Business by day, Romance by flight

Chapter 11

Cain’s POV

Wednesday - 4th December 2025, Sydney.

That hurt. I could understand her annoyance, hell I did manipulate her, hell she possibly knew it in her own way too, but was possibly hoping that I wouldn’t. Thinking about how I said that, I could possibly understand why she jumped down my throat. I never did get to finish what I wanted to say though. She possibly thinks that I didn’t actually care about all her hard work or the qualifications she has gained. That I was just after her. It was making me feel like a butterfly catcher with a net, I could catch the butterfly but then what, the creature is fragile. Yet to be able to control it… I knew my method and actions was wrong, yet I still did it anyways.

I had turned my chair around and watched her the whole time during take off. My heart was aching, hearing her slight sobs, watching her body quiver in fear. I ended up dismissing the stewardess because she was watching Tiffany questionably. I could hear her whispered inappropriate comments. This was one of the newer members of this plane. I’m seriously rethinking her position. I made sure she realised too. She scurried away when she noticed my gaze. I’ll deal with her once we get to New York.

I couldn’t work out what to do about Tiff, she looked so scared and helpless, and I was the j**k that did this too her. This is the weakest I’ve seen her since I got back and we were reunited and I was the cause.

I waited till the plane levelled out and Amelia, the second stewardess who was one of my normal company on this flight, stuck her head in and let me know, glancing in Tiffany’s direction. Amelia’s face showed sadness as she looked back in my direction, the look saying ‘is there anything I can do to help’. I just shook my head, as I unbuckled my seatbelt. She gave me a slight smile before disappearing again. I really had no idea what to do, so I just went with the flow.

Now I am here, staring at a five foot five women, who looks like she could murder me in a heart beat. I could feel the annoyance and hatred in the air at this very moment.

“What the hell was that for?” She asked, her voice radiating annoyance. I really didn’t have any more of the plan than this, I just wanted to get her away from prying eyes. I breathed in slowly, trying to control my own emotions. I walked towards her. She scurried up the bed and away from me. I wonder if she thinks I would try to hurt her… wow, she really has no trust in me anymore.

I wanted to laugh but that fact was quite painful. I turned and sat on the end of the bed. I had closed us in here, no one would bother us. I placed my head in my hands, my elbows digging into my knees. My guilt was eating at me, what the hell could I say or do to make this situation better. But maybe the best place to start is with the truth.

“I’ve been planning this for about seven years”. I felt her stiffen. Removing my hands I glanced back at her. She looked confused.

“I was planning on coming back to get you like I promised once I had achieved my overall goal. Mum had been keeping me filled in on different things about you, especially since she loved to brag. I first started business in major debt, by taking over one pub and opening another in Brisbane. I worked my way up from there, travelling to different regions around Australia, opening up pubs and clubs. But I knew you had to spend money to make money. I have to admit though, the ways I got that money are not some of my proudest, especially since the banks didn’t always come to the party”. I took a breather. Noticing that Tiffany had inched closer and was almost next to me, listening intently.

“I started making connections though, and my money base was growing thankfully making it easier to pay back that accumulated debt, all the while I was studying business part time. I had a guide who was giving me some of my ideas thankfully but he eventually let me continue of my own path. Thats around when mum started telling me about all your study and how you had started taking off on the path of travel and tourism. Thats what got me thinking, instead of just pubs and clubs why not open up travel and tourism companies and some holiday resorts. So thats what I did. I started off small then grew bigger, until now. I own nine pubs in Australian alone, and another ten around the world so far, plus seven resorts and fifteen travel agencies, including the one in Sydney. That one, I basically opened just for you”.

“So that’s why no sooner was it opened I was offered the job”. Tiffany stated quietly. She was sitting next to me now on the edge of the bed. I nodded. I had specifically sent people out to reel her in. I needed her somewhere I could keep tabs on her. Makes me sound like a over controlling j**k but its the only way I could ensure she couldn’t get away; so to speak.

“So what, all this was a ply to control me in some way”. Tiffany stated, annoyance still edged into her tone, yet not as venomous as it was before.

“I’m sorry Tiff, this wasn’t my full intention. In one way I was being selfish. I hoped you would wait for me, that as soon as I walked into your life again you would dive into my arms and we would be like it was before. I’m an i***t”. Tiffany snorted.

“Yer, you are. Why the hell would I do that. Yes I have feelings for you still, how would I not. You were my best friend, my childhood sweetheart, and in a wacky way was like a adopted brother to me also. I always tried to ignore that side, since we were everything else first. But it is still the truth”. Tiff shook her head, before standing up and pacing.

“You really hurt me. I thought I was more than that. Yet I was pushed aside and felt forgotten… Lonely. So I grew up and got stronger. Life hasn’t been all peaches and cream, and Greta doesn’t know all of everything I have been through. There is stuff I wouldn't tell her also. I hadn’t been sure if she was in contact with you or not and I was making sure not to much of my personal life was given out. I wanted nothing to do with you. After you abandoned me, I did the same. Hell in the long run it made us both stronger I guess”. I just stared at her, what the hell happened that she wouldn’t tell my mother about. I didn’t protest for the truth though, the look on her face seemed to say. If I asked she was going to castrate me…

“I only seem strong when your not around I must admit”. That sounded wrong even after I said it, and I wanted to kick myself for blurting that out. Such a a** kicker I was at this moment. I felt more like a girl crushing on a jock.

“I didn’t mean that in a bad way, its just I have quite the reputation now, yet when I’m with you, I feel like a blubbering i***t. I just keep making mistakes….”

“Yer you do. So why don’t you start by realising that I have my fears, they will not change. I have to say getting me angry seemed to help my fear a lot, I’m still sh*****g myself but this inclosed room is definitely a little more relaxing. But ever throw me on the bed like that again, and I swear I will make you regret it. Friend or not.” Her expression was full-on serious. Something big must have happened? I could feel my own fear and anger rising, what the hell happened to her. Did someone hurt her? I had more questions, then answers and Tiffany was not going to share. I nodded. It was the only thing I could do, knowing my voice would fail me. I had to suppress this.

“As for anything else. You really shouldn’t try to control me. You are my boss at this stage, yet I partially came as a friend, because you, I quote ‘you needed me’. So we have a job to do, so there better be one. I’m not just dropping everything to ‘fall in love with you’ its not happening that easily. My mind may have wondered slightly but I’m not that desperate. You have been manipulating me for a while apparently, you have your work cut out for you. Trust has to be earned. Until then, we are boss and assistant, understand Mr. Serdon”. Ouch, that hurt. I faked a smile.

“Yes, Miss Barona. I understand. I will do everything I can to earn your trust again”. She nodded.

“Thank you, thats all that I want. Maybe then, you may see that I can actually be a decent business partner instead of a piece of property to contain and control”. I looked at her. She had relaxed. She walked to the door and opened it, taking a deep breath.

“So I could really use a decent briefing on our first assignment. If you wouldn’t mind Mr. Serdon”. I was amused, yet disappointed. Nodding I stood to my full height, straightening my suit as I did, and using my best business tone.

“Certainly Miss Barona. Please take a seat and I will brief you on the project”.