Chapter 32: Once Upon A Time Besties

Kyle's POV

I didn't want to believe my ears but over the past few days, it turned out it was indeed David Tanx, my college best friend. We even shared a room together.

One thing certain and sure about him, he always had a way with the ladies. He even taught me a few tricks. His nickname was Mr. Smooth.

Getting home and to my very quarters, I couldn't think straight. Thoughts of Zenobia and David bombarded my mind. What if he tried to have his way with her in her office? What if she fell for his tricks and schemes like all those college girls did back then? What if he hurts her? David was a womanizer and I highly doubt he would change such characteristics over the years.

I had to warn Zenobia.

I left my room and walked out the front door. I knocked on Zenobia's front entrance door. There was a buzz and it opened. I entered and saw her descending her grand staircase.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"I have to talk to you."

"About?"

"Your new assistant, David."

"What about David?"

"I know David."

"Okay. And?"

"And you should be careful around him. Don't fall for any of his tricks or smooth words. He knows exactly what to say and when to say it and it always worked with the ladies. You can't be one of them."

"Kyle, where are you getting at exactly?"

"I'm saying that...."

"That you think David would talk his way into my pants?"

I paused. "Yeah, that's what it boils down to."

"I'm not responsible for your insecurities, Kyle Livingston. David is my personal assistant. Nothing less, nothing more. You and him being old college buddies got nothing to do with me. Get over yourself."

"I'm sorry if I overstepped. I thought it would be my place to warn you incase he tries anything with you."

"Thank you but that's not needed. You can see yourself out now."

She turned on her heels and ascended back up the stairs. I watched her climbed every step before I walked out the door.

~

I was anticipating seeing David one day after work whilst waiting for Zenobia in the parking lot. Lo and Behold, I saw him walking through the lobby to make his exit.

I walked towards him as he got out the doors.

"David Tanx," I greeted short.

"Kyle Livingston," he responded with his signature sly smile. He extended his hand and shook it.

"It been a while," he added.

"You don't have to remind me."

"What are you doing here, if you don't mind me asking. I didn't know you work at Hollen Tower."

"I don't."

"What are you doing these days?"

"I'm a bodyguard?"

"A body.. guard?"

"That's what I said."

"Whose?"

"Miss. Zenobia Hollen's."

"Woww! How did you land that?"

"I applied and was successful."

"Lucky you. I wish I had that job instead."

"Why?" I asked, folding my arms.

"Oh, I didn't mean anything by it. It's just that she's Zenobia Hollen. Rumors have it she's single too."

"Hmmm."

"Hey, don't be sour. I'm a good guy and I can only imagine the two of you are very close. I wouldn't dare think about hurting her."

"Hurting her, you're only her personal assistant, how can you possibly hurt her?"

"I'm not planning on being her personal assistant forever, bro."

"David, let me make myself clear, if you make one move on Zenobia Hollen, I will kick your ass."

He bursted out a loud laughter.

"I can't believe this. You're hot for her," he spoke once his laughter was contain, "Let you guess, you slept with her too."

David was trying me. My hands balled into fist, ready to draw the first punch when Zenobia appeared.

"Hey, what's going on?" she asked, sensing the tension in the air around us.

"Oh nothing much. Kyle and I were just catching up and he was informing me that you two slept together."

"WHAT??" both Zen and I said in unison.

She turned towards me with blazing eyes. "Where do you get off telling people about my bedroom business!!?"

"I didn't tell him that. He assumed!"

"Oh, so of all the things to assume, he just happens to speak on my bedroom business?"

"Zenobia, you're doing it AGAIN. Believing others over me."

"Don't you dare play that card with me. Keep my name out your mouth," she warned, "And you!" she shouted and turned to David, "I don't have to tell you to keep that to yourself. I've fired assistants for less."

"Of course, Miss. Hollen, I don't even know why Kyle decided to share that information with me."

"David, I didn't share shit with you. You're lying right now and I swear, if I didn't have self-control, your lights would be out. I have nothing else to say about this."

I excused myself and walked to the car. I opened Zenobia's door so she can get in. She exchanged a few more words with David, a smile and a wave.

She walked to the car and got into her seat. I closed the door after her, got into the driver's seat and drove her home.

~

The routine was the same once again. We didn't even spoke a word in the car to each other.

~

The Hollens were hosting a fancy dinner at a very upscale restaurant one evening. Of course, Zenobia had to attend and as her bodyguard and personal driver, I would be in attendance too.

I dressed in a red tux with gold details. Mr. Evan Hollen picked it out and he informed me I would be sitting down with them at the dinning.

I pulled the car onto the driveway and waited for Zenobia to get here. Several minutes later, she appeared with a red off-the-shoulder dress hugging her body and showing off her every curve. Her hair was straightened and flowed down her back.

The slit in the dress exposed her left leg just appropriately. Her makeup was flawless and her fragrance was drawing.

Her eyebrow rose in attention when she saw what I was wearing but she didn't say a word. We got into the car and I drove to the restaurant.

~

The table was huge. One of the longest tables I've ever seen in my life. We were given a private and VIP area with servers and waitresses.

The drinks and appetizers were already laid out. We sat down. All the members of The Hollen family were present as I looked around. Tiffany waved at me and I smiled and nodded at her.

David was present as well with a smirk on his face.

The knocking on the spoon against a drinking glass to draw our attention was sounded. Mr. Ethan Hollen rose.

"Good evening, everyone."

"Good evening, Mr. Hollen."

"Thank you for attending this evening's dinner. It warms my heart to see my fam... my family. I consider each and every one of you my.. my family."

His speech held stutters and beads of sweat formed on his face although the venue as very well air conditioned.

I rose too, quickly. Everyone turned to me but I walked over to Mr. Hollen.

"Sir, are you alright?" I asked softly.

"I assure you I'm fine."

"Sir, judging by your speech, your sweating and now trembling fingers.."

He quickly put his glass down.

"Are you experiencing any sharp pain in your shoulder, back, neck or chest?" I asked.

"Young man, I said I'm fine."

"Dear, what's going on?" his wife asked, looking at him.

He cleared his throat. "Nothing, umm.. Let's continue. As I was... as I was..... say...ing."

Mr. Ethan Hollen collapsed and I quickly held him before his head could hit the ground.

"Dad? Dad!" Evan yelled.

"Call 9-1-1!" I instructed, "I think he's having a heart attack!"