CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

OLIVER


I had always wondered what it'd be like to kill someone. Not carry the burden of someone's death, but to actually take someone's life. To watch as their eyes frozen and their life slowly slipped away. I've always wondered what the rush must have felt like.

My murderous intentions were at their peak today as I stared daggers at my soon-to-be dead cousin across the dining table. Ethan decided to grace me with his annoying presence just before lunch today to discuss some ‘business’.

But then he decided he wouldn't say anything unless he eats first. I knew it was just a cover up. He was following through with his words and wanted to see Dallas. And also to piss me off for threatening to cut off his legs. My cousin is surely mistaken if he thinks I won't follow through with my threats.

The only thing stopping me from sticking my knife in his throat is the image of Mum's and Suzy's teary eyes as they lower his casket into the ground.

Suzy would hate me if I killed her only son, but at least I'd rid the world of his annoying existence. I see that as a win.

“So I found out something interesting about your latest endeavors, dearest cousin. Are you planning a visit to our hometown, perhaps ?” He smirked.

My jaws clenched, the context behind his words clear. Of course, he knew. Ethan might be pro at being a player, but that was all just a facade.

My cousin is actually very smart and also very successful, but he doesn't like being the face of his company. His words were, and I quote, ‘CEOs are perceived as boring and serious people, I love having fun so I prefer the reputation I have now’.

But despite him always running the show behind the scene, he finds great pleasure in poking his nose in my business.

“Spill a word about it to anyone and I'll slice your throat then throw your remains in the ocean.”

Ethan chuckled, completely unfazed by my deadly threats.

“You know your secret is safe with me. As always.” He smirked.

He cut his steak in precise shapes and chewed gently.

His tone turned serious, absent of the usual playfulness.
“You need to be very cautious from now on, Oliver. There are a lot of people on your trail now that you're getting married to Jenna. And aunt won't be too excited to hear about this.”

I nodded. I anticipated that my mum won't give up just because I sent an engagement ring to Jenna. She still had people on my trail. Also, I heard some rumors that the board was trying to overthrow me as CEO. Apparently, because I don't go to the office regularly, I don't understand the business well. Their reason was laughable. The business was mine. No one can take that away.

I made sure it remain just a rumor. I fired some people on the board and replaced them quickly. It was a warning to anyone who thinks they can take what's mine from me.

Dallas walked in pushing a cart of dessert towards us. Well, towards Ethan. She was still in the same outfit from this morning, the blue crop top and extremely short skirt. But now, she had rolled her hair into a messy bun, a few unruly strands falling on her face. Her neck was bare. My fingers itched to rake those hair but I refrained. Not the right time.

“And you must be the Olympic trained fencer I've heard so much about.” Ethan grinned, his eyes following Dallas's movement.

There was no lust in his eyes, only a hint of admiration. But it didn't stop me from wanting to poke his eyes out with my knife. He was staring at her too much, and it didn't sit well with me.

“I see my reputation precedes me,” she flashed him a sweet smile “I’m Dallas.”

Ethan stood up and stretched his hand to her.
“Ethan. This grumpy guy's cousin.” He gestured at me and chuckled.

Dallas accepted his outstretched hand, Ethan placed a kiss on her knuckles.

Okay, I've had enough. This has to stop right now.

“Are you here to serve us or what?” I asked, irritation flared in me along with something I couldn't recognize.

Ethan chuckled and let go of Dallas's hand. She set the dishes before Ethan while they chatted and I fumed silently.

“I've always thought of fencing as an interesting sport. But I haven't had the time to learn it. Will you be my instructor?"

My gaze flew to Ethan but he gave me a knowing smirk. The bastard was trying to piss me off. And to my surprise and annoyance, he was succeeding greatly.

I should calm down. I'm not going to give him the satisfaction and lose my cool.

“Sure, just inform me when you'd like to start your training. I'll make you a pro in a few months.” (Edit)

“I can't wait.” Ethan drawled, pretending to be enthusiastic about it.

“Alright then, I'll take my leave now. Enjoy your dessert.”

She pushed the cart and headed towards the kitchen.

“If you come within three feet near her, I will make sure you never use your leg again.” I said when I was sure Dallas wasn't within earshot.

Ethan merely cocked his eyebrow, feigning ignorance like he doesn't know what I was talking about.

Fuck him.

I stood up and strolled towards the kitchen. The sound of Ethan's laughter trailed after me. That damn bastard.

Dallas was arranging the dishes when I entered the kitchen. I dipped both my hands into my pocket and leaned on the counter.

“What are you doing?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Arranging the dishes.” She cocked an eyebrow at me.

“No, I meant at the dining hall. Last I remembered, I hired you to clean and not serve food.”

“Oh that,” she drawled, “the catering service was short of staff so I decided to help out.”

They seem to have a bad habit of running short of staff. I'll have to find a solution to that. Fire them. It's probably best if I hire a live-in chef and warn the person never to allow Dallas in the dinning hall.

I walking towards her, eating the distance between us with two strides. I was standing so close to her that I was breathing near her face.

"Your habit of popping up near my guest has been infuriatingly frequent these days."

I took slow strides towards her while she kept moving backwards till her back hit the wall.

"I don't like it."

"Uhm... I'm sorry?" She said it with so much uncertainty.

I leaned closer to her till her breasts grazed my chest, her nipples shooting out of her delicate top. Her breathing became hoarse and her pupils dilate.

"You're mine, Dallas. My possession. My property. I don't like it when someone looks at what's mine."

Her cheeks flushed, but she forced herself to keep eye contact with me. She tilted her chin.

"I'm not yours. Just because I work for you, doesn't mean I belong to you." Her voice was shaky and sounded unsure.

"See that's where you're mistaken. You belong to me, Dallas. Your entire body, your pussy, every single part of you is mine."

I trailed my fingers on my face, absorbing every touch. Her skin was smooth and inviting.

Dallas's lips parted slightly, her breathing quickening. My thumb brushed against her lower lip. The urge to claim was overwhelming. I brought my face close to her. So close. Just one move and our lips would touch.

I pulled away just as I was about to claim her. Not yet. There is too much at risk. I kept my eyes on her and sucked my thumb.

I walked away from her despite all my nerves screaming at me to stay. To claim. To mark her. But I resisted the temptation. I need to grasp on to my last piece of sanity before it gets stripped away by her.