Ruthless Revenge

Chapter 20

Holden's POV

"Mr.  Styles, Ms. Bennet  is here to see you, sir." Maya Hargrove's voice sounded a bit shaky, and that was unusual for the formidable young woman who'd been my secretary for the past year. But then again, she was reprimanded the last time Katiana was here for making an appointment for her without consulting me.  "Sheinsists on seeing you immediately."

 I smiled. Katiana had gotten my well-deserved package this morning and she was here to beg for mercy. 

Just the memory of yesterday's encounter made my stomach tighten in knots. The audacity of her trying to run away with my child. Ridiculous for her to even consider it.  For three years she kept my child a secret and then had the nerve to try and run away with him. No more. She deserves everything that is coming her way. 

"Tell Ms. Bennett to come in."Should I stand? Should I remain seated? Should I  be unfriendly or actnonchalantly?

 Should I  ask why she was paying me a visit even though I already knew the answer?

 Remaining seated,  I leaned over his desk and rested my clasped hands infront of me. 

She swept into the office like a tiny whirlwind, her purse clutched to herside, her chin tilted defiantly, and her gaze riveted directly to my face. This was a confrontation and yet she looked beautiful.

Her short brown hairshone with a healthy vibrance. Her skin had tanned with a rich light golden undertone. She wore dark jeans, a blue polka-dot blouse, and a pair of sandals.

"Why are you doing this to me?" she said as she paced around the office. 

"Sit down, Katiana. Tell me why you're here." Of all the women I'd knownover the years, why was this little hellion the only one  I'd been unable to forget? Because I'd truly loved her? Because I thought she loved me too? 

I shook my head at the crazy thought. The only thing Katiana loved was herself and MAYBE our son. 

Katiana sat down on the sofa and pressed her knees against her hands to keep them from trembling. "Don't take him off me, Holden, please, I beg you," she said, the words tumbling out of her mouth in an agonised stream. "I love him so much. I would do anything to make it up to you. I know it was wrong not to try harder to tell you. I realise it now. I couldn't bear it if you...' She couldn't continue as the tears began to fall. She bowed her head and stifled a sob.

"Tears are not going to work with me, Katiana,'  I said through tight lips. "I have lost three years of my child's life. Do you have any idea what that feels like? Do you have any idea how hurt  I was yesterday when t Kieran said he didn't have a dad? How embarrassed I was in front of my friend?"

She looked up at me with red-rimmed eyes. "I know how upset you must be—"

"You don't know the half of it,' I ground out. "I look at Kieran and every day I have missed is like a punch to my guts."

"I have photos and some videos I can show you—"

"For Christ's sake, Katiana, a child's life is not like some Netflix show that I can binge watch and catch up on," I said, raking a hand through my hair. "I can never have that time back. I can never tell him when he is older what it was like to see him being born. I can never tell him what it felt like to hold my hand over your belly to feel him wriggling in there. I can't tell him when he took his first step or when he first smiled."

"He's still so young,'  Katiana said. "He won't even remember you weren't a part of his life in the beginning. Children don't really remember anything until they are about five years old. You have plenty of time to make up for what you've lost."

"And how do you suggest I do that?' he asked.

Katiana pressed her lips together. "I'll give you time with him. You can see him on the weekends when you aren't working."

I laughed and shook my head. "Why would I want to see my child two days a week when I can have him with me every day."

Easing her purse into her lap, she clutched it asif it were a lifeline. "Please, Holden. Don't do this."

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't," I stated looking at her desperate eyes. 

Oh, this was going to be easier than I thought. I was beingnice. Not too nice, but nice enough. After the way she'd treated me, I hadevery right to take my child away from her. 

"I'm a great mother. I love Kieran. He's my whole world. I do everything for him. EVERYTHING!" 

I titled my eyebrows, "Who's fault is that? You hid your pregnancy from me. You gave birth and you kept my child away from me for three years. You knew damn well I had enough to take care of him but no, you chose this life and this is your consequence.  I want my child and I want him with me every day. I want to come home to him. I want to be a part of his life. It's my time. I deserve that. I deserve his love. I deserve his attention. I deserve him - and you deserve nothing."

She frowned. "I know I was wrong but you have to understand. I had no choice!"

I rolled my eyes. "Everyone has a choice. You had yours and this is mine. Now If you'll excuse me I have more important things to do than to discuss this with you. I have already made up my mind. I am seeking full custody of Kieran and there is nothing you or anybody else can do about it. I suggest you get a good lawyer."

She flung her purse at me.  It bounced off my chest and hit the floor. Oh,damn! Someone is in a bad mood. 

"Please leave my office before I have security take you out."

She frowned, tears slowly making their way down her face. "I don't know what I ever saw in you."

"Dollar signs." I bent and picked up her cheap purse and placed it on the desk. 

She rose from the chair and suddenly seemed larger than she was. I must have struck a nerve. She stomped over to my desk and snatched the purse from it. "There is a special place in hell waiting for you."

I smiled. "And your hell has just begun."

She rolled her eyes and walked towards the door. 

"And Katiana..." I said stopping her. "You'll be found an unfit mother should you try to run off with him again. And you don't want to be found in contempt of the court. It would seriously damage your chances of ever getting custody back. Have a great day, Katiana."