Strings

Chapter 17

Fully dressed I come back down to find Skyler already waiting for me.

"Hey girl! You look heavenly" she hollers at me

"I do? I just wanted to keep it smart and simple; I am starting to think this is a really bad idea."

"N o n s e n s e" she responds back
"Besides, you've nothing to worry about; come on now, don't want to be late now, do we?" She says comically.

I take a deep breath and follow her to her car.

The car ride was quiet and peaceful, and I welcomed it wholeheartedly. I was nervous as shit and I really don't think I'd be able to hold up a conversation at all. My mind was racing a million miles an hour coming up with all the worst case scenarios that could possibly ever happen.

We arrive at the headquarters of Knight enterprises and Skyler and I get off as she leaves the car with the valet who takes it without question.

My nerves are so jittery and I am all over the place that I can't even focus on all that's around me.
The stares, the buzz, the clattering of people as they move hurriedly past as they see Skyler and I approaching (although I am pretty sure it had everything to do with Skylers stride that radiated confidence and enigma and a lot less to do with me who couldn't stop fiddling with her fingers), all this combined with the hushed whispers was not helping my nerves at all.

I promised myself I'd be confident and gathered in front of Hayden no matter how I feel from the inside. I owe it to myself to atleast respect myself enough to do so.
But the fact that I'll be seeing him after 5 days alone does things to my heart. But that immediately disappears as I remember why there had been this gap between us in the front place.
The ball.
The horrid wretched ball.

Nono. I am not gonna go there. That wasn't my fault. That dude was an A class asshole and that will not pile up on my plate. Today I refuse to let myself down.

I was so lost in my own thoughts I hadn't noticed we were standing right at the reception of the very top floor.
The floor that bore Hayden's office. Where I'd probably end up working. Also the floor with they bitch ass receptionist who was a total pain last time I was here. Lola, was her name I think. It seems so far ago.

She greets me with the same cold condescending glare from last time, except this time I couldn't care less. I had more important things to worry about.

I don't even stop by her as I march my way straight to Hayden's office, remembering every detail of the office from the last time I was here.
Skyler excused herself real quick bailing out at the last minute as soon as the elevator doors opened to the floor.

"I adore you Avery AND I support you but you may have a thing for going into the lions den; I however do not. Good luck and if things don't work out Goodbye. It was nice getting to know you." She had said dramatically before going back.

I couldn't help but laugh. Trust Skyler to make everything light and breezy anytime.
But this is my decision, my right; and I'll take control of it myself. Grateful for her support I take a deep breath before knocking at Hayden's offices door. I know better than just barging inside.

The receptionist Lola, Lily or whatever her name is tried to stop me but all she got from me was, "not now Lola, I'll tell you when I've got time to waste and you can gladly step in then."

Okay. That's it. No more dwelling.
I knock once, then twice; and slightly open the door to step in.
Hayden looked so busy he most probably didn't even hear me knock. I couldn't decide if that was for better or worse. He sure looked like he'd kill anyone for disturbing him right now although I sure was grateful he was in his office (looking as deliciously handsome as ever rather than attending a super important meeting that I absolutely ruined with my impromptu need for independence).
He looked as immaculate and perfect as ever.
Looking lethal and devilish, letting anyone and everyone know that he was not to be messed with. The amount of damage he could do without having to lift a single finger was frightening to say the least.
But I will not be frightened. Or atleast I won't show it. I owe it to me.

Deciding it's probably not a wise decision to just be ogling at him from behind the door, I open it wider, clear my throat and step inside.

He looks up immediately and I suddenly wished he hadn't, as his dangerous blue-green eyes lock into mine from across the room.
Lethal.
I hold my breath as he sits there, calculating, observing, deciding.

"Avery." he says quietly yet firmly. My name sounding right in his mouth. Rolling out his tongue like dripping honey.

And my mind goes into overdrive.

*

HEY GUYS, how y'all doing??

So sorry for such a late update and I PROMISE there's more coming and a lot more frequent that is!
Keep voting and commenting I can't wait for you all to read what I've planned next EEEEPPPPPPPP!
But here, take this little filler chapter that I wrote to bridge it out a little teehee
Thank you for being so patient with me, forever in awe that I got such amazing understanding readers!

More coming your way ASAP  ;)
Love always
Xxxx