A pawn in his dirty game

Chapter 022

*ZACHARY*

Ophelia, my tacky and overly clumsy secretary wobbled in. A stack of files balanced on her hands, her tablet clutched between her teeth.

She almost tripped over the rug but Ian rushed and held her arm.

She wasn't wearing her glasses. Again.

"Thank you," She muttered as Ian helped her with the overloaded files, a face flushed red in deep contrast against her pale skin.

"Ophelia, where are your glasses?" I asked, rubbing my temple.

She blinked up at me, eyes squinting slightly. "I… I think I left them in my office," she muttered sheepishly, retrieving the tablet from her mouth.

Ian shot her a bemused look as he place the stack on my desk.

I sighed. "You should go find them before you break your neck and file a lawsuit against me."

She gave a quick nod and scurried off.

Ian chuckled and turned to me.

"Why does she looks like she's about to cry?"

Rubbing my neck, I walked behind my desk and settled into my chair.

"She always look like that," I simply said.

"And not because you are always difficult?" He teased, wriggling his eyebrows and I shot him a glare.

" Get out. I'm busy." I groaned in frustration.

" Fine," he raised his hands up." I'm leaving."

" Finally," I muttered in relief.

" Remember ," he turned again to me and I groaned. "No matter the decisions you make, I'll always support you."

My gaze softened as I stared at him.

He chuckled.

"Don't go soft on me now."

He patted my shoulders fondly and turned to leave.

" My club 's opening tonight, be there by eight,"

He called over his shoulder before strolling out.

The door clicked shut behind him, and for a moment, the office felt too quiet. I leaned back in my chair, eyes fixed on the ceiling, Ian’s words echoing in my mind.

With a sigh, I dragged myself to the bathroom and quickly freshened up. The cold water jolted me awake, washing away the fatigue that clung to me. By the time I stepped out, a fresh change of clothes had already been delivered.

After changing , I buried myself in paper work, barely noticing the time slipping by. At some point, Ophelia tiptoed in and out, mumbling some words at a distance, probably terrified I would snap at her. And it made me wonder, was I really a difficult boss?

By the time the clock hit seven-thirty, I was still at my desk reading a report.

I noticed the floor beneath me gradually clearing off, their voices fading into silence.

I rubbed my eyes as they stung from staring at the report for too long. Snapping it shut and reached for my suit jacket I had discarded on the couch.

I adjusted my cufflinks, switched off the light and walked out.

As I walked towards my convertible, the same one Valerie slashed it's tires in a fit of rage, a chuckle escaped my lips.

She was so unhinged.

The engine purred to life as I slid into the driver’s seat. City lights blurred past my window as I drove and my thoughts shifted to Valerie. Again.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter.

Why does she still linger in my head?

I took a sharp bend and the club came into view. It's name glowing in bold red letters across its front. LUX.

I shook my head. Typical Ian.

I killed the engine and stepped out.

A valet rushed forward and I tossed him the key without any word.

The sidewalk was crowded, guests spilling in and out , cameras flashing.

Hundreds of people queuing behind the velvet lines for a club that just launched.

The huge bouncer recognized me instantly, parting the way with a nod.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric.

Music thumped through the bass speakers and lights flickered in sync with the music. Bodies moved rhythmically on the dance floor, and the air smelled of expensive perfume, liquor, and sweat.

I weaved through the sea of sweaty bodies, already regretting my decision.

Two blondes giggled as they made their way towards me, each holding a drink and wearing too much perfume. One of them looped her arm through mine.

"Zachary Wellington," she purred, dragging a finger down my chest, I stopped her finger before it could go further. "You remember us, don’t you?"

I didn’t.

"I don't." I muttered dryly.

The other one laughed, tilting her head so her curls bounced over her shoulders. "You owe us a dance ."

I do?

I spotted Ian across the room, leaning casually against the bar, a wide grin on his face as he clinked glasses with someone I didn’t recognize.

He looked carefree and more in his element but this wasn't my scene.

He spotted me almost instantly and raised his glass in salute, mouthing something I didn’t catch,but from the look on his face, it was probably 'you came'.

He arched an eyebrow at two blondes beside me, a smile tugging his lips.

"Excuse me, ladies," I said, prying their hands off me as politely as I could. "The catching up will have to wait."

They pouted in unison, but I didn’t give them a second glance.

I shoved my hands in my pocket as I pushed myself towards Ian.

"Hey, man." He beamed, slapping my back playfully, his usual grin plastered on his face.

"You came."

"I had to," I muttered. "Had to save my ears from bleeding from all your nagging."

He laughed, completely unfazed and I nodded towards the guy standing beside him.

" Here," He said, handing me a glass.

I raised an eyebrow and shook my head.

" No thanks, I just recovered from an hangover."

Ian chuckled, swirling the drink in his own glass.

"Relax, it's just one glass," He said with a smirk, nudging the glass towards me.

I shot him a look.

"It always starts with a glass."

He shrugged.

"Well, more for me." With that, he downed the glass.

""Well... well, well, who do we have here?"

A voice slurred, cutting our moment short.

I turned around slowly and my brows furrowed in confusion.

Another blonde. This one dripping in fakeness . But for some reason , she looked familiar, except for the lip fillers.

"I must be dreaming," she said, taking a slow step forward, her hips swaying. "Zachary Wellington, in a club that isn't hosting a fundraiser? Miracles do happen."

" Do I know you?" I asked, my tone laced with confusion.

She cackled like I just dropped the biggest joke of the century.

I gave Ian a look and he merely shrugged, sipping from his glass and sparing her a curious glance.

She stopped when she noticed I wasn't sharing her laugh.

"You really don't remember me?" She asked, slowly and I shook my head.

"It's me, Madison."

The crease in my forehead deepened.

That name doesn't ring a bell.

She stared her me for a moment, her lips parted in disbelief and then she scoffed.

"I used to be Valerie's friend, we went to the same high school."

And just like that, It clicked.

Madison.

That blonde who used to follow Valerie everywhere like her minion

A muscle jumped in my cheek. Of all people.

Her? I gave her a quick once-over.

"Oh, you," I muttered, snatching the glass from Ian.

"Yes, me." She giggled, clearly not reading the room.

Great, my evening was going well.

"You look different," She drawled seductively as her finger traced a slow line down my chest, her face far too close to mine.

I gritted my teeth and gently pried her hand off but she placed it right back.

I almost groaned and Ian let out a low chuckle, clearly enjoying this.

The bartender poured us another round and I reached for a glass but Ian slapped my hand.

I shot him a glare and he shook his head.

"That's enough. You said one glass, remember?"

I sighed, raking a hand through my hair in frustration.

After few minutes of listening to her boring stories and giggles, I was just about to make an excuse to leave but Ian beat me to it.

"Let's move there," He said, pointing to the VIP section." This corner is getting crowded."

"Go on without me." I nodded my head at him, feeling a little wobble in my feet. "I'll get some rest."

Meaning I will love to go home now but it flew right over Ian's head.

" Oh, that's not a problem. I have private rooms here"

I gave him a pointed look but he dipped a hand into his pocket, his glass in one hand.

" Here," He said, holding out a key card, completely ignoring the look I shot at him.

"Just take the stairs," He continued, oblivious, pointing to the direction of the stairs.

I muttered a 'thanks' under my breath and made my way towards the stairs, ignoring Kendall's pout. Was it Madison?

Just as I rounded a corner, I caught a glimpse of a familiar face. I quickly brushed it off.

No way, she wouldn't be here.

I checked the number on the key card and stopped at the door bearing the same number.

Sliding the key card into the scanner , it beeped, unlocking the door.

I pushed the door knob and stepped inside the room.

Inside was dark but I didn't bother switching on the light.

I loosened my tie and settled into a soft leather couch, closing my eyes.

The door creaked open and I stirred, my eyes still close. I felt a weight beside me on the couch.

"Are you here to bother me?" I mumbled, thinking it was Ian.

"No, I'm here to take care of you."

My eyes shot open at the voice.

Madison's face was close to me . I recoiled, scooting away from her.

"How did you get here?"

I gritted my teeth, trying to hide my anger.

She shrugged casually, pulling me closer to her by my collar.

" The door was open."

She smirked, lips brushing too close to my jawline. I jerked back, but her grip on my collar tightened.

"Madison, stop," I said sharply, trying to pry her off.

She ignored me, leaning in even more.

"You don’t have to pretend. I know you feel it too."

"I don't feel anything," I said flatly, pushing her off.

She was suddenly quiet,disappointment crossed her features.

"I actually liked you first," she muttered bitterly. " but she stole you from me."

I rubbed my eyes, exhaling hard.

"Look, I don't have any feelings for you."

"No, that's not true. You smiled at me"

"I was just being nice," I cut in sharply but she wouldn't let it go.

she pressed herself against me , her lips hovering above mine.

The lights suddenly flickered on and Madison froze.

Startled, I turned to see someone I wouldn't have imagined to be here, in a dress which clung to her body like sin.

"Oh, don't stop on my account."