Billionaire Enemy wants me

Chapter 7

STELA GOMES

We entered the room, Andreza closed the door, and we sat on the bed.

"Come on, Stela, now tell me, what was going on between you and my cousin?"

Since I couldn't escape this conversation, I told her everything—the bump on the street, how he had kicked me out of the office, the kiss on Carlos' birthday, and today. I laid out every detail, and she looked at me in a way I couldn't quite describe.

"Wow, Stela, I can't believe it. Why didn't you tell me all this before? That's why Ivan was drooling over you when we danced on my brother's birthday."

As I began to answer, she stared at me and said, "That's why you were dancing like that. You noticed the way he looked at you, and you were dancing for him. But what a bastard! And I thought you were naive."

"Don't be ridiculous, Andreza. I don't know what's gotten into your cousin. I think he's crazy. He must be. Today, he told me some things that I still can't believe. He said he wanted me and that at the right time, I would be his, and I shouldn’t let anyone touch me because he's very possessive and doesn't like anyone to touch what's his. Where have we ever seen such absurdity? I don't even know him well."

"Ah, my friend, from what you've told me, it seems that you already know each other too well. I still can't believe you and my cousin were making out right under my nose, and I didn't notice anything."

"Andreza, stop this because we weren't making out. It only happened twice."

"Stela, it's obvious that Ivan is interested in you. I've never seen him behave that way. He didn't even bother hiding anything from me; he even asked me for your number."

"And you seemed quite pleased with that, I noticed," I said, looking at her with a hint of annoyance.

"Look, Stela, I'll be very honest. You're my best friend; we're sisters at heart, and I'd never wish you harm. Ivan is a very powerful man who greatly changed after my uncle's death. He left everything in Canada and came here to take over the company. My father was devastated by his brother's death, retired, and passed all the responsibility of the Smith group to Ivan. Despite working in the company as an operations manager, my brother always made it very clear that he did not intend to take over the family business, so it fell to Ivan. But my cousin has changed a lot since then; it's like he's become someone else. Not even my aunt, who still lives in Canada, can understand why this change occurred. He used to be cheerful; we always got along very well and treated each other like siblings, but now he's cold to people, and everyone is afraid of him. With him, it's always about power and control. Nobody crosses Ivan. Ivan owns almost half of California and has tripled our family's wealth. He has enough money for four generations of the family to live well without worrying about working. My cousin is determined; he never lets anything get in his way and has never been in a relationship with any woman. Remember that 'little friend' he brought to my brother's birthday?"

I nodded in agreement.

"That woman, she's been trying to have a serious relationship with him for years, but she never succeeded. From what I've heard, they just maintain a 'colorful friendship,' if you know what I mean."

"Andreza, from what you're telling me, your cousin is rich, a powerful businessman who owns almost half the city and can have any woman he wants at his feet. As far as I know, he appears with a different woman, each more beautiful than the last, at every event he attends. So how could this man be interested in me?"

"Stela, have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror? You are beautiful, and any man would go crazy for you. As I've already said, Ivan is a determined man, and if he says you will be his, then you better prepare yourself."

"Andreza, I'm not an object to belong to someone else. Your cousin doesn't know what he's saying. And besides, he may only be interested in taking me to bed, like he does with the other women who fall into his hands. But if he thinks he's going to get anything out of me, he's sorely mistaken."

"If that's what you're saying, my friend, then who am I to object? But I'd be very happy to have you in the family. It would be great to see Ivan eating out of the palm of your hand," she said, smiling.

We talked in the room until nightfall.

"Andreza, I have to get back home; it's getting late. I've been out all day, and I don't want to leave my grandparents alone at night. I'll book a taxi; I'm ready to leave."

"Wait, Stela. I'll call Carlos. He should arrive soon and can take you home."

Before I could respond, she got up and called her brother.

I heard her ask if he was going to be late getting home.

"Okay, my friend, just wait a few more minutes because my brother is on his way. He's leaving the company now and told you to wait for him."

We went downstairs and waited for Carlos in the living room.

I felt my phone vibrate, and when I picked it up, I saw a message from an unknown number. I opened it and read:

"Why are you waiting for Carlos to take you home? Can't you take a taxi?"

I couldn't believe what I was reading. This was the last thing I needed.

"Who is this? I'm sorry, but I think you have the wrong person."

It didn't take long for a response.

"Don't play innocent. You know very well who I am. If you're going home with him, sit in the back seat. I can tell if you sit in the front seat with him."

"The worst part is, he really does know. You'd better comply so my brother doesn't show up tomorrow with a broken face."

I looked to the side and realized Andreza saw everything.

"This is your fault for giving him my number. Ivan doesn't get to boss me around; we mean nothing to each other, and I don't owe him any satisfaction. He can't control me."

"Yes, he can. Never doubt anything that comes from Ivan. He would have found another way if I hadn't given him your number. So don't blame me."

Carlos arrived shortly after. He asked me to wait a bit longer while he took a quick shower. He would drop me off at home and then head to a party.

I agreed and waited for him.

After a few minutes, he came down the stairs, calling for me to get going.

As I reached for the passenger door, another message popped up on my phone.

"Sit in the back seat."

I pretended I hadn't read that and got into the front seat.

There was no way he would know it. Besides, he’s crossing the line!

I needed to keep my distance from Ivan, no matter how he caught my attention, kissed me, or made me feel. But I couldn't let myself be swayed by these feelings. Indeed, his only intention was to take me to bed, and then his interest would disappear as quickly as it appeared.

But I would soon find out how wrong I was.