Kai's POV
"Mr. Blackwood, this meeting doesn't require you just yet."
He rested his back on the chair, and signaled his hand—demanding me to continue the conversation with Miss Thomson. "Don't mind me, I'll just listen here."
I sucked my breath, and massaged my temple. My heart is in turmoil, and the short distance between us didn't help.
Bothered, I moved my chair away from him. His forehead creased when he noticed what I did, and I gasped when he moved closer.
I gritted my teeth, and just chose to look at Miss Thomson. "I'm sorry about that. This is Attorney Zane Blackwood, our consultant."
She smiled, and nodded. "I figured. He looked familiar. Nice meeting you, Attorney Blackwood."
Zane smiled, and I wanted to laugh sarcastically, seeing how easily he could smile with somebody else but me.
"So…" I trailed, and looked at Miss Thomson again. "Do we agree on the same idea, Miss Thomson?"
She nodded. "Yes, Mr. Montclair. I like your idea, actually. Coming here is the best choice."
I flashed a small smile. "If you have a particular style in your mind, just tell my secretary about it. We will set another meeting to check the current location of the bookshop."
We stood up and shook hands. I felt a little uncomfortable when I felt Zane's eyes on me as Miss Thomson left.
"Is that how you usually talk to your client?"
I picked up my iPad, ignoring Zane.
"I'm talking to you." He grabbed my wrist to stop me from leaving. "I heard from your sister that you're a shy type. And that you're a cold person. What was that? You smiled so easily at her."
My forehead creased as I looked at him. "I believe interfering with my work is included in your responsibility as a consultant, Attorney Blackwood."
His jaw tensed while brows remained crumpled. "Did you get a change of heart? You're into women now? Or is that another technique to hide your secret?"
I pushed his chest as I moved closer to him. The height difference was crazy, but it didn't stop me from glaring at him. "I get that you hate me a lot, but you have no right to trample on me like this. I'm living my own life now, Mr. Blackwood. I didn't show up to you again after that stupid confession, just like you wanted. It was you who showed up in front of me after years."
"That's the thing…" He whispered—every word felt like poison. "You are so sly, you're doing something in me. You are deliberately ignoring me, and manipulating me into wanting you."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
The corner of his lips rose. "But sadly, you can't win. As you play your game, you will crave me more, more, and more, until you're drowning in your own desire. And in the end… I'll marry your sister, and you'll be left alone, broken beyond repair."
I balled my fists as I swallowed hard—standing frozen on my place whilst he walked away with heavy and cold steps.
I don't know why he kept on doing this to me. He was trying to pull and push me painfully. He's disgusted with me, but he's doing things that could make my feelings overflow.
***
At home, I slowed down when I saw luggages in the living area. I saw Zane and Kei talking. I don't intend to disturb them, but Kei saw me.
"Kai, we're waiting for you."
I looked at her. I have no other choice, so I walked towards her. "Hm?"
She pouted. "Why are you so cold? You're always like that. Distant. Cold. Hard to read. I don't even know if you're sad that I'll leave again."
I sighed. "Why are you leaving? Does the case require it?"
She nodded. "Yeah… The client is in the countryside, and I have to be there."
"Then…" I caressed her hair, and kissed her forehead. "Take care."
She smiled. "Thank you, lil bro. I know you're tired, so I won't ask you to see me out. Besides, Zane is here."
I glanced at Zane, and caught his cold and blank stares.
After a quick shower, I went downstairs and grabbed a beer. Thorn, my bodyguard was also in the kitchen drinking beer, and he immediately bowed his head when he saw me.
I signaled him to sit back down as I sat in front of him.
"Sir, I'll just get the trash to throw it."
I looked at the maid. "Where's dad?"
"He left this afternoon, Sir. He said he'll be traveling with some friends."
Nodding, I drank my beer.
"Is there something wrong, Sir?"
Shaking my head, I looked at Thorn. "Nothing. You don't have to accompany me tomorrow, just like today. I won't go anywhere other than the office."
"As you order, Sir."
I continued drinking, and I didn't even realize I already finished five cans of beer. If not for my spinning vision, I won't realize that I'm already drunk.
My palms pressed against the table as I pulled myself up—wanting to go upstairs.
"I'll help you, Sir."
I lifted my hand—stopping Thorn. "I can manage."
With my spinning vision, I walked out of the kitchen—aiming to climb the staircase. I suddenly forgot what I did earlier. All that's in my mind was to get on my bed. I successfully got in the middle of the staircase without falling, but I tripped when, and lost my balance.
My forehead creased when I looked at my legs. "I'm floating…"
"You dummy!"
I forced my eyes to open wide, but the alcohol took over my senses completely. I groaned, and palmed my head—trying to wake myself up.
"Hm…" I moaned, and smiled when I felt something soft against my back. My bed.
"Don't fucking moan!" I heard a raspy voice—familiar and violent. "You crazy little fox… You almost crack your head open earlier."
I sniffed a familiar scent that made me sad, and with eyes closed, I said the thing I wanted to say. "I'm sorry…"
A sarcastic laugh filled my ear. "For almost cracking your head open? I don't actually give a damn."
I hugged the pillow, my arms caught. "For…liking you."