Game of Chance

Damn Stroke

XAVIER

"Aureum Hotel.” I informed the driver.

I could tell Noelle had a lot of questions, probably a lot of things to say to me. I knew she wanted to know what had just happened but it was best she didn’t know.

I pulled out a suit from the truck of the car and changed into it quickly. When we pulled up in front of the hotel, she hesitated before stepping out, her hands gripping the edge of the car door like she was deciding whether to run.

I pushed the door open, stepping aside so she could enter first. She hesitated. Just for a second. Then with a straightened spine and unreadable eyes, she walked in.

The suite was luxurious; high ceilings, dim lighting, the kind of place that screamed exclusivity.

I watched her take it in, her gaze lingering on the king-sized bed in the center of the room.

A muscle in my jaw twitched. I wasn’t expecting anything from her tonight. Hell, I wasn’t even sure I’d be staying.

“This is where you’ll stay for today.” I said flatly. “My house is under construction.” I lied.

“Are we supposed to pretend like we both didn’t just almost lose our lives?” She probed.

“You are alive, aren’t you?”

Her lips parted slightly, like she was about to argue, maybe even call me names but then, she looked away and pressed her lips together.

Smart. Picking a fight with me wouldn’t get her any answers. I pulled off my jacket and tossed it onto a chair, loosening my tie I could feel her eyes on me, watching, waiting.

“You should get some rest.” I spoke. “It’s been a long day. i have something to take care of.”

She didn’t speak but simply watched me. Just as I grabbed the door knob, she spoke.

“You are just going to leave me here? What if those people come for me?” She probed and even beneath that tough woman, I could still see her softness and innocence.

“The whole hotel is heavily guarded for your sake. I have twenty men watching every corner of this hotel. Not even an ant is permitted to walk on you.”

I grabbed my keys and stepped out. By the time I got into the car, my blood was boiling hot. My mind was surprisingly still as I drove over to Father’s estate. The second I reached the iron gates, I laid on the horn, not caring who I woke up.

The guards hesitated before rushing to let me in. they knew better than to stop me.

I pulled up in front of the mansion and stepped out, barely registering the cool night air. My hands curled into fists as I pushed through the grand doors without knocking.

The house was still but I knew better. He was waiting.

And there he was.

Sitting in his oversized leather chair, a whiskey in hand, watching me with that same damn smirk he always wore when he thought he had the upper hand.

“I expected you to be somewhere else tonight.” Father mused, swirling the whiskey in his glass, his voice laced with mock amusement. “Perhaps, with your wife?”

I stepped further into the dimly lit study, the door clicking shut behind me.

“You sent those men after me. You sent them to kill me.” I clenched my fists at my sides, my voice dangerously calm.

He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “Sent men after you? To kill you?”

“Cut the act.” I took another step closer, my blood burning beneath my skin. “I know you sent them.”

“Yes, I did send them.” He exhaled. “But it was just to warn you.”

I snickered and shook my head. “You sent armed men to warn me? By hitting my car?”

“Son, you should know me by now. If I wanted you gone, you will be gone. Well, if they had killed you...” he shrugged. “Then you would have been collateral damage.”

A snicker snuck out of my lips I couldn’t believe it.

“This is about her, isn’t it? She is the reason why you are doing all this?” I questioned and he chuckled before shaking his head.

“You know it doesn’t have to be this complicated, right? Hand her over and all of this can come to an end.”

I had always known my father had a sick admiration for her. Yes, it wasn’t just pure like but lust and that was one of the reasons why I married her.

“You can put a ring on her finger.” He murmured. “But you can’t put a leash on her. I’ll give you one last chance, son. Bring her to me and I’ll forget this ever happened.”

I barked out a laugh and shook my head. “Forget?” I took a slow step towards him.

“For what? For marrying the woman you’ve been drooling over like a pathetic old man? You want her, really? Does it burn you up inside that she will always wake up in my bed, right by my side and carry my children?” I snickered and I could see rage rising in his eyes.

Just exactly what I wanted. I turned, walking towards the door but paused just before stepping out. I didn’t look back.

“Enjoy your whiskey, old man. It’s the closest thing you’ll ever have to warmth in your bed.”

As if dealing with Olivia’s issue was not enough, I had to protect Noelle. Not because I cared about her but for my mother’s sake. It wouldn’t be wrong to say one of the reasons I married Noelle was to save my mother’s heart.

I had convinced her a million times to leave the godforsaken man but she always saw the ‘good’ in him.

My phone buzzed as I slid into the car.

Noelle.

“What is it?”

Her voice was shaky like she was in danger. “I... I ... I think I made a mistake ......”

“What? What are you saying?”

“I don’t know... I just..... I might have done something wrong. Really wrong. I don’t know what to do.” Her breathing was quite uneven.

My grip tightened on the steering wheel.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Before I could get another word, she ended the call. My stomach twisted as I dialed her back but..

Voicemail.

Just as I was about to dial the head security’s number, my phone rang.

It was Maxwell.

“Hey, i....”

“Sir....” He started. “We have a problem.” He spoke and I brought the car to a halt.

My chest tightened. “What problem?”

“Check your phone.” He spoke before hanging up, What the heck was going on?

I froze immediately.

It’s gone!

Maybe today was the day I would finally have a damn stroke!