CHAPTER 3

Chapter  3

Emily stood there, unmoved by what she heard.

“I own this place…And you sure don’t know who you’re talking to”Her culprit declared, a sly smile curling up at his lips

To her, it's not like it changed anything in their current situation, she didn’t give a care in the world. She didn’t even realize when Ruby was dozing off in the car behind her

“So? That still doesn’t give you any right to just do whatever you want” her voice sounding venomous 

"Oh, come on. It's just parking. Don't be so uptight…and as the owner of this building, I can park anywhere I want to…and you can’t do anything about it” Ryan chuckled, his arrogance radiating like a shield. 

Now feeling annoyed, she burst out “Uptight?? So you own this parking lot too, you think you can own anything you want think the world revolves around you, don't you?"Emily's eyes flashed,a sudden sense of anger washed over her 

“Yes!” he responded, sounding authoritative. Everywhere felt silence as he slowly let out the words from his mouth “And…that..includes even you. of course, if I want” Ryan smirked, not really understanding why the sudden outburst but he was loving every bit of it…being able to get on “ice queen’s” nerves. he enjoyed seeing her in that position, helpless and vulnerable. He knew that behind this backlashing outspoken damsel, she was just scared and vulnerable and he loved it.

 "Excuse me? Emily's face went white with anger.”Do you think you can own me? Who do you think you are? What? such arrogance”

Emily couldn’t believe her ears, she was struck by what she heard…she felt so angry yet she didn’t know the right words to express her anger

“In your dreams, now would you get your car out of the way” she cried out and turned away, tapping Ruby, who was oblivious to what was happening to get in the car

Zak arrived at the scene, the air was thick with tension and he was stunned by what he just witnessed, just smiled to himself and drove Ryan’s car, a Ferrari 812 superfast out of the way.

Ryan’s face remained vain, invisible to sentiments, Zak caught some secret glances at him smiling to himself.

 The drive back to the Alvarez Mansion was a quick and silent one…it was the distant sound of the birds chirping that echoed through the cool night air.The slow RNB music playing off from the sound system in the car was a perfect distraction from the silence.

Ryan turned his phone on to see the time, it was almost midnight and he was too exhausted 

It’s been one hell of a birthday, for the first time in a while, he wasn’t having back shots at the VIP session at his club, making out with his call girls, normally a threesome would have been better-he thought as he adjusted his seat belt and let out a mild cough

“So…Did Stacia call again?”

No, Zak answered as he slowly drove the car into the garage part of the mansion 

“Are you spending the night here? I think you should…I’ll need you to go with me tomorrow for some work” Ryan asked,with a more commanding tone just as they both stepped out of the car. The atmosphere in the house was very cool yet so tempting 

*****

Emily was still furious about what happened back when she was driving so fast. Ruby came out of her slumber as she kept hearing Emily furiously muttering to herself 

“Are you okay?” She asked, rubbing her eyes

“How can I be..?that jerk has totally ruined my night” Emily let out, her face visibly evident with anger, she clenched her fist on the steering wheel and continued 

“How dare he…he thinks he’s rich and mighty. I was so sure nothing was going to ruin my night! ugh, I just-I just hate him”

“Calm down, that Guy doesn’t deserve your frustration…now please drive carefully, I want to go back in one piece..”Ruby said, letting out a chuckle as she tried to ease the tension that hung in the car

 But she was well aware that whatever actions this man took must have been highly aggravating because she hadn't seen her best friend that angry in quite some time.

****

“Young master…?”Mr Dante, the house butler asked as he heard footsteps from the hallway. He saw the young master and his right-hand man step inside, their footsteps so silent.

He handed Zak the key to his usual room in the mansion, the one where he always spends the night. The soft glow of table lamps cast a warm ambiance and a cool atmosphere in the living hall.

Ryan's eyes were drawn to the stairs, his escape route.

“Young master,” he said again, trying to say something to Ryan,” I think you should know that…”

“Not now Dante, I’m exhausted” Ryan interrupted him in the middle of his speech, walking past him briskly and heading up the stairs, his footsteps quieted by the plush carpet. Reaching the top, he pushed open the door to his bedroom and he entered his room, he dropped his keys onto the polished marble entryway, the sound echoing through the silent room.Ryan let out a deep sigh, his shoulders sagging as he crossed the room. He collapsed onto the bed, sinking into the plush duvet.

Emily entered the front door in a hurry, with Ruby walking beside her. The warm glow of the living room lamps did little to ease her agitation. She slammed the door shut behind her, making Ruby jump.

"Sorry, girl…So much on my mind" Emily muttered, scooping up her furry friend. Ruby gently pressed her nose against Emily's hand, detecting her unease.

Emily trudged into the kitchen, dropping her purse onto the counter with a thud, she leaned against the counter, eyes closed, trying to calm her racing thoughts.

Ruby whined softly, sensing Emily's tension. Emily took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax. She couldn't let that guy get under her skin. Not now, not ever.She walked over to the sink and splashed some water from the tap into her face.

The memory of Ryan's face and arrogant words still burned her mind. "Own me"? Was he kidding? She was nobody's possession. As Emily's hands clenched into fists, her nails dug into her palm.