CHAPTER 2

ARCHER:

I don’t like this.

Work was supposed to take my mind away from the forbidden thoughts I have of my executive assistant , yet, it seems as if a war broke out between work (sanity) and desire. The latter winning.

Working has always been my drug. Better than sex.

Times when I felt stressed, tense or stuck in a place, I resort to the sanctuary of my office. The sweet scent of lavender—because I love lavender—enveloping the air, the room boasting sleek lines and a polished appearance, embodying modern sophistication fit for a visionary such as myself, a sleek wooden gray shelf at my left that showcases my most prized accomplishments and the tools of my trade, a testament to my unwavering dedication. Meanwhile, the expansive glass wall to my right offers a stunning view of the city, a constant reminder of the limitless possibilities that lie before me.

Sitting in between is my workspace that is the true masterpiece—a semi-glass and semi-marble table that exudes power and refinement, paired with a cream ergonomic chair and in the heart of the room, a long black tinted glass table surrounded by four black leather chairs, which I used for private meetings.

I’d rather skim through and read stack piles of papers filled with plans for the company, pictographs of the company sales—which was definitely amazing and improved daily. Thanks to me of course.

Well… technically the employees did but they worked under my leadership, my ideas, my views. So all thanks to me.

Though now is not the time to gloat over my accomplishments. I was in a meeting for fuck sake and I was getting distracted.

My mind drifts as I watch as the bulky figure before me speak. His mouth moved yet I heard no sound. Well, that was not his fault. He wasn’t mute or something.

I was the problem. A certain egg-shaped face with blue eyes and short, silky burnt brown hair, just a few feet away, was the source. Supposedly, working was the plan to finally get my mind off her. Instead, work bored me. The only thing my mushy flesh, caged by a round-structured cartilage, found interesting was thinking about my executive assistant .

I don’t like this. I don’t like this one bit.

Suddenly Karl's mouth stopped moving, yanking me back to the present. He drops the paper on the marble center table, leans back into his seat, crosses his leg and stares at my soul. I blinked, meeting Karl's intense gaze.

For some reason, I feel like I'm being pried open by him. As if Sooner or later, he would find out what was going on in my head. My thoughts were far from business, critical thinking, or problem-solving for the merger we were both stubborn to conclude on. Karl's stare was relentless, as if he was trying to read my thoughts and uncover the reason for my distraction. I matched his gaze with equal intensity, masking the unease simmering beneath the surface. I couldn't afford to let him question me, not now.

I lean back on my seat and copy him. I am never the prey. I will certainly not be a prey to Karl.

In my fifteen years of entering the business world, I have learnt to never trust anyone, to always be the predator, never the prey and never—under any circumstances—let the hungry wolves perceive a weakness from you.

The air seems to thicken, condensing into a heavy, oppressive silence. Karl's piercing gaze bores into me, his eyes narrowing as if trying to dissect my thoughts. I lock eyes with him, my own stare unwavering, refusing to back down. The tension between us is palpable, a silent power struggle unfolding like a challenge. The stillness is suffocating, punctuated only by the quiet hum of the air conditioning, as if the very atmosphere is holding its breath, waiting for me to blink.

Karl's gaze felt like a challenge, his eyes narrowing as if daring me to disagree. His presence seemed to command attention, his confidence bordering on arrogance. I sensed a hint of superiority in his tone, as if he was waiting for me to admit defeat.

Karl’s lips tilt up. “Might I know where the head of the famous heir of the Arkane group is at and what has got his cogs churning?”

I didn’t answer. It wasn’t his business. I certainly wasn’t going to mention Eunoia to him.

When I didn’t answer, Karl let out a low chuckle. “Caught the Lovatitis already?”

“Fuck you.”

Karl rumbled in laughter.

There’s no way I am in love with Eunoia. I was just… I don’t know but I wasn’t in love with her. I don’t love. Love was for ordinary people. I was anything but ordinary.

“Who is she? An actress. Singer. Model. Business woman.” Karl jokes.

I push my back off my cream leather couch. “No one. Mind your business.”

The silence that had been suffocating us slowly lifted, like a fog clearing on a warm morning. Karl's gaze softened, the intensity in his eyes diminishing as he leaned back in his chair. I felt the pressure lift, like a heavy weight being gradually removed from my chest.

My shoulders, previously rigid with tension, began to relax. The room, which had felt stifling, seemed breathable, the air less dense. Karl's demeanor shifted from scrutiny to something more neutral, almost resigned and curious.

My guard was still up. I was already caught. Can’t make the same mistake twice, worse letting him know why. I exhaled quietly, feeling the tightness in my muscles ease.

“I'm sorry but it cannot not be my business especially when you got distracted during a meeting.” he replied, a smug look playing on his face. He was trying to push my buttons to open up.

Over my dead body.

I rubbed my temples.

Having meetings or discussing plans with any of the K&X brothers was always draining. Be it Karl or Xander. Both were different in personalities but had the same work ethic. Work till the other party broke. Fortunately for them I was the same. That was why we barely clashed. However, this deal was important. It wouldn’t hurt me or the company if I lost it. Even so, losing it was not a good thing either.

K&X was a company founded by the twin brothers, Karl and Xander Bane. They dealt in estate ventures and management. They had various ventures in the business world making a name for themselves.

I was interested in a land they possessed plus they had the best marketing network in the east of Europe and fifteen percent of the Asian market. I could always seek out new plans to make a debut in the now rising Asian markets; however, I was choosing this path. It has more gains than losses, assuming Mr. Bane here would accept my terms.

As an illegitimate child with eight other siblings, I was never in line to be the successor, but I proved them wrong. I was capable.

Sealing this deal was more of just a private goal and an extra stamp to my many successes to Arkane. If I was going to be the heir to Arkane Group—which I was—I had to step up the game against the hungry eyes of my half-siblings, boring old skanks who do nothing but fill their mouths and pockets. Most importantly, I had to contend with the very source of my existence, Noah Arkane. The man claimed to be my father but never acted like one. Instead, he took his own son as a rival, an enemy.

I am more than happy to give him war, less anyone.

Silas Arkane, my grandfather, was more than a father to me despite being an illegitimate grandson. He treated me—us, mother and I, with respect and care.

Sure. He had days he was super strict but looking at it now I am glad. It shaped me to who I am today. I have never been more ready to take over the company.

“My apologies. I have been losing a little bit of sleep, that’s all.” it’s a pathetic excuse but I can’t go relaying my reason for the sleepless night and lack of attention to him. Telling Karl was similar to handing him the pass-codes to my accounts. Though I’m sure he was not the type to tattletale still it is an unwise decision.

I could open up to him and probably get a solution to my problem, earn a little trust and sign this fucking deal, at what cost though. Karl might never spread rumors—he is way more than that—about anything but I'd be teased for the rest of my life.

Hell no.

“Apologies doesn’t cut it, Arkane. Luckily for you, I happen to have a lot of free time today. Thanks to my lovey-dovey brother and his daughter, I could pass as a certified therapist.” His voice was laced with humor.

“I will have to pass the offer. Why would you conclude that I was love-struck.”

“Years of experience. Living with one and an upcoming one is enough class to tell the difference between a lovesick puppy and a normal person.” he replies with a smug expression.

I roll my eyes.

“Too bad. I won’t be needing your new found skills. Actually I don’t need it.” I rise to my feet. Adjusted my suit jacket and walked to my desk.

“It seems our meeting will be adjourned.”

“I am a businessman, Archer. I never waste my time on meaningless things or deals that result in losses. When I give one, I always gain back two or more.”

I clutch my hands to fists. I could always end this deal and make him eat those words. The urge to punch that smug expression brewed but I tempered it down. I was a business man too. But just this time. Just this time. I will concede.

Fuck. Eunoia, this is all your fault.

Karl should count himself lucky. I already apologized once. Twice was never happening. Fault or not.

I opened my mouth but Karl beat me to it. “I will let this – go in exchange—”

“Not happening. If you’re no longer in the deal then we can call it off. I’m sure there are still millions of land owners willing to sell to me.” It was my turn to smirk as he clenched his jaws and his smug face morphs from surprise to anger to calm. Warm blanket of pride wraps me. Karl doesn’t respond for a moment. Instead he stands up, leaves the meeting table we were previously seated at and walks up to the chair lodged in front of my desk and sits.

“Very well,” he says. His tone is as calm as a quiet lake.

We don’t address the earlier attention and focus more on the deal at hand. I eradicate any thought of a brunette in all black despite being a few feet away. We came to an agreement and picked a date for the next meeting.

Few more discussions and he stood to bid farewell.

As soon as he is out of sight, I sink into the comfort of my leather seat, hanging my head at the ridge. My gaze meets the white ceiling as my thoughts wander around. I let out a huge breath. I was wrong. Work did nothing.

I sneak a glance at the gray tinted glass door a few feet from my desk and the long table. There she was. Grazing to and fro a large stack of paper and typing back whatever was on the paper into the monitor.

Tina, an assistant to Eunoia and also me, came along to her desk, knocked on the wooden desk to get her attention which she did. They muttered a few words and Eunoia let out a small smile to her before Tina resumed to her desk.

I feel a pang in my chest, like a gentle tug on a thread I couldn't quite see. A mix of warmth and discomfort, like a soft glow with a hint of burn. I couldn't quite place a finger on it, but it made me want to look away yet keep watching her at the same time. It was as if I was fascinated by her radiant smile, yet resentful of the way—

Hold on. Resentful? Why would I be resentful?

I tear my eyes away from her. What Karl mentioned a few minutes ago has probably found its way to taunt me. I was not in love. I don’t love.

If work won’t take me away from this dilemma. Then, the second best thing is to flush it out of my system. Sex.

I fish out my phone from my inner pocket in my jacket, unlock it and scroll to the specified list I created, fuck bunnies. I scroll through lists of names and finally find the one.

Quiet, reserved and willing. Most of all, she wasn’t clingy. Just how I liked them. Linda Hemming, the daughter of a big time politician, Rugard Hemming.

I dial the line and place the phone to my ear.

One ring. Two—

“Hey Ashy” Linda's sultry voice breaks through the line. For some reason, her voice didn’t rile me up like it usually does. I push it aside. I am sick anyways and this was my only cure before I lose my mind.

“Monsoon. 9pm. I’ll be waiting,” I say and hang up the phone. I don’t need to butter her up. She knows exactly what we are. We both want it.

Now, I just need to chill out till I blow the steam off.