Her Enemy’s Touch

Chapter four: The unexpected visit

Serena’s pov

I sit behind the desk in my home office going through some files that need my urgent attention and signature. It’s been two days since Antonio made that ridiculous offer and I decided to take the rest of the week off to which I had my ass chewed of by Claire; telling me how busy the week looks and how I would come back to a pile of files the following week. Which brings me back to why I’m working from home even when I’m supposed to be resting. I realize my coffee cup is empty and get up to go get some in the kitchen.

I occupied the two top floors of a discreet glass and steel building in Franklin street. I own the building as I was looking for something private and secured but I occupy only the penthouse. There are security cameras in everywhere corner and my security personnel and staffs lives on the lower floors. The private elevator opens directly into my living room with floor to ceiling windows that overlooks the Hudson. I spend most of my nights on the lounge looking outside and watching the stars from the windows. The first floor contains two bedrooms; the master bed which is mine and my office on the right side and the guest room on the other. The living room and kitchen are downstairs.

As I walk into the kitchen to make myself coffee, my phone rings. “Hi mom, how are you?.”

“I’m fine honey, just a little sad that you hardly visits anymore but anyways you okay?”

“Yes Mom, you know I’m always busy but I’ll find time to come see you or we can meet at a nearby restaurant.”

“I won’t be taking any of that Serena. Your birthday is in a weeks time, take some time off and come home. Your father is throwing you a party so you can socialize.”

“Mommmm, please. I know where this is going.” The word “socialize” means trying to set me up with men I have little to no knowledge of. And I hate going home because of that feeling. I try as much as possible to forget about those nights where I just stay into space in my bed while I drown. It gets worse everytime I go there especially when I run into him.

“I won’t be taking no, Serena. Come home, we miss you. I want to spend time with my only daughter.”

“Fine!.” I say and hang up. A day or two won’t kill me will it?. Well, there goes my luck for a good day.

I don’t think I’ll be able to work anymore, I think to myself as I dial Claire’s number. She picks at the second ring, “hello, Claire speaking.”

“Hey, I don’t think I’ll be able to go through all those files for now. Handle everything you feel it’s important and sign them off. If anything urgent that really needs my attention comes up, call me.”

“Okay, are you okay though?, need me to come over later.?”

“No no no, don’t worry, it’s nothing I can’t work out. But clear off my schedule and move any meetings I may have for next week. I’ll give you the details later.”

“Alright, take care of your self love. I love you.”

“Love you too, bye.” I hang up and go upstairs to change into a swimsuit. Maybe I can cool off a bit at the pool. Opening my closet, I go through a few options and choose the red pair of bikini top and bottom. The bralette holds my boobs with just a little fabric. I take the elevator down to the pool. It’s located at the side of the property; just a bypass by the driveway to the porch.

I’ve just entered the water when Josh walks up to me, standing 5 feet away and trying to avoid looking at my body. “Uhhhm, boss, you have a guest.” He says fidgeting.

“Who is it, I’m not expecting anyone.” Besides no one knows my house address except Claire and my family and they would have called before coming.

“It’s Antonio Movroski and…… uhm, he’s already driving inside.”

“What?!, how could you let him in without my permission? What is wrong with y’all.?” I see his lights before I even finish my sentence.

“He said he has your money, I’m so sorry boss. Shall I stay.?”

Oh yes, I woke up yesterday to see his calls blowing up my phone. I don’t even know how he got my number but I guess that’s not hard for a mafia boss right?. So I told him to pay a million dollars in cash to speak to me. Can’t believe he really drove here himself to drop it off. Have never really met an infuriating and arrogant bastard like him.

The sleek black Porsche comes to a stop in front of the porch. The car door opens, and a black shoe meets the driveway, then its match does the same. It takes a second before he really comes into view and I take a good look at him. I didn’t really notice the other day but he has grown into one fine man, with a sharp jawline and grey eyes, and his short dark hair is styled back with some falling into his eyes. He looks my way and starts walking my way as I come out of the pool reaching for my towel and wrapping it on my waist.

“Serena,” he says, as smooth as melting butter. I don’t reply as I note his empty hands, no money in sight. Is that not why he came?.

“Nice house.” He nods to the house as gets closer. I don’t like how he just invited himself over as if he owns the property or something.

I stare at him from where I’m standing. I arch a challenge eyebrow, he takes the hint and stops two feet from me.

He offers a charming smile that makes his damn dimples appear. “We need to talk about business. I’ve given you some time to return my numerous invitations, and I’ve been respectful in your territory, but my patience grows thin.”

“Respectful?” I scoff, still staring at him. I cross my arms over my chest as his gaze moves from my face to my breast that is barely covered by the bralette I’m wearing. This man doesn’t know what respect is. If he did, he wouldn’t have come here. And not on my turf.

“Yes, I’m a guest in your kingdom. And I would like to become your business partner.

“Business partner?” I question. “I don’t have business partners. I do have people that work for me though.

“Oh I’ve heard some stories about you. And I must say—

“Where is my money, Antonio?” I interrupt him before he can finish. Because it’s the only thing we might agree about; the opposite s*x is only good for one thing, sadly. And I don’t really care what he or others say.

“You are one hell of a woman and it’s really intriguing.” He says.

“And you’ll never be my ‘partner’, not now and definitely not ever.” I say highlighting the partner so he understands.

He kicks up and smile. I expect him to back, but he just walks in a mocking and condescending way towards the car and I really just want retrieve the gun in Josh’s waist and shoot him in his face.

Antonio reaches inside the trunk of his car and carries out the bag. He casually carries it over as he has all the time in the world and drops it at my feet. Josh brings it up for me and I inspect it and zip it close. Then I turn straight for the back door leading to the poolside with Josh right besides me.

“Uh uh, now we talk business Serena.” Antonio adds as if I missed something.

“No, now I go in and take a nap. You’ve wasted my time already.” I don’t even bother looking back, or waving at him as I walk inside my penthouse.

“Serena, come on.” He whines and I don’t even give him the satisfaction of turning back.

Antonio is definitely a different vibes from all the men I’ve worked with. He’s a nuisance, demanding and arrogant.

I have to shake him. But I know someone like him will never give up easily.

Neither do I.