A pawn in his dirty game

Chapter 017

*ZACHARY*

Her warm fingers wrapped around mine, sending a rush of warmth through me that felt far more comforting than I cared to admit.

She didn't pull away neither did I.

Her slender fingers caressed my hand and the tremors reduced.

They've returned. And when they came , I often lose control. Like right now, I would love more than anything to smash the face of the asshole, sitting across from me. But her little caresses brought me back and the blood rushing to my ears quietened.

I looked at our joined hands, then at her. Concern was hidden behind her defiance.

And I hated it.

How easily she could calm me.

How I wanted to hold on longer.

She didn’t speak. Just sat there with her hand on mine, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

And maybe that’s what terrified me ,how natural it felt.

I pulled my hand away and she turned to me but I avoided her gaze.

I refused to admit to myself that I missed the warmth from her hand and the way her fingers circled around mine.

"He hasn't done anything to prove his worth as the heir," Mr Blackwood said. "Gareth handled the US branch and now it's debt free."

I scoffed, loud and unapologetic. "Bullshit."

His brows shot up, clearly not expecting the outburst.

"I’ve been breaking my back to keep this company afloat and you all sit here claiming I haven't proven my self worthy." They all squirmed in their seats but I wasn't done.

"The U.S. branch was already thriving before he went over to handle it, so how exactly did he make it debt free?" I questioned, searching their faces.

"But— ." Someone tried to interject but I cut him off.

"Gentlemen, your arguments are pointless.

If Gareth wants to be CEO..." I gave them a hard stare. "... He'll have to fight me."

I finished with a tone of finality.

"Very well," Gareth said smoothly. "I hope you are up to the task, little Cuz."

I turned to him slowly, a smile tugging at my lips. "You should worry more about yourself. I heard you stepped on the wrong toes and who knows, they might be looking for you."

His smirk faltered and his jaw ticked.

I knew I had hit a nerve, all thanks to Ian.

He recovered quickly and leaned back into his chair.

"Then I guess, it's going to be fun. I will have you know I'm merciless."

I stared down at him, unfazed. " I never asked you to go easy on me."

His eyes gleamed dangerously. He wasn't expecting that response.

He chuckled. "You've grown so much, little Zach. I need to teach you a lesson." His voice dropped low.

My vision blurred, my hands trembled under the table.

I saw myself standing in front of a closet.

What's going on? Why was I here?

"It's time for your punishment, little Zach."

I panted heavily and loosened my tie. It was suddenly choking me. I couldn't breathe. I gasped for air.

" Zachary?" I heard her voice , distant and familiar but I couldn't answer. I tried to speak but the words got stuck somewhere between my lungs and throat.

"Zachary?" The voice called out again. Anna?

" Zachary, are you okay?"

Valerie?

I shook my head. No, not now.

I blinked hard.

Slowly, Valerie's face came into focus. Her eyes were wide with concern, her hand hovering near mine.

I looked around and the conference room was now quiet.

All eyes were on me.

Gareth leaned back in his chair, that smug smirk plastered across his face.

And then it hit me.

He knew.

He had known all along and I let him use it against me.

"Zachary, are you —"

I didn't let my father finish. The concern written on his face was torture.

"If there's nothing else," I stood to my feet. "I'm out of here," I muttered under my breath, walking towards the door. I need to get out of here. Fast. Before I lose control again.

"Tell me, little Zach. Do you still get panic attacks when you receive wrapped presents,"

He sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.

My control slipped and I saw red.

Before I could stop myself, I moved swiftly towards him and landed a right hook he didn't see coming across his jaw.

His head snapped to the side, and for a second, everything went still.

The smirk vanished from his face, replaced by pure shock. He staggered, clutching his jaw as a hush fell over the room.

Someone gasped but I was far too gone.

Gareth straightened slowly, blood at the corner of his mouth. "Well," he said with a low laugh, "looks like little Zach finally grew a spine."

I took a step forward, ready to unleash my anger but someone stepped in front of me right when I was about to hit another punch.

Valerie. What was she doing?

Her eyes blazed with determination as she planted her hands firmly on my chest, stopping me in my tracks.

"Zachary, stop." Her voice was low, but fierce.

"You don't tell me what to do," I said harshly, gritting my teeth.

She stared at me defiantly, unaffected.

"He's not worth it."

My fists trembled at my sides.

And that was enough distraction for Gareth. A flying punch landed on my jaw and I heard a c***k.

I could feel the metallic taste of blood in mouth and I staggered a bit.

My jaw throbbed but all I could see was Gareth's mocking smile. My knuckles ached for more.

"Split it up, boys," My father said coolly, stepping between the both of us. "I'm quite disappointed."

"Daddy dearest coming to his son's aid," Gareth mocked.

" I'm still the chairman here. Don't forget, I gave you the permission to be here, I might as well revoke it."

He opened his mouth to retort but my father gave him a hard stare and that shut him up.

His jaw clenched and his nostrils flared but he said nothing.

My father turned to me. "Are you okay?" He asked with concern and I nodded.

He pulled me close, away from the curious glances around us.

"What was that?" He asked, glancing at Valerie warily.

"Nothing," I muttered, shrugging his hands off.

" Nothing? You lost control. You haven't in a while,"

"I said it was nothing," I snapped.

His brows were raised but he said nothing.

I knew what he was thinking. He was worried I would hurt Valerie.

Valerie. She was staring at me pitifully and it irked me.

I spared one last glance before stepping out.

Their eyes all had the same thing. Fear.

They were terrified of me.

I shut the door after me and their murmurs increased.

I just dug my grave without thinking . That was what Gareth wanted and he got it.

Surely,those on my sides would start questioning if they made the right choice.

I heard footsteps behind me and stopped.

I heard a silent 'oomph' as I felt a force hit my back.

I turned to see Valerie, slightly breathless.

"You should slow down , I can't really run in these," She huffed, pointing at her stilettos as she tried to catch her breath.

"What are you doing?"

" I.. I don't have a ride home," She muttered, picking her nails.

Despite everything , I could feel my lips twitch.