THE BILLIONAIRE'S ASSASSIN

CHAPTER 3

Isabelle dropped the photo in her hand, her slender fingers stretching forward moving the curtain behind the table; at the rear of the curtain, a map stretched with photographs, files, surveillance reports, every habit, movement, contact and weakness of Alexander was lined carefully with calculated precision.

Ever since that tragic night when he saved her, everything about her has changed. Nothing in this world would make her forget those words he had said to her. She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as memories of that night flooded her mind.

She sat on the ground, crying uncontrollably. He walked up to where she sat and crouched down to her level, his slender fingers tilting her chin slightly.

“It’s disheartening how the good people of this world end up,” he murmured, his voice low and cold, "You're all alone in this world now, kitten. I’m sure the pain you feel right now is too twisted for your feeble mind, but I want you to survive. Embrace the newfound pain within you. Shatter through your limits. Crucify your flesh if you have to. But remember this — you must survive, kitten.”

Isabelle's eyes flew wide open, her trembling hands clung to her chest; every time she remembered that night, her heart tightened uncontrollably. But those words… Those cold, dangerous words of his ignited something dark within her— obsession; and those words also made her the assassin she was today. Just as he said, she embraced the darkness and did everything she could to survive.

She had yearned to have him for years. However, fate has always been cruel to her. But now Alexander was going to be hers even though it came at the cost of taking his life; she couldn't let this opportunity slide. No. Never.

She was the predator now and he was her prey. She planned to infiltrate his life as Isabelle and have him all to herself before eliminating him.

Her thoughts were cut short by the vibration of her phone. She checked the caller ID and it was Darren — her boyfriend.

She rolled her eyes but picked up the call anyway,

“Hey babe, I’m at your door. Come on down” came Darren’s voice. She mouthed an ‘oh’, then she replied, “Hold on, I’ll be down in a minute.”

Making sure everything was in order, she stepped out of the secret room and strode down the stairs. Getting to the door, she prepped a sweet smile on her lips, then the door went open.

“Surprise!” Darren said, hugging her, a sweet smile playing on his lips.

“Come in Darren,” she said, reciprocating the smile.

Darren walked in, then sat down, and she sat beside him, but, she maintained some distance between them.

“So, what brings you here?” she questioned.

“Come on Isabelle, don't tell me you forgot; my birthday is tomorrow. For goodness’ sake, I’ve been ringing this to you all week,” he fussed, feigning hurt.

“I'm sorry, it slipped my mind,” she said simply.

“It’s fine Isa,” he mumbled. Slowly he closed the distance between them, his gaze held hers intently, he brushed back some strands of her hair behind her ear, “I know I said it's fine, but a kiss will really go a long way right now,” he muttered, his face inching closely.

Isabelle turned sharply. “I’m sorry, but I can't, Darren,” she muttered softly, almost innocently.

Darren flared, “What the heck, Isabelle, we've been dating for three months now and all we've done is just a peck. You always flinch or give unnecessary excuses any time I make advances towards you. And honestly it's really bumming me out.”

“Well, I never forced you to date me. I warned you, but you said you could wait, so why the complaint?” Isabelle retorted with a poker face.

Darren was right,they had dated for three months now, but she made sure he didn't cross the line. She was gatekeeping herself for no one other than Alexander. She was 23 and still a virgin all for Alexander. Only God knows how badly she wanted that man.

Darren took a deep breath, “Excuse me for a moment, I need to get some air,” he mumbled, then walked to the restroom.

Just as he left, his phone which was on the couch started vibrating. Isabelle picked it up, staring at it, the caller ID read; ‘My heartbeat’ with the picture of a beautiful lady who looked almost her age on the screen.

She scoffed, she knew Darren was a playboy. She only accepted his advances because she planned to teach him a lesson. Immediately after the ring, some messages popped up, and she read them silently.

‘Hey babe, I know you plan to drug your dumb girlfriend and have her all to yourself tomorrow, but can I also join in on the fun? I promise I won't cause any trouble’

Isabelle rolled her eyes after reading the message, she dropped the phone back to where it was. Folding her arms over her chest, a sinister grin spread across her lips; this was the type of game she loved playing.

Darren came back inside with a cigarette between his fingers, he picked his phone up. Reading the message on his phone screen, his eyes gleamed with something unfathomable.

“I’m sorry for the way I reacted earlier, babe; aside from that, I really want you to attend my birthday party tomorrow. Trust me, it’s going to be fun,” he said, staring at her intently.

“Fine, I’ll attend, but only if I get to pick the location of where the party is going to be held,” she said.

“Sure, I’m cool with that as long as you promise to attend,” he replied with a sweet smile curved on his lips.

“I'll definitely attend, I'll send you the location later” she muttered, feigning a cute smile of her own.

“I’m off now. Text me the location OK. Bye,” he pecked her on her cheeks and stood to leave.

Isabelle stared at his retreating figure, a devilish smile washed across her face, this plan of his had just given her a gruesome idea.

THE CRESTMONT HOTEL

Isabelle stared at the building in front of her. She had chosen this place for Darren’s birthday party only because Alexander was going to be there; she got a tip off that he was going to be here to finalize a business deal. She had orchestrated her plan carefully. Tonight, all she needed to do was sit back and watch.

Her heel clicked on the marble floor with surgical precision, she was dressed seductively, ready for the show to unfold as she strode into the lounge. She got to where Darren and his friends were, she greeted them with a warm smile, then sat down beside him. Opposite them was the glass-like VIP room and in that room sat the man she had always craved to have.

Alexander sat opposite, a middle-aged man. Isabelle could tell they were talking about something business related because his face held no emotion, just an unsettling calm that hinted at something lethal beneath.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the waiter appeared. Isabelle's gaze lingered on him intently while he tried to avoid her gaze. She had met with him earlier and threatened the life of his mother and he had no other option to comply. He dropped her glass carefully, then his eyes slowly locked on to hers. She gave him a knowing smile and glanced towards Alexander, he then replied with what seemed like a slight nod and walked away.

Isabelle stared at the glass before her. She was going to get tipsy after taking this, but this was the risk she was willing to take.

Isabelle stood, lifted her champagne flute, her voice steady as she spoke, “Everyone, a toast to my dear boyfriend Darren.”

They all stood and clicked their glasses, partying happily. Isabelle glanced over to the VIP room where Alexander was, and a small smirk spread across her lips. Alexander had just drunk the champagne the waiter served him. His drink was laced with an aphrodisiac, but she made it very clear to the waiter to only use a little, in a way that he would still be able to control himself for some time.

Moments later a lady walked towards them. It was the same lady who had called Darren yesterday.

“Now let the fun begin,” isabelle murmured under her breath to no one in particular.

The lady walked up to her, took a glass of champagne and splashed it all over her body. Everyone's eyes widened in shock. Darren stood up sharply, pulling her aside. “What the f**k is wrong with you, Lucy?” he probed through gritted teeth.

Lucy didn't give him the reply he expected, instead she stretched her hands forward and slapped him hard across his face; she walked up to Isabelle and did the same. Again, a shocked gasp filled the air.

The scene has drawn a lot of attention. Isabelle stood still, her hand on her cheek, her expression filled with feigned shock and innocence. The drink had started to have an effect on her, so she tried her best not to slip out of character.

“I’m carrying your child Darren, and you're here partying with this bitch.” Lucy dropped the bomb, escalating the drama.

Once again, a loud gasp filled the air, but Isabelle wasn't concerned about that now, her focus was Alexander. He was done with the meeting and had stepped out of the VIP room due to the commotion Lucy caused.

Lucy’s display was also orchestrated by her, but Blade helped threaten Lucy’s life.

Alexander shifted uncomfortably and left the lounge. The effect of the aphrodisiac were starting to have effects and this was her golden opportunity.

Darren walked up to her. “Babe, please believe me, I don’t know what she—”

Isabelle cut his words short with a slap. “I don't want to see your face ever again. We’re done, Darren,” she sneered with tears glistering her eyes, and with that she rushed out.

Darren stood shocked and confused, his brain was trying to comprehend what had played out before him.

*****

Isabelle staggered out of the lounge, the muffled music fading into the low hum of the hotel’s marble floor. The effect of the drink made her a little tipsy, but she was fully in control. Getting to the hotel hallway, she bumped into someone — the sudden impact made her land butt first to the ground. Slowly, Isabelle lifted her gaze; her heart skipped a bit when her eyes fell on him.

Alexander stood firm with a commanding yet dangerous composure. A cold, arrogant aura shrouded him completely, revealing his unshakable demeanor.

Alexander stared down at her, his head tilted slightly, his grey metallic eyes gleamed with lust, but a hint of restraint was evident in them. Ever so slowly, his gaze scrutinized her — from her exposed legs to her slightly revealing cleavage.

Isabelle's gaze locked onto his, she understood exactly what was going through his mind. She had worn this short dress to fuel his heat.

Alexander crouched down to her level, his slender veiny hands tilted her chin every so lightly.

“You’re not blind, are you, miss?” He drawled, his sinful voice curling around her like smoke.