Chapter5-No where to escape
703 Words
Julia stood frozen with her phone tightly held in her hand and she started feeling a growing sense of anxiety.
“You should have taken Kingston’s deal.” The words from the unknown number still lingered in her mind.
She began taking short sharp breaths and her heart was pounding so fast.
She had been brave and had built her company from nothing with her own determination and intelligence. She had sat across boardroom tables with men who underestimated her and then left them regretting it.
But this felt different. Was it a warning or a threat? She couldn't understand it.
And she hated that Loyd Kingston had been right.
“No. No. Don’t think like that”
She was not going to back down just because some mysterious person was trying to threaten her.
First things first.
“I need to get out of this hotel and find a safer location.”
She grabbed her suitcase, packed her scattered belongings inside quickly and then she zipped it up.
As soon as she was done, her hotel phone rang.
Julia’s stomach twisted.
“The desk never called unless there was an emergency.” She hesitated before picking up.
“Hello?”“Ms. Grey,” the receptionist’s voice said smoothly
“We received a request from Mr. Kingston to move you to a new suite in the elite condominium. A private upgrade, courtesy of him.
”Julia’s fingers tightened around the receiver.That arrogant bastard.
“I didn’t request a room change.”
“Mr. Kingston insisted it was necessary for your safety.”
Her facial expression changed. Loyd was meddling again. Trying to control her.
He thinks I’ll just do whatever he says. She got angry.
“Tell Mr. Kingston that I decline his offer.”
“Actually, Ms. Grey, he is already on his way up.
“What?She turned abruptly just as her door also swung open in the moment.
Loyd Kingston got inside with a storm brewing in his mossy green eyes.
“Pack your things, you are coming with me.” he said
Julia screamed,“Excuse me?”
“This isn’t a debate. You are coming with me. Now.”
He groaned
“And if I say no?” she said while crossing her arms
His gaze darkened.
“Then I carry you out of here myself.”
“Is that so? You wouldn’t dare”
Loyd exhaled quickly and stepped closer to her.
“Someone got into your room, Julia. This isn’t just a business rivalry anymore.”
She froze.
Her silence only made him angrier
“For Christ’s sake, Julia, you should have called me the second you saw your suitcase was turned upside down.”
She lifted her chin and said,”I do not need your help.”
His eyes looked into hers. “Then why haven’t you left?” he asked
She hated that he could see through her. That he knew her pulse was still racing from that phone call.
“You don’t trust me,” he continued but with a softer voice this time.
“But I assure you I'm the only one standing between you and whoever is behind this.”
Julia hated how she felt. She hated that she felt safer with him in the room. But before she could respond, the lights flashed.
Then the entire hotel got into darkness.The sudden blackout was accompanied by a distant metallic bang. Julia’s pulse skyrocketed.
Then her phone buzzed again.
It was another unknown number, but this time she received a message. She swallowed hard before checking it.
“Too late to run now.” read the message she received.
Julia’s breath came in short, sharp gasps.
Loyd snatched the phone from her hand and read through the message.
When he looked back at her, his expression was pure, dangerous rage.Then, in one quick sweep, he grabbed her wrist, pulled her suitcase up with his other hand, and moved toward the door.
“We’re leaving. Now.”
Before Julia could refuse, Loyd pulled her into the back stairs. But while they went down the stairs, a sound of footsteps grew louder with every passing second.
And whoever it was, was not alone.
- Writer
