Strings

Chapter 27

I am interrupted from my reverie as someone knocks on my door. Knowing it to be Hayden I stride towards it to open the door. He looked immaculate as always, deliciously dangerous and powerful; destructive if need be. He gives me a once over, his blue-green eyes raking all over me not missing any details as I squirm under his powerful gaze. His eyes fall on my neck and the ever-so-faint ghost of a smile dazzles his beautiful face.

He's looking at me like that again! I wonder what he thinks as he just stands there looking at me. It gives me the jitters and I already know for a fact that the treacherous red has found its way to fill my cheeks again. Ugh; its incredibly frustrating, not to mention embarrassing to go all red in the face as a result of absolutely nothing in particular.

Damn you, pale skin; and Damn you, Hayden Knight.

Who by the way, seems to have forgotten that we've somewhere to be and just standing at my door was going to achieve no task in particular.

I make a feeble attempt to clear my throat as he takes a single powerful step towards me.

"Shall we?" he asks, his voice suave, authoritative yet soft; the way it always is now-a-days whenever he addresses me.

"mm-hmm" I nod. Lets do this.

*

Sam and I, go over our files, demands, financials, everything once more. I am completely on edge, going over the same figures gazillion times.

Hayden on the other hand is supremely calm and collected, looking to the skyline of the skyscrapers outside; I know he likes the view. It reminds him of all that he is achieved, sacrificed and fought for to stand exactly where he is standing right now; at the very top. I am jealous of his sheer confidence and power projecting out of his being in waves.

I on the other hand, am a bundle of nerves as I pace nervously across the Office floor.

Hayden's secretary announces the arrival of the CEO of Marshall & Co. along with the concerned representatives in the designated conference room. Hayden doesn't respond, just stands rigid and straight, Buttons his blazer up, and walks right ahead, his stride confident and powerful and I know that Marshall & Co. are now at the mercy of the devil dressed in the delicious Armani suit, more than eager to rain hell down upon anyone who refuses to bend the knee to his will. And for the most prominent of seconds, I am utterly grateful that I won't be the one seated opposite to him.

Sam winks at me, a gesture of jovial reassurance that I am extremely grateful for, as we follow Hayden out of his office and into the conference room for showtime.

Upon entering, everyone present in the room stands as Hayden makes his presence known. His reputation speaking for him.

I walk confidently inside, Sam and I on either side of Hayden. The CEO, COO and VP of Knight Enterprises. That's right. In the weeks that followed, I was awarded the position of VP, not only for having a hand in the attempt to clear out the nasty business with the English mob, but for other deals that were consulted by me. I had to sit in front of the Board of Directors for the Knight Enterprises as they interviewed and tested me with an impossible deal. Hayden's dad and my father-in-law being the one testing me with the toughest of circumstances.

We hadn't officially announced my position as the VP of the company; something that will no doubt take the other side of the table by surprise as I assess my father, looking guilty as he stands there, trying to avoid looking at me; Olivia who stands there, looking sexy and arrogant, and I hadn't realized just how mad and disappointed I was at my older sister as she makes brief eye-contact with me and then rolls her eyes; no sign of remorse or guilt on her face; Accompanied by Mr. Wyatt Carter, my dad's advisor and the COO of Marshall & Co.