Fourteen
Zeke’s POV
I rubbed my eyes as I woke up, my mind still foggy from the night before. I stirred and tossed in bed and noticed the faintly scent of orchids on the other part of the bed. I sat up as I realized Kamille had left.
Damn it Zeke!
Guilt gnawed at me for taking advantage of her intoxicated state. I mumbled a few words and cursed as I ran a hand through my jet black hair. I lingered in bed for a bit as I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling of uncertainty about how Kamille felt.
She was in it as much as I was. Or was she not?
Recalling her soft moans, how her fingers dug into my back, her beautiful legs snaked round my waist guiding me to rock us both to pleasure, I tried to reassure myself that she was just as willing.
I lifted myself off the bed and my eyes fell on the little clock on the bedstand. It was almost thirty minutes past six am. I wondered why she left so early. It would be either because we had sex or because she did not want to be seen or both. I naturally tilted to the less obvious reason, but deep down I knew both reasons were strong enough.
Having sex with you definitely outweighs the other reason Zeke.
With a heavy sigh, I resolved to apologize to her. I stood up to get into the bathroom, but as I stood, I noticed a small purse picture on the floor.
I picked up the picture. There were Kamille’s kids. She must have dropped the picture by mistake. I stared at the boys, a feeling of longing tugging at my heart. The resemblance was undeniably evident. I kept the picture on the bed stand hoping to return it to her.
With a heavy sigh, I resolved to apologize to her. I stood up and got into the bathroom. After freshening up, I made my way downstairs to the breakfast table. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. On the table were fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh berries and a dripple of maple syrup. The cook bustled around the kitchen while a few maids tended to the morning chores. My distaste for too many people around me crept in as I surveyed the scene.
“Good morning Mr. Reid.” Mr. Rogers said, walking in as I was rounding up breakfast. I nodded in response. I set my cutleries down and pushed my chair backwards.
Rogers Caldwell had been with me since I was little. Although he was in his early fifties now, he was still strong and agile. He doubles as my personal assistant and confidant. I stood up and walked towards the door.
“There is a board meeting with all the stakeholders by ten am Mr. Reid.” Rogers said, doubling his steps to meet my pace. “Also, there are documents concerning the property you leased to the foreign investors you need to sign.” He added. I stopped walking.
“Rogers.” I called.
“Yes Mr. Reid.” he replied, moving a bit closer to where I stood.
“Remind me why I have to do all this work?” I asked, wearing no expression on my face.
The dumbfounded Mr. Rogers stared at me for a while before replying, “I guess because thousands of lives depend on you for their survival.” I didn’t respond. “Mr. Reid also cares so much about his subordinates that he would not want to see them starve for lack of a source of livelihood.” He added.
I chuckled. “If that’s true, then let’s go be superman and save some lives.” I walked into the Tesla in front of the house and Roger slipped into the front seat, while Andrew and the guards with him, entered the Toyota Tundra behind and we drove off.
Arriving at the Reid company, it was almost time for the board meeting but I decided to go up to my office first. As I passed the ground floor, I received the usual glances and giggles from both ladies and men. I ignored them and went into the elevator.
I find the attention too fucking troublesome.
I arrived at my office and sat on the leather bound swivel chair. The documents Rogers spoke of were neatly arranged on the glassy table. I picked a pen and began reading the documents before placing my signature where needed.
“The time is twenty minutes past ten Mr. Reid.” Roger said calmly.
“Okay.” I replied, knowing the reason for the reminder. I closed the files and walked out with Mr. Rogers.
The board meeting had not yet begun when I arrived. The stakeholders had angry expressions on, but no one displayed their anger. Only a person who didn’t value his life would dare to act in anger in front of me.
The board meeting began and I listened to what they had to say . They proposed a lucrative partnership with a famous clothing line. Their analysis was good and the presentation great but I declined.
“Mr. Reid I believe you need to think about this properly to avoid making hasty decisions.” The oldest stakeholder echoed. My eyes went cold.
“You think I’m making a hasty decision?” I tried hard to conceal the growing anger.
The old man hesitated, “I didn’t mean it that way.”
“You had better not, else I would gladly teach you how to talk properly.” I replied calmly.
The stakeholders were seething in anger but controlled it. “In that case, this meeting is adjourned.” I stood up and walked out.
Fucking old men telling me how to run my company.
“If I may ask, why did you reject the partnership Mr. Reid?” Rogers asked as soon as we got back to my office.
I sighed. “Because I don’t trust that brand. There’s something about the proposal they sent. It seems almost too good.”
Rogers nodded with understanding. “Would you want me to look into it?” He asked.
“Yes. Find out all the information you can get on that brand.” I replied.
“I understand.” Mr. Rogers said. As he was about to leave, I suddenly remembered something important.
“Rogers.” I called out.
“Mr. Reid.” He responded.
“Any update on that lawyer from four years ago?” I asked him.
“Yes Mr. Reid. He is still in coma, but his secretary runs and maintains order at his firm.”
“Still keep an eye on him. He is the only one with access to the true will of the Manors’ late matron.” I ordered. Mr. Rogers acknowledged the order and left.
As Mr Rogers left, I could not help but wonder if the lawyer’s sudden accident was even normal. The Manors seemed to have more shady activities going on undercover than I thought. Just then, my phone beeped. I picked it and read the message displayed on the screen;
Hello Brother,
Long time no see. Zane and I just landed in London. We will be heading to the casino by nine pm. Hope to see you there.
Fletcher.
I sighed. What did these naughty rascals want back in London? I asked myself, still staring into the screen.
Zane Falcone and Fletcher Caruso. Two English men born on Russian soil. Their Fathers were the top mafia bosses of their prime. But all their sons could inherit from such great men was beauty, wealth and power. They were yet to prove otherwise. Hopefully, their trip to Russia was worthwhile.
See you soon.
I hit the send button and watched the message get delivered. I stood up and left the office. As soon as I got home, I freshened up, had lunch and went into the study to work.
I had lost track of time while working till it was almost eight pm. I closed the laptop in front of me and stumbled out of the study. At the same time, Rogers walked up to me with haste.
“We have found some new information on the lawyer.” He said.
I squinted to look at him. Was the lawyer being sneaky or was the Manors being cunny?
“Send the information to my mail immediately.” I instructed. “How about Kamille?” I asked.
“She and the kids are well. The guards stationed to watch them have not noticed any suspicious activities going on.” Rogers replied.
“Good.” I replied coldly and walked away.
If those sneaky bastards try anything silly, I would not withold my wrath from them.This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.