing things meant for only adults now can we?" Hades suppressed a laugh.

What was he even saying? That wasn't going to happen.

He climbed further up the stairs and into his bedroom. He shut the door and set her on the bed before equally laying down beside her. He found it difficult to get some sleep so instead, he just watched her as the minutes went by.

THE NEXT MORNING...

Sun-rays...

"Rise and Shine! Although I'd prefer you didn't."

The open curtains coupled with the  high-pitched yell brought him out of his sleep in the most uncomfortable way.

"Will you pipe down?" Hades groaned, displeased as he sat up on the bed, his hand running through the back of his neck tiredly.  "What time is it?" He further asked.

That was when He noticed the dumbstruck look on her face and then he realized. He was shirtless! He had the habit of taking off his robe when asleep. Clothes had a way of itching when one was unconscious but he hadn't remembered she slept beside him last night.

"Put something on!" Allison finally found her voice.

"Will do."

She heard him chuckling. Bastard!

But how can one be so fit?! She thought. And tight! It was as if his muscles were accurately sewn together. There was not an ounce of fat on this man! Not looking physically any way.

"What do want now?" He asked, finally in a black robe.

"What do I want?! I never asked to be here. How dare you? I thought I made it clear that I didn't want to sleep in here!"

"Then you could have left once you woke up."

How arrogant! She fumed, laughing hysterically.

"Oh pardon me for not being Mr Hulk because trust me you would have been standing here to an empty door way!"

Hades finally realized, he locked the door last night.

"It's locked." He muttered.

"Yes, please get the key."

"Mmm." He reached underneath his drawer but that was when he's eyes fell on a pair of black leggings in the trash can. It brought a smile to his lips.

"You just don't know when to stop pet, do you?"

"You didn't think I'd actually be keeping it."

"Well I hoped you would."

"I obviously have no use for it."

"You're something else..." His lips curled up in s smirk as He walked close to her. Too close that she had to block him off with both hands. He tilted his head, peering into her eyes.

"Wh..what are you doing?" She stuttered.

"Nervous pet?"

"No!"

"Not even a little?"

"I'm not afraid of you."

"Well that is a very unwise thing to say." He grinned, lifting her onto his shoulder and dropping her down on the bed.

"What the hell are you doing? You psychopath!" She yelled. "Let me go!"

"Beg me to." He smiled, trapping her underneath him.

"You're sick!" She fumed, turning over so that she was now on top of him. Both her hands on the bed on either side of his shoulder.

"Who's trapped now?"

A smirk curled up the side of his lips

"You're like a tigress, I love it but not a big one, a cub."

"A cub could still scratch your eyes out."

"Ha! Sure! That's what you've been trying to do since we got married."

"You clearly deserve it." She felt his arm wrapped right around her waist. Shit! She was trapped again.

"I clearly don't deserve you trashing my gifts."

"Those leggings wasn't a gift! It was a necessity."

"I needed those slim thighs of yours covered or I might not have been sorry for my actions."

She felt her cheeks burn again. Why did she always find it embarrassing when this Man brought up sensitive topics.

"Riddle me this Mr Lenshaw, If you didn't want to see me like that, then why didn't you just insist I wore a different outfit?"

Hades' smirk grew wider.

"You love wearing those cute little skirts don't you?"

"Yes?"

"Well...I don't want you to stop."

"Wh...at?"

"I'm sorry."

"Yes you should be."

"I'm sorry I made you wear those awful leggings."

She stared at him, confused. Was he actually apologizing.

"I was feeling a little distracted yesterday but you don't have to worry anymore. No more leggings. From now on, you can wear all things skimpy around me and show off as much thighs as you want. And why? Because I love seeing them bare."

Such a flirt! She thought. So annoying!

All the drama ended as Hades got up and opened the door for her. Immediately, Archie ran to her feet, barking excitedly.

"Aww good morning my love." She smiled, picking him up and scratching his white fur. "Yes I love you very much. Did you sleep well my darling?"

roof! roof!!

"That's my boy!"

Hades frowned.

What? She could call an animal sweet names but couldn't stand the sight of him for a second? He sounded a little deranged. Was he seriously getting jealous of a dog? No that's ridiculous.

"See? You locked Archie out." Allison turned to him, scowling.

"Well forgive me, I had no idea the dog was some kind of imperial majesty."

"When is the dinner conference?" She asked, ignoring his sarcastic remark.

"Tonight at nine."

"Okay"

Allison walked outside, closing the door behind her and it wasn't long before she heard his voice on a call with some business partner obviously. He sounded serious. What could it be? She hoped everything was fine at the office. She decided to focus on her puppy by feeding him and by the time she was done, Hades came out of his bedroom in a corporate outfit.

"Going somewhere?"

"Yes, the door's unlocked, take a shower and whatever you do, don't take any calls in my absence."

"Mmm. Where are you going?"

"Someone I have to meet up with."

"A customer?"

"Yes."

"Then let me go with you. I'll only take a minute to get ready I promis..."

"What the hell are you saying?"

His voice brought her confidence shattering into pieces. To think she...what was she even thinking? Hadn't he been all flirty with her a few minutes ago? She acted foolishly again! To think she thought He had....changed? He was acting friendly wasn't he? Urgh! The bastard was back! The one she came with from Los Angeles. The one that took over her own company and shut her out, reducing her to nothing but a house wife.

"I thought we'd go together."

"Don't start now."

"Don't start now?! My aunt is the owner of Hamilton Jewels!" She yelled, hurt.

"And I'm the one supposed to single handedly bring restoration to a sinking vessel."

"Wow!"

"Stay home. I don't need you messing things up."

Why did this Man see her as so irrelevant? And as much as it shouldn't, his words always hurt her.

"Messing things up?"

"The scene you caused at Aden's Masked Ball is still out there and trending. You being present would most likely cause awkwardness."

"You're siding with them?!" She asked in disbelief. Why shouldn't he, afterall?

Hades let out a tired sigh.

"I'm only working with logic here."

"Screw logic!"

"Allison..."

"Shut up! It's fine! Get the hell out of here!" She picked Archie up she headed up the stairs, upset. She stopped and looked back at him. "I sure hope you get run over by a truck on your way there."

A total jerk! That's what he was. He's so full of himself. Yes! That was the only explanation for his actions. Who does he actually think he is? Allison thought, spitefully. She had to find a way to make sure he doesn't keep looking down on her. But how? She looked down at the puppy in her arms.

"Will you help me Archie?"

roof! roof!! He barked, cheerfully.

"Well thanks, if only I speak dog." She said, smiling. "What do we do Archie? I'm bored. He's left us all alone with absolutely nothing to do." She sighed. "Should I take you for a walk?" Allison smiled to herself.

This cute little puppy was already growing on her. It also made her realize that she hadn't gotten him a leash.

"I can't walk you without a leash." She said. "I'll call Hades, he'll get one on the way." With that, she got to her feet and searched for her phone but she couldn't find it. It was possible she left it upstairs with in his bedroom.

"Stay here, I'll be back."

She set Archie down on the floor and climbed up the stairs. Getting inside, she realized her phone was indeed on the study desk. She had left it there when she took a bath earlier that day. Just as she was about leaving, the telephone rang.

"Oh?" Who could it be? She reached out to the telephone.

Whatever you do, don't take any calls in my absence.

Hades' warning sounded in her ears. Why wouldn't he want her to? Oh right! Business calls. She should probably wait for him to get back and....What the heck?! No way she was going to actually do what he said. He didn't want her to take this call in the first place because of how much he doubted her capability to handle the situation. With her stubborn side finally taking over as usual, she picked up the phone.

"Hello, this is Allison Hamilton speaking."

"Good day ma'am."

"A good day to you too. How may I help you?"

"Could you please get Mr Lenshaw on the line?"

Screw these people! They were all assholes just like him!

"If you must know, he handed this call over to me to handle. Now tell me what the situation is."

"If you say so ma'am, umm...the delivery of Emerald Glamor was supposed to be today but unfortunately, we're currently booked."

"How many of E.G is to be delivered?"

"A box ma'am, that's a total of twelve."

"What?!" She gasped.

That bastard Hades! How the hell did he do it? It was hard for her not to be impressed.

Emerald Glamor also known as E.G was one of Hamilton's most expensive. It was so expensive that it only made five sales a year or less and each sale was a fortune. It was her aunt's favorite. Second to none.

"What do we do ma'am? We wouldn't want to offend the customer and lose such a huge sale."

"Okay okay give me a minute."

Think Allison! Think!

"How about...you swap E.G with another delivery?"

"Are you sure ma'am?"

"Yes find the delivery with the lowest sale and swap with E.G, I'm sure the customer would understand."

"Alright ma'am."

"Yes. Do so as soon as possible."

"I will, have a great day ma'am."

Allison hung up on the call, proud or herself. She handled that like a pro as usual. Who's an incompetent, insignificant thing now? She couldn't wait to see his face when he realizes how well she handled the situation. But why Allison? Why did it sound like she was desperate to please this Man? To make him see that she had value? She just didn't want him seeing her as a total idiot that was all.

No one affected her like he did. Even back then when Vera recently starting tutoring her on the business, she would scold and scold but that didn't affect Allison compared to how Hade's criticism did. When he talked down about her, it always hurt! Serpent eyes coupled with the look on his face, It was like a knife slicing through her.

Hades came back at seven. It was just two hours left to the dinner conference. The TV was on and seated on the sofa, was Allison and Archie lazing on her lap. She didn't bother to welcome him when he got back and honestly, He wasn't expecting anything else. However, He was surprised she hadn't told him about receiving any calls that day. He was supposed to receive one that day. Then he decided to call the office.

"Good evening Mr Lenshaw." Came Anne's voice.

"Evening Anne, is everything alright at the office?"

"Yes sir. How's your stay with Mrs Lenshaw?."

"So far so good. But are you sure there wasn't any changes or any thing unusual today."

"Nothing sir, we did as you instructed her to."

"What?" He was confused. "Who?"

"Well Porter called today and Madam Allison said you left her in change."

"What the hell?! I didn't! What happened? What went wrong?"

"There was a situation with E.G, I don't really know all the details. I think it's best I hand the phone over to Porter."

"Please do."

"Good evening sir."

"Yes Porter, talk to me. Did something go wrong earlier today?"

"Well yes but Madam Allison took care of the situation."

"How?"

Down in the siting room, Allison could hear him yelling from upstairs. All was far from okay. She reasoned. It wasn't long before he came downstairs in a fit of fury.

"What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?! I thought I made myself clear this morning. You just had to take the call didn't you?"

"But I fixed the problem."

"Yeah you fixed it alright. What the hell are you trying to prove. You're only ruining things."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Congratulations Allison, you successfully mixed up two orders."

"WHAT?!" She gasped, her eyes widened in shock.

"Porter was also an idiot on his part but you were the main mastermind. Would it kill you to listen to me and stop being so unreasonably stubborn?!"

"How was I supposed to know it would get mixed up?"

"Exactly why I told you not to touch anything in my absence. The system has changed a bit since you left, there's no way you would have successfully handled the situation. I'm sure you know how much E.G costs?"

"The delivery had already been done?"

"This is a big record loss Allison. All thanks to you." He said, irritated and tired of trying to talk sense into her all the time.

"Well none of this would have happened if you just let me in on what you do."

Hades smiled in mockery.

"You're not even apologetic."

"In your dead-ass dreams!"

"Okay that's enough sass Allison, it's clearly not helping. You think so high of yourself don't you? You think you're good enough to handle everything? Then why didn't Vera just leave it up to you?"

"What?"

"You're simply pompous and full of yourself. You just haven't realized it."

"How dare you?"

There it was again, the voice, the eyes, the looks and hurt seeping through her pores.

"Why do you think Vera left you as General Manager even if it was due time you took over?"

"I don't understan...."

"Why do you think your father also left you as director even when he was long past the age of retirement?"

"What are you saying? You bastard!" Her voice choked, a tear drop had already escaped her eyes.

Was he implying that they all thought she was....incompetent?

"Yes Allison, they all saw the immaturity in you. You don't know how to deal with simple instructions Allison. You always want to jump into action without thinking. You're always seeking to prove and impress. They all saw that you weren't ready for the title of a CEO and after what you've done today, I'd say that you're not even businesswoman material."

How could he say that? How could he be so cruel? She thought, she bit her lower lip, fingers clenched and eyes breaming with tears.

"Is there anything else......you would like to add?" Asked her tear soaked voice.

Hades ignored her and glanced at the watch on his wrist.

"It's thirty minutes past eight, we can't afford to miss the conference. Get dressed as soon as possible." He said, turning around and leaving the room.