Chapter 13

“Tsup.”

I greeted with a nod when I got inside our office in Veselov Industries. Belle’s and Quinn’s head rose simultaneously when they heard the door open. I can practically see Quinn’s ears smoking.

“What the hell, Kura!” The chair screeched when she stood abruptly with so much roughness and force. Belle’s eyebrows rose in surprise. She then turned to me and shrugged with a small hesitant smile.

“Where have you been?! You didn’t answer our calls.” Ah, sweet lectures.

“There’s an explanation for that. I left my phone and I went to see Colton. If you guys remember him. He’s a friend of mine ever since high school.” Her eyes twitched in frustration and anger when she noticed I was being nonchalant yet again.

“You couldn't even borrow a phone to call us?!” I shrugged. “Kura, can you be serious for once? I trusted you with this project. I gave you a chance to prove yourself that you’re finally back and yet you pull a stunt like this.”

I narrowed my eyes at the graveness of her words. “I know.”

“Then, why?” She exclaimed. “Did you know how worried we were? You just got stabbed, Kura, for god’s sake. I know you’re being carefree and all but this is your life we are talking about.”

“I just wanted to get out of your hair for once, okay.” I exclaimed unintentionally with frustration. My reaction made them surprised and I was as well for a moment. I exhaled heavily. “Sorry.” I turned around to leave. “I’m going out to get some air.”

I didn’t mean what I said. I was just having a hard time what to say to her which made me yell at her unconsciously.

“Kura, no. Please.” Quinn walked around her table and approached me. She stopped when she’s in front of me. “I’m sorry if I overreacted. I just… I’m just so worried. I don’t want to lose you, Kur.” Tears pooled in her eyes which brought an ache to my chest.

I immediately engulf her with a hug. ”Me too.” I whispered. “I really just wanted to visit Colton and I did forget my phone. We were so busy catching up with each other that I forgot to inform you.”

She sighed as she let me go. She held my hands affectionately. “Okay. I understand. A lot of bad ideas crossed my mind when you’re gone. It was making me anxious. Someone trying to kill you is no joke, Kur. I can't let that happen again.”

This is what I was talking about. Quinn Anderson cares too much.

I nodded in understanding. Belle surprisingly broke the ice. “I’m sure Mr. Veselov feels the same way.” She said with a teasing smirk.

I flinched. “Who’s up for lunch? I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.” With hurried movements, I opened the door and quickly walked right out.

“Kur!” I heard Quinn’s shriek as I quickened my footsteps towards the elevator. She and Belle rustled to follow me. Isabella just laughed while Quinn was muttering incoherent words of frustration. Probably because I still haven’t explained to her about Nile and I.

---

I got home late that night, catching up a lot of work since I wasn’t around for more than a week. Plus the sudden vacation I had yesterday.

My apartment was simple, not the type that looks extremely expensive for a shareholder like me. Yes, I am one of the shareholders of Runner Studios. Quinn though is initially the owner of it. I was originally just one of her employees but she convinced me to invest and I did.

My place had only one bedroom since I hardly have overnight visitors. The only people who come here are Quinn and Bella and sometimes Caleb whenever I have requests for him. I was always on the minimalistic side with things. Simple but elegant is what I like.

My phone rang as I jumped on the couch lazily. “Yo.” I answered while closing my eyes, nearly falling asleep.

“Did you go home without trouble, Miss Kunoe?”

I groaned. “Colton. I have an earful of you know what today.”

“From who? Your boyfriend?” He teased.

I immediately bolted up. My ears tingle from just the word. “What the hell, Colton. He’s absolutely not my boyfriend.”

“Who’s he?”

“You know who I’m talking- you know what? Screw you. You’re just annoying me.” I hear Colton laugh from the other side of the line.

“I didn’t even say anything.” He chuckled. I scoffed. “He sure does act like it.”

“He wasn’t. He was just a pain in the ass as usual.”

“He’s jealous, Rose. And possessive at that.”

I shivered at the thought. One night and he acts like that. Impossible. I’m sure he was pressured to find me since Quinn was worried and he wanted to help his friend. And considering his strict demeanour, I was bound to get scolded.

That explains the kiss, right Kur?

I shook my head at the possibility. No way. There’s just no way.

“Can we not talk about it? He and I had the worst first impression of all and I try to be aggravating for him and so is he.” I defended.

“That’s not how I look at it.” He teased again. I could feel a mischievous grin displayed on his face and it makes me all annoyed even more. I’d rather he called me albino. At least I already got used to it.

“Shut up. You didn’t even help me when he literally dragged me out of your cafe. The guy was a fucking caveman.” I complained.

“Sorry about that. Have you seen the way he looked at me? He seemed like a guy who I certainly don’t want to mess with. He literally screams dangerous, Rose.”

“Yeah, he looks like a sissy.” Colton laughed at my remark.

I then tried to sway away from that topic and talked about something else. I told him how Quinn was still so anxious for me but our mini misunderstanding was solved right away. We talked for half an hour about things we did today. I teased him about how much he really missed me since he wasn’t putting the phone down and instead he was eager to talk more with me. But I had to retire first since I was already exhausted. The work I left was piling up. Belle couldn’t do my work alone and Quinn still had an excuse not to help for now.

I guess this is what she meant about the chance she gave me. A really huge project as a comeback but she knows full well that I can do it. I mean I was fine and sober all the way for almost a year now. I am now addiction free. The withdrawals was a bitch but I slowly regained my senses. All of it though was risk worth taking.

---

The next day, I had a one on one meeting with Nile. He sometimes asks for updates once a week whenever he has time.

“You did this in a short amount of time.” He stated though it was more of a question.

I rolled my eyes. I waved my hand and said, “Oh, get used to it. You know I’m good at my job.”

“You don’t need to be so cocky about it.” He peered through his eye glasses. Cute four eyes. Ugh. If only this man is… tch.

“I was being sarcastic. Duh. Do you actually think I could do everything alone? Obviously I had help.” I sassed.

“Don’t forget your place, Miss Kunoe. You’re in my company and in my office. I demand nothing more than respect.”

“Oh, it’s Miss Kunoe now? Is it because you were disappointed that I pushed you away while you’re feasting my lips?”

“Shut up!” He was clenching his fist. The documents slightly crumpled underneath his hand. “Do not provoke me.”

I opened my mouth for a retort but the sound of knocking on the door stopped me. Nile grumbled a “what is it now?” as he piled the documents and stashed it back to the folder. His secretary then emerged. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, Sir, but someone is looking for Miss Kunoe.”

“Who is it?” I asked with a frown.

“Colton Steele.” I almost flinched at the sound of a growl from the man behind the desk. “He’s in the lobby waiting for you. Shall I give him a message from you while you’re still in a meeting?”

“Oh, no, no. Tell him I’ll be right there. We’re already done here.” Addison responded with an okay and left us.

I hurriedly stood when I met his scowling face. “We are not done here. Kura!” He boomed, slamming his fist to the table.

I sigh. “Yes, we are. It’s already twelve so I’m going down there to eat lunch with my friend.” I winked before whirling around to leave with intentional skips.

“Come back here, Kura!” He roared. The coming curses drowned out when I slammed the door shut. I was grinning when I walked towards the elevator. My winning points just keep increasing.

Nile Veselov will get old in no time.