Rebirth: Flirting with a Dangerous Billionaire

The One That Got Away

The tingling spread throughout my body. I feel weightless and more animated than I have in years. Although someone is talking to me in the distance, I can't hear them. My senses seem to be blocking everything out whilst simultaneously fixating on the events unfolding before me.

It all happened so fast. There had been some sort of exchange between Mara and...Sam? I barely remember his name. I had been losing interest when people began to dive forward out of their seats around me. The crowd around them had thickened, so I could no longer see what transpired, but I didn't need to. The loud crack followed by the sudden sharp smell of blood was unmistakable. "Oh God, look at the blood!" Akari's voice kills my buzz. Her face is pale, her pupils dilated in horror. The crowd is thinning, and I watch as Sam whimpers in a pool of his own blood. I feel Akari brush across my hand. "Your hands are clammy, and your face is red. Are you feeling okay? A lot of people faint at the sight of blood." I shake her off

"I'm fine." My response is curt enough to vex her and illicit a pout. I ignore her, enjoying the last moments of adrenaline as it slowly fades from my system. Then, I hastily let out a group message, letting it be known that no one is to offer up information about what had happened here today. Mara had made me feel more alive in one moment than any woman had in years. There was no fun in her getting suspended. I explain to Akari that I extend my influence as a favour to Cain and excuse myself before she can protest further. As expected, today's lecture is called off on account of the circumstances. Speaking of Cain, I really want to be the one to tell him. It's a shame I can't see his face. I hastily text him and make my way towards the club.

To my distaste, I realised that I had three missed calls from Akari on arrival. This morning has left me...frustrated. Every time I try to blow off steam, she gets in my way, and my patience runs thin. I can feel my phone vibrating in my pocket again. My inclination is to turn it off, but my stomach sinks when I read the caller ID. This is a call I can't ignore. "Father."

"She's been calling here again. Where are you this time?"

"I only just.."

"I have asked you, for one thing, to keep her happy! So what is wrong with you? It's time to grow up. Akari is a lovely girl and a good match!"

"I just don't like her that way."

"She is perfectly suitable. People in our position don't marry for love. How long do you think you can afford to play around? You need to think about your future."

"There's plenty of..."

"If you think your mother and I will be clearing up any more of your messes, your wrong! It's time to settle down, think about inheriting the company. Do you know what people think of you, what they are saying? You're an embarrassment! Your hedonism will only be tolerated so long as it does not impact our business directly. Grow.." I cut him off before he finished and promptly turned off my phone.

What annoys me is the hypocrisy. My parents have openly cheated on each other for many years; it happens in political marriages. To the outside world, they masquerade as a happily married power couple. Still, behind closed doors, they act like mere acquaintances. My mother hasn't even lived in the same house as my father for several years. What's really pissing him off is I have freedom. I have a place I can come where any and all desires are met, and unlike him, I have no intention of giving it up to settle down.

Truth be told, Akari is my first steady girlfriend. Women are just convenient and practical tools to relieve my urges, be It sadistic or s****l. In the past, this has gotten me into trouble, but with enough money, you can silence anyone. The women at the club are suitable to fulfil my basic needs, but there's not much fun in playing with willing subjects. So, I started luring my own women. In truth, I think that's partly why I'm stuck with Akari. My flings often traumatised after our play, left my father too big a mess to clean up. Only he benefits from my relationship with Akari. So, I'm forced to regulate my behaviour, and he gets a new business partner.

I know his threats are empty. I'm his only heir. There's no way he will let my reputation get damaged or have me end up in prison. So, I'm going to call his bluff. Fortunately, the club is quiet at this time of day. Most of its members are at work or university. Still, no amount of scantily clad women can coax any reaction from me. Frustrated, I eventually give up and decide to drink.

It's been a long day. I wonder if Cain found Mara? Last I saw she was running away with someone I didn't notice who. Something was definitely different about her. Perhaps I shouldn't of let her get away. Who knew she was hiding such a violent disposition? No, she had been so shy, so gentle and boring. I had let her go because there would be no fun in breaking her spirit. What's this? I feel the familiar feeling of my pants growing tighter, and it becomes crystal clear what I must do. It wouldn't be hard to reel her back in if Mara had forgotten me and forgotten what I had done. I turn on my phone, and this time, I answer when it rings, "Akari, let's break up."