CHAPTER 146

Kyle King

 

‘I told you not to let anyone in except those on the visitor list. Can’t you take simple instructions?’ I asked, staring coldly at Sharon, the new assistant my new-found buddy, Jones at Planet O, had hired. I

 

Sharon stammered, ‘I am sorry, sir, but she claimed to be your girlfriend, and before I could stop her, she was in already.’

 

The object of my anger—Ava—laughed, showing her straight, long legs. ‘Calm down, Kyle. She didn’t do anything wrong by allowing me in. I am your girlfriend after all.’

 

I glared darkly at her and refocused my attention on Sharon. ‘Next time she comes in here, you will lose your job. Leave.’

 

She muttered an apology underneath her breath and scrambled out of the office. I would also have a discussion with the security team about Ava. She had been stalking me everywhere since I forced my mom to make her leave three months ago. 

 

‘What do you want, Avaline? You've got five minutes to spill the beans.’ I said, folding my arms.

 

She smiled, placing her legs on the table. I noticed she didn’t wear anything under. My suspicion was right. She was up to no good. ‘I wanted to drop by and keep you company. You have been visting my dreams at night, so I figured that was you calling me.’

 

I shook my head, glancing at the clock. I had a meeting with an important client in forty-five minutes, and I wanted to be in the best mood to receive him. That was the reason I hadn’t yelled and grabbed Ava out of the company. ‘You are insane and an obsessive brat who doesn’t know when to give up. This is the last time you will come into my office, Avaline. If you ever lie to my secretary and breeze in like you own the place, I will get a restraining order on you. Is that clear?’

 

She stood up, smiling darkly. ‘You shouldn’t threaten me, Kyle King. I made you who you are today, so I deserve some respect.’

 

I replied in a deceptively calm voice. I was really trying to be cool. ‘You did nothing to help my name or business but suck me dry. I have an important meeting, so leave, or I would call the guards to escort you out. I guess that will make a good headline, won't it?’

 

She moved closer, smiling seductively. ‘I am not bothered about trending these days. Prison can do a lot for you, you know? I haven’t forgotten how you threw me under the bus all because of Tessa, but that will be a story for another day. Right now,’ her fingers trailed my shoulders, sliding onto my biceps. ‘I want you, and I know you want me. Stop denying me, Kyle. I know you still have feelings for me.’

Of course. Only if she wished.

 

I grabbed her hands before she moved bolder. ‘Don’t push me, Avaline. You had enough fun for today, so leave.’

 

She struggled with her hands. ‘You’re hurting me, Kyle. Let me go!’

 

I smiled darkly, tightening my grip on her hands. ‘I am in this collected mood because of the meeting; if not, I would remind you why I am known as Kyle King. You have had enough freedom—stalking me like I am your favourite pet and showing up at events—introducing yourself as my wife—that stops today, okay?’

 

She let out a cry, a tear dropping. ‘This is assault, Kyle. I will sue you!’

 

I chuckled, letting her go and grabbing her neck—she wasn’t too fast. ‘Do you think anyone would believe an ex-convict word against a multimillionaire?’ I saw shock in her eyes. ‘Yeah, I grew my wealth while you warmed the cell. I control some notable brands in Nashville and other cities. They have been doing well with no sucking she-devil to destroy them’

 

She choked while breathing. ‘Kyle…please. I can’t breathe. I promise..’

 

I let her go. ‘Leave now, Avaline, and stay away from me.’

 

She sucked in air, breathing harshly and rubbing her neck. I could see my fingerprints on her wrists and neck. Good. ‘My parents would know about this, Kyle, and this isn’t over!’

 

I laughed. ‘You won’t try anything, nor will your parents. Do you know how you're still able to afford this lavish lifestyle?’

 

She looked up, curiosity written all over her face. ‘What do you mean?’ 

 

‘Go ahead, report to your parents, and do whatever you want, okay? I will be here waiting and watching when the thunder strikes on you.’

 

She scoffed. ‘You earn a few bucks and become a multi-millionaire, and you think you are some mafia don't I should be scared of? I have connections too, so don’t scare me.’

 

I smiled. ‘Alright, my meeting is in five minutes. Should I call the guards, or are you leaving?’

 

She hissed and slammed the door behind her. I laughed. Sometimes, you had to become the devil to scare your enemies. 

 

The meeting went better than I expected. I was able to compose myself after Avaline’s visit, and thanks to a cup of hot coffee, my adrenaline stayed put.

 

After dropping off some instructions for Sharon, I drove home. I had a call date with Tessa by seven o’clock. We had been having beautiful conversations for the last few months, and it had become our ritual to speak from seven to nine o’clock every day. We texted during work hours, but the conversation made us closer, and I enjoyed the thrill of her voice. Her laughter. Jokes. Stories. They made me sleep better at night, and I did everything not to miss them. Like closing early from work, unlike most CEOs I used to know. Myself included.

 

One hour later, I arrived home, jumped out of the car, and was so occupied with my phone that I didn’t notice a shadow before me until a hand slugged my head, and I fell immediately. 

 

I tried to keep my eyes open, but the blows kept coming until I passed out.