Chapter 37
He's A Savage
Elena
My mind was a whirlpool of emotions by the time I arrived at Mike Lipton's office. His office was an old high-rise building just off the road leading towards Chinatown.
The elevator was out of order so I was forced to use the stairs. By the time I arrived at the office on the sixth floor I was breathing hard and I could feel my shirt sticking to my back.
What kind of investor couldn't invest in a functioning elevator? I grumbled under my breath.
I recognized his assistant who rose to her feet as I approached.
"I'd like to see Mr. Mike please," I went straight to the point.
"Well," she hesitated, unsure if she was going to speak.
"Is Mr. Mike not in?" I asked, glancing at my watch, and frustration filled me.
"He is, it's—"
"I have an appointment with him," I frowned, wondering why she'd kept on prattling.
"Okay," she finally gave in. "This way," she turned and led the way.
The office was silent except for the sound of my heels as they clicked sharply against the marble floor.
I felt nervous but not as nervous as I'd have thought I realized, clutching my files in my hands.
The secretary led me into an office, and she offered me a seat.
"Mr. Mike will be here shortly," the assistant said. She looked out of sorts for some reason but I didn't pay much heed.
It was already four pm, so I wanted to wrap this up quickly.
"Nice office," I clicked my tongue in my mouth as I took in the layout of the office.
The floor-to-ceiling windows framed a beautiful view of the city skyline.
'Where was he?' I wondered, glancing at the clock again. I was just about opening my file to browse through when the door opened.
"I'm sorry I kept you waiting," he drawled, his words were so slurred I could almost not pick out what he was saying.
I forced a polite smile, already on my feet, "It's alright, Mr. Mike," I glanced at the clock. "Shall we begin?"
Mike paused, casually leaning on his desk and he stared at me with an unusual intensity.
My heart skipped a beat, "Mr. Mike?" I prodded.
"Ahh, sorry," Mike's eyes regained their focus and he waved his hand. "Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him.
I nodded, putting my folder aside. "So about Projec—" I'd just begun speaking but Mike raised a hand.
What was it? A slight frown found its way to my brow. It felt frustrating to be paused at every turn.
"There's no need for that, Miss…" his eyes warmed up as they lingered on me a bit too long for comfort.
"Miss Elena," I supplied. "And I'm here to speak to you about Project Houston," I explained, staring at him closely.
I couldn't quite place a finger on it but something about Mike rang alarm bells in my head.
"That's not as interesting as you," Mike waved his hands, his gaze fixed on me with increasing intensity.
I froze, the weight of his words settling over me like a storm.
"Thank you," I said carefully. "But if we could discuss the—"
"Forget the presentation," Mike's voice was raised and I flinched. "I'm talking about you," he said, lowering his voice.
His eyes strayed over me, slowly tracing me from bottom to top. A chill ran down my spine when I met his eyes, I knew what that look meant.
"Mr. Mike," I began, trying to keep my voice from shaking. "I'm here to discuss details of the project, and nothing more," I forced myself to hold his gaze.
"You got a lot of bite in you," Mike pushed away from his desk, moving closer, it was then I realized something was wrong.
His eyes. His eyes weren't focused, they were cloudy and droopy as if he was going to fall asleep at any moment.
My pulse quickened as I fought to keep my composure.
"Perhaps we can discuss the project at a more convenient date," I said, struggling to keep my voice steady.
"Don't be like that," Mike stopped right behind me, and his hands rested on my shoulders. "We both know why you're here," he lowered his voice.
"Why waste it talking about boring contracts, I'd invest in rats if Damien proposed it, I just want some fun."
I'd heard enough.
I stood up abruptly, the scraping sound of the chair felt like a streak on my heart.
"I'm leaving," I said, moving to go but Mike sidestepped into my path.
"Just a little fun," he gave me a crooked smile and I noticed he flicked something into his mouth. What was that? Was it drugs? My heart sank and I suddenly recalled his Secretary's odd behavior from earlier.
"Please," I blurted, desperate for an escape. I noticed his face darkening and I wrecked my brain for what to say.
"Let me use the bathroom," I blurted out, spotting a door off to the side. "I need to clean up… first," I muttered, staring at him
"Alright," Mike nodded, he turned and walked towards the door, my heart sank to the floor when I heard the click of the lock.
I moved stiffly, my legs couldn't move fast enough and I entered the bathroom.
I locked the door with shaky arms and u breathed with small shallow breaths.
Help. I needed help, I thought, pulling out my phone with trembling hands.
I dialed Damien's line, he was the first person who came to mind. His number rang several times without answer.
Mike… something's wrong. Help.
I tapped the keyboard with shaky hands, I had to retype several times before I was able to type something comprehensible.
I hit send, praying Damien would understand the garbled message. I honestly couldn't control the trembling and I felt sick down to my toes.
"Elena," Mike's voice made me jump in fright and the hair at the nape of my neck stood on end.
"You're wasting time," he snickered, "The other assistant wasn't this uptight," he muttered and my eyes narrowed.
I couldn't leave here I thought, moving as far away from the door as possible. I needed to remain calm.
Perhaps Damien would call back, perhaps he'd see my text, perhaps the secretary woul… I held my head and slid to the ground, the weight of everything weighing on me and I entered a state of full blown panic.
"Well, I'm not too shy to do it in there," Mike's voice echoed behind the door and I shivered. I felt my heart stop when I heard the lock clicking, he had a key?
"No, no, no," I yelled, my voice choked with emotions and I rushed to the door, fear and panic fueling me and I put my whole weight on the door, trying to stop him.
"Hmph," Mike snorted coldly. The next moment I felt a huge force hit the door and I was slammed against the opposite wall, the force so great I saw stars.
"It's time," Mike appeared, his lips had a crooked smile as he stared at me.
He moved toward me, his intentions unmistakable. I stumbled back, panic clawing at my throat as he reached for me, his hand brushing against my arm.
"Don't," I said, my voice trembling but resolute. "I'm warning you."
But he only laughed, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer.
And that's when the door burst open.