Strange Addiction

Chapter 16

We both jolted before I pushed Nile away while he let go of me frantically. We both quickly rose from the floor with little clumsiness.

“Oh my god.” I heard Caleb whisper. “I-I-I… I didn’t see anything… if-if you guys want me to do that.” He stated with a stutter and alarm.

Nile and I cleared our throats simultaneously. “Why did you come here again?” I managed to ask and cleared the awkwardness in the air.

“Oh… right. Everyone wanted you to propose a toast. Miss Anderson and Miss Vasquez have just arrived and brought more food.” There was an excitement in his voice when he said the last part. “Since we’re almost done here.”

“Okay.” I answered.

“I’ll see you there.” Nile said before he scurried away, fixing his tie along the way. He nodded towards Caleb while he smiled back at him nervously.

“Wow.” He murmured with a stunned look.

“Not a word, Caleb.” I warned.

“I just didn’t think you two would be like… that. I mean, don't you two hate each other?” I glared at him. “Okay, okay. I’ll keep my mouth shut.” Zipping his mouth with an imaginary zipper.

I shook my head as I walked towards the room where everyone was gathering for their break. Caleb followed behind with a teasing grin on his face. Sometimes he reminds me so much of Colton.

---

The day of the event finally came and it was no surprise that the place was filled with a lot of people, especially businessmen with obvious deep pockets. I let Caleb handle everything. He’s the boss for now. Quinn and Nile both decided to relieve me and Isabella from work and be one of the guests.

I usually work during events itself and I rarely just stand by and watch. Today I agreed with them not to work since it’s pretty exciting to watch the program. It reminded me of Tony Stark showcasing his newest invention. I even joke about that to Quinn even though it’s obviously different.

“You know it’s just the first day but girl, you did so great.” Quinn commented with apparent pride. “It’s a completely total comeback.”

“Aww~ thank you so much, Quinn.” I pressed my hand against my chest as an added dramatic effect.

She shook her head in amusement. “Really, Kur. I’m so proud of you. In a short amount of time, this is definitely class S. Way to prove yourself. Honestly, there was a little doubt there especially when you and Nile weren’t doing so well. But a huge part of me knew you were going to do it with a huge bomb.”

I smiled at her although a little in pain since I couldn’t tell her the truth. I mean it’s all worth it. “Thanks.” I drank my champagne before continuing. “You know it’s impossible to lose my touch.” I joked.

“Of course, you’re Kura Rozi Kunoe for god’s sake.” We both laughed as we kept throwing jokes at each other.

I just appreciate the fact that Quinn never brings the issue and she just respects me. What’s more she encourages me. It just added to the thought that what I did for her was all worth the more. She’s my best friend, my partner. I even appreciate her lectures despite it being an earful. It just goes to show she cares for me a lot.

We enjoyed the whole day. We roamed around and watched the exhibits and the live show. We were like teenagers visiting a convention. It was amazing. I suddenly felt pride for Nile. Surely I’m not gonna tell him that. The guy is already so arrogant.

We went home late. I treated everyone for dinner before we left. Quinn, Belle and I chipped in since we were so happy that everything went great. Nile was impressed with our team. The event went smoothly with no errors. We couldn’t party even for a bit though so we had to go home right away. It’s still a big day tomorrow for us.

We were waiting for everyone to leave until we were the only ones left. Belle and Kyle were the first one to go home so Belle’s mom, who was left to babysit their daughter, could rest too. Quinn offered me to ride with them but I refused.

“I’ll leave her to you.” She narrowed her eyes to Caleb.

Caleb only laughs and salutes. “Yes, Mrs. Evans.”

Quinn grinned with a spark in her eyes. She was probably flattered when Caleb called her missus Evans. “This is exactly why I like you, Caleb.” We guffawed at her reply. Tyler kissed her cheek before dragging her towards their car.

“Come on, Director. I’ll drive you home- or not.” His eyes suddenly widened in alarm when he took back his words. I raised a brow questioningly, wondering why he’s suddenly acting like that.

I then noticed that a shadow loomed behind me. I rolled my eyes why Caleb was suddenly turned from smiley to scaredy.

“I’ll be going on ahead, Kura- I mean director.” His eyes shifted to me and the predator behind me. I nodded at Caleb before he scurried away with no intention to look back.

I sighed. “You’re always scaring my employees, mister Veselov.”

“I’ll take you home.”

I whirled around to face him, a smirk plastered my face. “That depends which home.” I wiggled my eyebrows, teasing him. His face then darkened but he ignored what I said while walking towards his car. I followed him anyway.

He did send me to my apartment. I did tell him where to go. He did have the option not to follow but his gentleman self followed anyway.

“Thanks. Good night.” I waited for him to at least reply back a good night but he was just silent. I paid no heed on that so I just shrugged and stepped out of his car. A few steps later, I heard a sound of the door slamming. When I turned around, I saw him following me.

“What? You going to walk me to my doorstep? How sweet.” I teased him with a grin. He took a look at me apathetically for a second before looking away. I ignored his reaction since he’s always been like that. I already got used to his silence and indifference. We’re comfortably silent as we walked along together.

I grabbed my keys in my pants as we were a few footsteps away from my door. As I got in, Nile suddenly pushed himself inside just as I opened my mouth to say my thanks to him. I was startled for a second before he shoved me against the door. The door closed loudly at the impact.

I gasped. “You really need to stop doing that. And why the hell are you- “ He interjected me with his lips slammed into mine. His hands went inside my shirt in haste. The other on the button of my pants.

“Hey, hey, hey.” I interrupted as I retracted. My hands flat on his chest, pushing him away. “What are you doing? We need to be up early tomorrow.” He scowled but he let me go either way.

“Okay.” I exhaled in relief. “But I’m going to stay here.”

My eyebrows raised in surprise. “Ugh, no. I only have one bedroom here.”

“Better then.” He said while crossing his arms.