SECOND RIDE'S THE CHARM.
2201 Words
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( ETHAN'S POV )
Ethan's heart dropped, if he wasn't strong enough, he would have fainted. What was Pierce doing there? And worse, at a time like that?
In a few minutes, Ethan was expecting a drug client, and Pierce being at that location would surely screw things up for him.
He subconsciously hidden his face but bending to the ground. but when he discovered that he would appear more suspicious, he lifted back his head.
He took the box from the table and planted it underneath the table. He immediately wore a casual look just in time as Pierce eyes met with his.
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" What are you doing here? " Pierce asked approaching his table.
Ethan swallowed hard, balancing his tye and clearing throat. All the while, he thought for a suitable lie.
" I'm waiting for someone... A girl. "
Pierce raised a brow, " You're here on a date? "
" Well, kinda... " Ethan was relieved.
Pierce nodded, " It's unlike you to show up early, or is she late? "
Ethan glanced at his watch, " Yeah I think she's running late. "
Pierce stiffly nodded, " I'll get out of your hair. " He turned to leave.
" What are you doing here by the way? " Ethan equally asked.
" To eat. " Pierce answered locating a chair, opposite Ethan.
Ethan squinted hard, " To do what? "
Pierce sighed, now he would have to raise his voice slightly and converse from a distance.
" To eat. " He replied.
" What do you mean to eat? You literally own a restaurant where you can free food. "
" This is different. "
" How is it though? "
" I'm actually__ " Pierce paused realizing that his mission wasn't to be broadcasted.
" Bro, " Ethan called.
Pierce forced himself up and hurriedly walked to Ethan.
He bent over and placed his lips just outsiders Ethan's ear. " I'm scouting, both food wise and chef wise. "
Ethan was yet to grasp, " Scouting? "
" You know, checking for distinct taste in food and meeting with the chefs behind it. I also get to learn new things. That's what you should be__
Ethan broke into clapping, " Oh... s**t! "
Pierce held his hands, stoping his noise, " Stop. " He strongly advised.
" That's f*****g smart. " Ethan praised.
Pierce nodded and prepped to leave.
" So what are you having? " Ethan yelled behind him.
Pierce groaned lightly, " Beef stir fried noodles and crab sauce. "
" Ouuh, " Ethan drew, " Sounds delicious. "
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( ETHAN'S POV )
A while later, Pierce's food arrived, he dug into it with a magazine in his hand.
Ethan was the most uncomfortable he'd ever being in his life, he was in trouble. The client most definitely would be close and Pierce was sitting opposite him.
Not only will his lie be exposed, how will he explain a man retrieving a box from him. As an addition, a possible discussion that would ensue between him and Donald's client.
Ethan couldn't even sit still, he was sweating and hyperventilating. What was he to do now? how will he explain the situation to Donald if the client Were to walk in and Pierce compromised the situation. If Ethan had the client's contact, he would have communicated with them and terminated the deal, or at the very least, changed location.
Anytime someone enters the restaurant, it laced Ethan with a heart thud louder than the previous one. He hatred for his brother grew a thousand fold.
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( PIERCE'S POV )
Pierce had gone halfway with his food, the food tasted good, but it wasn't the wow factor he was looking out for. He had seen some advertising of the cooking retreat and how there were no spaces for new intakes, it was filled.
Pierce was once again grateful to his connections, he had already saved himself a seat. The event was only two weeks away.
Pierce had hid notice perfectly, but he saw that Ethan's date was yet to arrive. Pierce had seen the box under the table, and assumed it to be a present for Ethan's supposed date.
Pierce couldn't shake the thought of short relief to see that Ethan had someone serious in his life. I mean, he had to. Knowing who Ethan was, he wouldn't gift a lady, much less in public if it wasn't something serious.
There was no way it would be Lori Hart, it was work hours. So it has to be someone else. Pierce had also noticed Ethan's worry and unsteadiness, his date may have stood him up.
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" Seems your date stood you up. " Pierce started the conversation.
Ethan shook, " Yeah... " He managed to say.
" Have you called her, maybe she's stuck in traffic. "
" It's going straight to voicemail. "
Pierce exhaled, he realized that he would have really wanted Ethan's date to show up. Just so he could prove to him that he was off the streets, and off women, preferably, Lori Hart.
Pierce took his eyes back to his magazine " What do you think? " Pierce's deep voice tore trenchantly through the air.
" I don't think she's coming bro. "
Pierce arched a brow and notice his brother's pitiful position. He sat alone with a box filled with supposed gift.
" Come over here and join me. " Pierce invited.
" What? " Ethan wasn't sure he heard correctly.
" Join me. " Pierce said louder.
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( ETHAN'S POV )
Ethan thought quick, the heavens had heard his cry and was in his favor. He had an opening and he would graciously take it.
If he moved to his brother's seat, he would throw off any unforseen clients. He went for the box and took Pierce's invitation.
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" What's inside the box? " Pierce asked to verify his suspicions.
" A present. " Ethan lied as he assumed a seat next to Pierce.
Pierce was about signalling a waiter to take Ethan's order but came to a stop when Ethan grabbed his fork and proceeded to eating from his plate. Pierce figured he needed to get used to Ethan's particular act.
" Delicious, " Ethan let out with mouth filled.
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" he didn't show up. " Ethan was on the phone with his brother, Donald.
" I know. " Donald casually said.
" Somebody should have said something, I sat waiting for hours. "
" Apologies Ethan. But I heard you got company. "
Ethan felt a sting, " How did you know that? "
" I heard he was someone we both know. "
Ethan felt cold all of a sudden, " It was Pierce, he walked in all of a sudden. It has nothing to do with me. "
" I know that Ethan, but didn't you deem it fit to tell me? "
Ethan exhaled, " I didn't see a need to, the picker didn't show. "
" Whatever is important for my knowledge, I should decide that. Do you understand? "
" Sure. " Ethan replied under his breath. " What do I do with the box? " Ethan hoped everything would come to an end and Donald would handle his job himself.
" I think you're forgetting something. " Donald's voice drew.
Ethan thought hard, " Fuck... " He reached, " You were watching me? "
" There you go... "
" How? " Ethan was genuinely disturbed.
" Calm yourself, you're not in any harm. "
" How did you know Pierce came? " Ethan was focused on getting a reply.
" I'll have you know that I had one of my guys there long before you came. He kept a close eye on you. "
Ethan felt his head spinning, " He was... he was there all along? "
" Yes, he saw Pierce come in and communicated with the buyer to cancel the deal. "
" I don't understand, " Ethan was going to ask, " If you could get one of your men out there, why did you have me do it? "
Donald laughed.
Ethan stared at his phone in utter shambles. " Donald__
" You don't understand what's happening, do you? "
" Make me. "
" There's no need to rush, all will be understood In due time. "
" What do you mean__
" And about the box... safely keep it, I'll get back to you on what to do about it "
Before Ethan could utter another word, Donald ended the call.
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( ETHAN'S POV )
Ethan became furious, the fact that Donald was still trying to play games increased his anger. So all that time he spent shitting himself at the restaurant, Donald had his men there all along? Ethan could not believe it.
He violently threw the glass of alcohol he had in his hands, thereby shattering it to pieces on the wall.
Ethan felt blocked, both physically and mentally. He needed some form of release or he could hurt himself.
He angrily dialled Beth's number.
" Hey, " Beth was excited to hear from him, but cloaked her excitement.
Ethan's voice was rising, " Be at my house tonight. "
Beth's happiness skyrocketed, " A hello and how are you doing would be nice to hear to.... just saying. "
" I'll meet you at home later. " He ended the call.
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( BETH'S POV )
Beth couldn't contain her happiness, it was evident in the way she aimlessly smiled. After his usual silence, Ethan had finally reached her.
It was a good thing she wasn't clingy like she formerly used to and ended up messaging him first. She had held In her urge.
She could feel her heart melt just by thinking about him, she finally would get to be around him and have remarkable s*x.
Yes, s*x. It has been a while there. Ever since she threw a tantrum at him, she hasn't been to his place. She rushed to her bag to verify if she still had the spare key, she did. At that point, she felt like his girlfriend.
Beth was now laced with the motivation she needed to get through with the day. She worked hastily, urgently waiting for the day to be over with.
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( LORI'S POV )
Workday was over, Lori had already booked her ride home, her Uber was on the way. Lori was tempted to use her joint pay to get another car. Even though she had other important things planned.
She saw a familiar car gained close to her from a distance, it was her boss's car.
Lori had a rush of adrenaline, she hastily turned to the back, in order to pretend she didn't see the car. While backing the direction of the car, she spotted Aguero, making his usual phonecall and giving her his normal thunderous glare.
Lori gave him the 'what the f**k is your problem' look, right after the car honed for her.
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Lori slowly turned to the car.
" Waiting for your Uber? " Pierce asked.
" Yeah, I already booked one, it's on its way. "
" Cancel it. " He ordered.
" what? " Lori was captivated by the strength in his words.
" Get in, I'll give you a ride. "
He wasn't even asking her, it was more of an order. She could have refused his ride, but she acted as though she was under his spell.
counting her steps, she entered the passenger seat.
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Lori could feel her cheeks getting pink, she was blushing heavily. It was as a result of Pierce giving her short firm looks. She tried avoiding his look by all means, but she still sighted him through her corner view.
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( PIERCE'S POV )
Pierce was driving faster than usual, it was probably because Ethan had made him drink alcohol.
She looked beautiful, tender and fragile, just as she did that night. Even as he was near her, she still didn't remember him.
She was oddly quiet, she wasn't too quiet that night. He wore a smile on his face as he thought about her drunken state at the masquerade party.
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Lori could have considered herself blind if she didn't see Pierce smile. what was he thinking about?
She got to her location.
" Thank you sir... " She smiled as she said lightly.
Pierce smiled and watched her struggle with the seatbelt.
Without saying a word, he drew close to her in the aims of helping her.
Their eyes met, they were awfully close. Pierce looked in her eyes and all he could remember was the girl he met and had s*x with that fateful night.
He saw her fragility, her weakness and her innocence, for some reason.
He couldn't hold himself back, it was like her gaze was calling him. Unlike last time, he made the first move.
He took his hands away from the seatbelt and cupped her chin, pressing a delicate kiss on her lips.
- Writer
