"Dante is countering us at everything." I groaned, leaning back on the chair. "The recent attack had a setback." I gritted my teeth. "He is securing Desmond Co. from every fucking corner and also your possible boy toy." Shreya chuckled at that. "I know, right?" Finally, she took her eyes from the cell and started swinging on the chair.
"Dante," I rewound our moments together; like always, he was ahead and winning. I like that about him. I have never met anyone who can be an equal competitor and give me tough competition. I like him for that. That one time, I really enjoyed it and thrust my ego. I smiled at the memory. "Are you fucking done with your monologue?" I snorted at that. "Sometimes, I don't know what is wrong with you." I pouted at that. "Oh, please, that face would never work on me. Have you consulted a psychiatrist?" I was a little offended by that. "I am alright." "Are you really sure about that? Sometimes, you make me witness these creepy things about you. I hardly doubt you being fine." He air-quoted the last part, which I ignored. "You should chill." I tried to defuse his tension a little. "Chill? Dante is ahead of us." He shouted. "Well, we still have our last resort." "I really thought we would never go that far. I wanted the company." "That old man would never let you take his company till he is alive. One way or another, you will get your hands on the company." I assured him, At least I tried my best.
We were silent, and Sawyer's only heir was mumbling something. I sighed at that, thinking too much would take him nowhere. "I also want another thing, you know it, Shreya." "We both know that's not easy, Sawyer." "You also told Dante would never do a relationship." I hummed at that. "I thought, and in my gut, I know this is fake- whatever is happening between them." "Shreya, no one goes that far if they are not in a relationship. Accept the damn fact that they are in a relationship." He grunted. "Who cares? One way or another, Rowan is going to be mine." I sang the words, and Sawyer huffed at that.
"What's your obsession with Dante?" I sighed at her question. "I don't know. I always wanted to be beside him as friends, at least." She hummed at that. "Have you tried to approach him like a normal human being?" I rolled my eyes at that. "So many fucking times, he never fucking noticed me." She made a pity face to mock me. "First time, when he attended the party, I thought things would work if I made the right move. Rowan had to ruin it." I shut my eyes in irritation. "Dante hardly notices anyone; it's strange. Everything that's going on these days about him is strange. This side of Dante I wasn't aware of, and it's new." I groaned at her words. "I don't know what they are playing at, but it's fun." Shreya chuckled as she spoke, and I scoffed. "Shreya, do you think Dante would let us win in our fucking game?" Sawyer was serious. "Of course, no." I waved my hand at him. "But with a good plan and Rowan's grandfather on our side, we can bloody win this game." I leaned on the chair with a little hope.
I watched Shreya, who once again was monologuing with herself. Something is fucking wrong with this one; she always fucking enjoys misery like a bloody wine. "So, what's with Dante?" "I want him just like you want Rowan." She was offended for some reason. "Never, I mean never compare my obsession with Rowan to yours. You don't have any idea my depth of obsession got it?" She glared while saying every word. I really felt pity for Rowan, just an ounce of pity. If she had her clutches on him, trust me, he would be gone. Again, it's good getting rid of him; permanently sounds wonderful.
"When I was young, I just wanted to be Dante's friend," I started. "I tried my best, but as you know, he never entertained me or anyone else." I surfed through my memory. "When he became friends with Rowan, jealousy took over me. I was entertaining Rowan for his surname, but still, I would always act like an asshole to him." I sighed at the memory. "I don't know what's about Dante, but I can't stand watching them together." Shreya rolled her eyes at me. "So, are you 'Bi'?" "I don't know; I can be, I guess." She chuckled at that. "Well, that was a hell of a story, but Rowan is easy, but Dante is not. Getting him to date you is not going to happen." I groaned at that, incoherent words leaving me. "We should take care of Rowan first." "And that will happen for sure."
"You know things would be easy if you had some fucking control over yourself." I cautioned her so many times before approaching Rowan, and that old hag did too. "I did control myself; look at Rowan, all sane and everything." She gave a creepy smile, and for a minute, I got scared watching her. "Literally on the first day, you terrified him, Shreya; that's not controlling." "Hey, it's hard. Why do you guys keep blaming me?" She gave that innocent look. Beauty with Devil features; he is a gone case. "You scared the shit out of him, and he ran into Dante. He sighed. Dante would never come into the picture if you handled Rowan with care." I shouted at her, my blood boiling at the current scenario. "Things would be fucking easy. You marry him, and I am taking over Desmond's. Simple and clean." Once again, she pouted. "Now, things are turning hard; every fucking thing is difficult to deal with because of Dante." "We have our last arrow; this would hit the target." I exhaled a harsh breath, still a doubt somewhere about that too. "Sawyer, you should fucking chill." She was so nonchalant about everything; I am not getting why. "Rowan is mine, whether he wants to be with me or not. His faith is sealed with mine." I chuckled at that. "Is that old hag ok with everything?" "He was sceptical but gave in." I nodded at that. "We should wait for the moment; let them enjoy the moment." "Trust me, they are fucking enjoying. They are everywhere, especially on every social platform." "Rowan should enjoy this break, Sawyer." In the future, he can't. I am going to make sure of it for running away from me.
Once again, she started giving that creepy smile, and I grimaced at the sight. In her own monologue world, nodding, shaking her head in the process. "Will you stop giving that creepy smile?" I scrunched my nose at that, and she fucking pouted. "I always saved your ass from childhood, but I never thought you would turn into this devil one day." Her eyes twinkled at that. "Thank god, no one knows about us; our fathers being rivals- just the thing we needed." She hummed at that. "We should be careful, Shreya. Dante is not easy to deal with." "I know, right? That's what I like about him." "It's hard to believe you had a history with him." "Just fucking, nothing more or less with his conditions." Her words were painful, and she loathed the memory of him. "I wonder why it lasted?" "Things are bound to come to an end with me." She gave me a duh look, but I knew there was more to the story. I didn't dig for more, as it was Dante, and I don't like to hear things about them.
"So, the plan is set?" I tried to confirm once again. "Han, han." She muttered. "As I said, in time it will be executed." She started pondering. "About taking over Desmond's, you should wait." I hummed at that. "I have all the time in the world." I leaned back in contentment.
"It's too calm, and we should expect a storm, Dante." I chuckled at Thomas's words. "No move, nothing; everything is calm." I took my eyes from the screen and gave my full attention to Thomas. "I know." "Something is going on, and we have no clue about it," Thomas added. "The security is tight at Desmond's Co; surveillance is doubled, and no one could breach the system, no matter what. They have heightened that too with the advanced technology, all of a sudden." He gave the insight of Desmond's company. "That's a good thing, right?" He nodded sceptically.
"In the North project, they have started to protest against the remuneration. Two accidents happened; everything was covered for the entire family. Still, they are upholding the incident." I nodded at him, knowing who was behind this. "She is creating the chaos." "Let the strike continue for a few more days; let her be in her bubbles." Thomas nodded at that. "They are planning something big." "Of course, I am not an idiot." "What about Rowan? Did he inform anything that's happening in his company?" "The recent development is because of his dad. Surveillance, tightening the security, those things." Thomas nodded. "That's not helpful." "And he is indifferent, too busy browsing the latest food blogs," I added, not knowing how to react. "He has forwarded a list of restaurants that he wants to visit." Thomas chuckled at that. "He is in his own world, not aware of the things that are happening. Surrounded by snakes and sharks, he wants to go shopping to get rid of his old memories." I sighed, not knowing how to deal with him. "He needs backup." I nodded at that. Of course, he can never survive alone.
"Meridith and Sawyer." I started playing with the pen, imagining things that I want to do with them, especially that bastard. "He plans to take over Desmond, and he wants to get rid of Rowan." I nodded. "And Shreya wants Rowan." The irritation and anger started to bubble in me. "She can dream on." "Dante, things can't go this way." "I know this time; the lesson will be for a lifetime for both of them." Thomas leaned on the chair. "Why are Sawyar behind Desmond Co?" I pondered while swirling the stone that was on the table. "They started plotting to take over Desmond's when Ricardo took over. Now, with Rowan, things are turning easy for them." Thomas hummed at that. "The directors are in control for now, but we should secure more." "I will work on it." I nodded at him. "We should concentrate on securing Rowan more," Thomas added, and by the time someone barged in.
"Why secure me?" Rowan was perplexed after hearing Thomas's words. Oh boy, this guy is in his own fantasy world. "You are here." I tried to distract from the topic. "It's lunchtime." Did we make any plan? "There is this new restaurant; we should go and taste the food. I have reserved the far-end seat, as you don't like getting noticed." Thomas's and my eyes met for a second, hearing Rowan's words. I don't know whether I want to pity him, chuckle, or smile at the situation.
I stood from the chair and started putting on the blazer. "Are you still coming to the party?" Thomas questioned me. "What party?" Rowan hastily stepped forward in front of Thomas. "My daughter is turning 16 tomorrow," Thomas answered. "You are married?" I don't know why he thought that was a good thing to ask. Thomas chuckled at that. "You thought I wasn't married? Why?" Thomas retorted in a wounded manner, and I snorted at that. "Sorry, you are always around, Dante; never took off, like Danial." "I do take holidays," Thomas affirmed. "And you are invited too for the party." "No, thank you. If I didn't hear you guys talking, I don't think you were going to invite me." "I was making sure; Dante, bring his plus, and that's you. How can I forget to invite you, Rowan?" Rowan smiled at that. "After having lunch, we should go shopping, Dante," Rowan added one more on today's list. "I can manage the company in your absence." Thomas, with a bright smile, spoke to Rowan. I rolled my eyes at them. "Let's go, Rowan." He started walking, and I tailed.
The lunch went well, with Rowan doing most of the talking about everything, with a final touch of a lava cake. I took a bite with a heavy heart; I don't have anything against dessert. I don't like having too much of sweets, and sugar content should be minimal. Rowan finished the cake in no time; after making the payment, we were at the mall.
"What's his daughter's name?" "Taniya." He hummed in return. "Are you close?" "Yeah, ok, I guess. She is like a sister to me." "Ok, what does she like then?" Rowan questioned me, and I rolled my eyes at that, to which he snorted. "At least tell me what present you are giving her?" "A necklace," I clarified. "That's good, so an earring would do, right?" "Probably." He rolled his eyes at that. "You are of no use." "I am of great use; you don't know how to use me." It was too late before I realised my words. Rowan halted his steps, and I sighed at that. "What is that supposed to mean?" He turned into curious mode. "It was just a retaliation, Rowan." He coughed at that. "No, it wasn't. You know there's this whole bunch of questions I stored safely. I don't know when the fuck I will throw those questions in your face, and you better see that you are not answering vaguely." He shouted the words, getting the attention of the surrounding people. I nodded to defuse the situation and to escape. "Good, let's continue with the shopping." I obliged at that. He is scary at times.
We entered Thomas's house; the party was held in his two-story building. Taniya ran toward me as she saw me and stopped. "Please." She pleaded, and I nodded at that. She hugged me tightly; geez, this girl got stronger with age. I returned her hug and pulled back immediately. She gave a light hug to Rowan, which he returned with a warm smile.
We entered the party hall. I hugged Thomas's wife, Eesha, and she returned with her usual bright smile. I introduced Rowan, and she hugged me with the same warmth. Thomas greeted us, and we stood nearby. I scowled when I saw my dad with Brandon, and my dad returned with the same attitude. "That's Brandon, right?" I nodded at Rowan, who whispered in my ear. "Nice," Rowan smirked at my dad, who glared in return. They really stop doing that.
I thought of taking Rowan to the garden area for a few minutes to escape from them, but Brandon already noticed our presence and ran toward us. I sighed, and Rowan chuckled. "Hi, Dante, how are you?" He saw me last week. "He is just fine, Brandon." "Shut up, Morris." Brandon snapped without wasting a second. "Hope you are doing well and having food on time." I nodded at that; his eyes were falling on Rowan and meeting mine. "Rowan Desmond and Brandon, my doctor." I introduced them, and Brandon happily shook Rowan's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Desmond." Rowan smiled at that. "Please call me Rowan." Brandon nodded at that. "It's nice seeing you, Dante. You should visit us sometimes. I can cook your favourite foods." He was pleading a little. "He has a personal chef, Brandon." My dad pointed that out, and Brandon glared at him. "He enjoys my cooking." He snapped at my dad. "Yes, he does," Rowan affirmed, and I hated it. Brandon smiled and went even wider after hearing those words. "Visit us sometimes." He once more requested earnestly. "We will next weekend." Rowan butted in, and I huffed at that. My dad glared at Rowan. "Yes, please, I will cancel my appointments, including Morris," Brandon replied with the same huge smile and saw both of us. Reluctantly, I nodded my head, including Rowan. "If you are done, let's get on with the party." My dad directed words to Brandon. "Stop being cranky all the damn time." Once again, Brandon snapped, and I liked the audacity of the guy. My dad just rolled his eyes at that. "Enjoy the party," Brandon said, eyeing both of us, and once again, we nodded our heads. My dad dragged Brandon before he could utter more.
I don't know who needs to take a break over here.
It was past 12 am when we left Thomas's house. I was driving the car, and Rowan occupied the passenger seat. It was a few minutes before Rowan started humming the song, muttering something to himself. I side-glanced at him to grasp the words, but he wasn't horrible enough. "She has a crush on you, right?" I was perplexed at the question and to whom he was referring. "Yes, in the past. When I came to know about that, I plucked it from the root." I replied without any remorse. Rowan chuckled at that. "She must be heartbroken, but she hasn't gotten over you." "She will, as I am going to make sure of it," I spoke with 100% confidence; I have enough on my plate, my patience is limited, and I don't want to add one more. Never is that going to happen. Rowan laughed at that. "You are a heartbreaker." "Sure, I am," I replied with a bit of pride.
He continued humming some song, and my eyes were on the road, occasionally taking a glance at Rowan. "Did you have a crush on anyone?" That came out of the blue, not at all as expected. "You at least crushed on someone, right?" He had presumed me a heartless jerk. "Yes, I have. No further questions about it, Rowan." He reluctantly nodded while a slow groan slipped from him.
We were silent, too silent, and Rowan was facing the window. I slid the window down to get some air, and Rowan shivered a little as the cold air hit him. I too shivered at the cold air, but I didn't close the window. My mind started to fill with dirty thoughts. These days, spending time with Rowan is taking a different toll, building ways to my sexy thoughts. Suppressing my urges is not healthy, but I don't have any other option other than using my hands these days. I don't want anyone other than the person beside me, but he is out of the league and game.
Rowan had placed his hand on the gear, which I didn't notice. I wanted to change the gear, and I retrieved my hand in a second when I felt a slight shock. Rowan chuckled as he watched me but didn't take his hands from the gear. My breath hitched a little; I slowed down my speed limit and stopped the car on the side.
The atmosphere felt different, welcoming, and too romantic. I wanted to do so much to him without taking or giving a break to him, devouring him in the end. I shuddered at the thought, and my breathing started to get heavy. This is not the fucking time, I told myself strongly, but my mind was getting occupied with images. Rowan's eyes were focused straight; he didn't turn any side, at least for a second. I saw his hand, which was still placed on the gear, and I inhaled and exhaled to get a grip. I closed my eyes tightly; with a resolution, I opened my eyes and started the car. It was a few minutes; I wanted to change the gear. I placed my hands on the steering wheel, and by clutching harder, I changed the gear. I didn't remove my hand; I held on to it more firmly and way stronger.
We didn't speak till we reached Rowan's place, and our hands were still in the same place. I stopped the car in front of his apartment, and he didn't get out immediately. We sat in silence, trying to understand each other's thoughts, pondering. Each other's breathing was the only sound that was humming around us; every other thing felt numb, nonexistent. If things go this way, I may lose control over the situation. He needs to go, but I couldn't say that to him. My tongue is tied, fragile, hoping for a moment to slip, things to unwrap, and I would conquer him, completely, thoroughly. My throat went dry at that. The door was opened and closed; he didn't bid goodbye as usual, and I didn't turn his way to see him off. I can't see him at the moment; my control may finally slip and I may snap. I couldn't afford that to happen. Not fucking now.