Checking the time on my phone while he carried on with his sulk, I realized I had wasted about ten minutes with him-precious time of mine on someone so insignificant. I sighed, dropped the phone then held my hand up to stop him as I met his gaze again.
“You seem to have so much time on your hand,” I started, my voice monotonous, “But I don’t. I’ve already spent so much of my time on you more than you deserve so, if you’ll excuse me now. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll assume you’re done with your made up story?” I offered him a smile. “Let’s pretend I listened to it all and care, okay? Hope that helps you sleep at night.” With that said, I unfisted my hand then turned around and trudged away from him, flicking my perfectly styled wavy hair over my shoulder as I carried on with my earlier task.
You see, what James wants from me, is a reaction, and that’s not something I’d give him because it’ll mean he got what he wanted-especially not at this event. It’s way too important for me to jeopardize because of him. I’m furious, hella so but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing he has any influence over me. That would show he has won, and I refuse to let anyone in the Donnelly family has a hand over me.
Before I could go far away, out of earshot, I heard him call something from behind-obviously intending for me to hear. “He’s going to dump to as soon as he’s tired!” He called out, and without him calling out a name, I know who he’s referring to. “That’s what men like him do, they use and discard women like used shirts. You aren’t any different. Just another whore to his list.”
I gritted my teeth, carrying on with my steps, while holding up a welcoming smile as I came in contact with people I know, ignoring him. His words, they sound oddly familiar, and I remember because I said those exact words to Christian two years ago that morning after whatever happened between us.
I don’t know why though, but hearing James say it, irks me. It’s that kind of thing where it’s okay for me to judge the man, but James has no right to do so. Yes, I don’t know Kingston well enough to defend him or anything, but James saying that doesn’t sit right with me in the slightest.
Regardless, I released a small breath, calming myself as I reached where Pierce is. And the moment I was close enough, his attention yawed to me, his lips slanted into a welcoming smile, as he dismissed the men in black suits that were standing with him-no doubt business partners as well. They left with a curt nod of acknowledgement in my direction, which I returned out of courtesy.
“Mr. Pierce.” I acknowledged, offering him a smile of my own once we were left alone. “Can you spare me a minute of your time? I believe we have a lot to talk about.” I wouldn’t waste time beating around the bush when we both know why I’m there.
His gaze was knowing, as he smiled. “Very well, Miss Montague. Let’s talk.”
Twenty-Six- “He’s Sweet–“.
Christian Kingston.
Making my way into the rest room, my hand went to my necktie, loosening it slightly as I made my way to the faucet. Once I’d loosened it enough to my liking, I turned on the faucet, watching as the water began to pour out, filling the otherwise quiet restroom with the swooshing sound. I left it turned on, then made my way over to the stalls, one of my hands in my pocket, the other resting by the side as I glanced underneath it all to see the ones occupied.
I counted the first three ones empty, the fourth was occupied, and the fifth, empty as well. At the wall opposite, there’s a sign that clearly states NO SMOKING ALLOWED. Glancing upwards, I noticed there’s a single camera there, facing directly where the faucets are. Kissing my teeth, I made my way back to the entrance of the restroom, taking a hold of the lock and turning it around.
With a soft click sound, it got locked. Satisfied with the action, I turned around and leaned on the door, crossing my legs in front of me while I pulled out a cigarette pack from my pocket, picking one out and popping it between my teeth, before popping the box back in place. In its stead, I pulled out a lighter afterwards, just in time the occupied stall opened, and the guy in it came out, pulling up his pants to fix it.
Too focused on the action, he didn’t notice my presence there as he tucked his shirt back in. His gaze landed on the faucet left open, still running and a slight hiss escaped his lips. “Stupid spoilt kids.” He muttered under his breath. “Always doing whatever the hell they want. Ungrateful bitches.” He washed his hands then turned it off.
I flicked the lighter open, then with a click, lit up, leaning my head downwards, the cigar still between my lips as I brought the now fiery lighter close, just seconds away from catching the fire, I seemed to have gotten the attention of the other guy here, because his voice came, halting me.
“Hey!” He called out rudely, “Are you blind? There’s no smoking allowed!” Despite not having my gaze on him, I could tell he was gesturing towards the sign, as if to say I’m actually blind.
I ignored him, bringing the fire close to the cigar again. However, before it could light up, his voice came yet again.
“Ah, this crazy son of a bitch.” He cussed, making me halt as the words registered. “That got your attention, huh?” He seemed to have cursed me out on purpose, thinking it would gain my attention, and I hate to admit it, but it did. “Ya’ dumbass, no smoking allowed, you’re ruining the air for everyone.”
I sighed, my shoulders slumping as I flicked the lighter close, putting an end to the little line of flame. “I thought I saw the trash can outside.” I uttered lowly, though loud enough for him to hear. “But there seems to be another trash here.” I scoffed under my breath, shaking my head in disappointment.
I guess the insult didn’t get past him as well, because his infuriated voice came almost instantly. “Excuse you. What the hell did you just say?” He sounded pissed, much to my entertainment. “Just who the hell do you think you are, huh?”
Lifting my head up, I rested my blank gaze on him, my hand going to tuck away the lighter back in my pocket, though the cigarette remained between my lips. I could feel my hair resting on my forehead, disheveled from running my hands through it earlier, but I couldn’t care less about the messy state at the moment. Not when I have something else on my mind, something I’ve made my mind on.
His eyes slowly took me in, his eyes dilating as realization sets in. His lips parted, as the words rolled off. “Holy shit, you’re Christian Kingston!” James Donnelly stumbled the words out, seeming taken aback.
“So I heard.” I deadpanned, tilting my head to the side, watching as he acted like a fan boy that has just seen his idol. I don’t blame him anyway, that’s probably how he sees it as.
His lips tilted into a smile almost instantly, as he took a few steps closer, his eyes hopeful. “I…I’m a huge fan of you Christian–“
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.