Subdued (18+)✔️ [A Nigerian Romance]

39~Chase

Aria didn't see Kachi for the rest of the night and most of the next day. She'd heard him leave and had felt relief. She needed the time to give herself a good talking to. She couldn't let his soft side that showed up once in a while fool her. Last night had been a perfect lesson to show her just what he thought about her and she had no business feeling anything for him.

He'd treated her so badly but she'd enjoyed it. What did that say about her? She sighed as her stomach grumbled and then she powered off her laptop to go search for food. The house looked and sounded empty so she was surprised to find two ladies hard at work in the kitchen.

"Good morning ma," the first to notice her greeted. "We thought you were sleeping so we didn't disturb you about breakfast."

"Good morning." She made her way inside the kitchen. "I'm hungry, what can I eat?"

"There's akara and custard. It's Oga's favorite meal but if you don't want that, lunch is almost ready."

"I'll take that, thank you." She tried grabbing a plate but the other lady that had been silent immediately grabbed it, shaking her head no.

"It's our job, I'll bring the food to you. Just take a seat at the dining."

She reluctantly left, not being one that liked to be waited on. The food was out almost immediately and the first woman stayed till Aria took her first bite.

"Do you like it? What of the custard? Do you need more milk or sugar?"

"What's your name?" Aria asked.

"Nkechi ma."

"What time did your Oga say he'd be back?" She didn't know why she was asking but she needed to know.

"He didn't say but he asked for lunch so I'm sure he'd be back this afternoon," Nkechi said with her head lowered.

"Thank you. The food is wonderful too."

"Ma, you're the first woman he's bringing home. I'm sure it's because you're so fine," Nkechi said then blushed in embarrassment as she realized she'd opened her mouth anyhow.

"Thank you." Aria watched the light skinned woman hurry out, determined to not let the woman's words get to her head. She knew the reason she was here and would not read any other meaning to it.

Kachi entered the dining just when she was gathering her plates to leave. He stopped as if he didn't expect her to be there and it wasn't until she looked away that he continued moving. He took the seat next to her and pressed a bell in the middle of the table. Nkechi hurried out, then ran back in on seeing her boss.

Soon, his lunch was served and she wondered why she was still seating there. What was it about this man that always drew her? Cursing herself, she stood up and carried her plates.

"When you drop it, come back."

As usual, no please. She rolled her eyes and he smirked, refusing to comment on her action. Nkechi collected the plates from her immediately she entered the kitchen so Aria was forced to return to the table earlier than she planned. He looked up at her when she came back, waiting till he'd swallowed before nodding to the chair she'd vacated.

"About last night, I'm sorry," Kachi said when she was seated.

He was apologizing? This man who could never pass an opportunity to put her down. Why was he apologizing? She didn't say anything, waiting to hear what else he planned to say.

"I'm usually not like that, yesterday was stressful for me."

"You remind me at every time that you have the right to treat my body as you like, why the sudden apology?"

"Still, I was too rough with you and for that I'm sorry."

She nodded, suddenly tired of this side of him. She should be ecstatic and pleased that he knew his wrongs and was working on them, but she wasn't. She didn't need this part of him to confuse her because she knew he'd be back to his usual brutal self in no time.

"What are we doing here?" she asked, taking advantage of his calm demeanor that afternoon.

"Work and from the looks of it, I'd be here for almost two weeks."

"And you like me enough to bring me along? Surely, you wouldn't have missed me."

Kachi let out a low chuckle. "Don't kid yourself, Zariah. You're hot and all but still dispensable."

"Then why am I here?" She really needed to know. "Why not bring one of your other girls along?"

He finished the last of his food and emptied his glass of water before looking at her. "Drop it. You can ask me anything else, but not this." She rolled her eyes and made to stand up. His hand pulled her back to the chair. "don't roll your eyes at me. It's rude and it makes me want to fuck the attitude out of you."

She rolled her eyes again, some crazy part of her brain testing him.

"I'll fuck you on this table where anyone can see and hear. Roll your eyes one more fucking time, Zariah. I dare you."

No one told her again. She looked away, knowing Kachi would do as he said. She'd come to learn that the man didn't make empty threats.

"What do you do for a living?" she asked, needing the tension in the air gone and trying to see if he would still answer her.

"I work in banks," he said simply.

"You manage banks? You seem like someone who runs their own business." There was no way he was some bank manager. If he was, he couldn't afford the luxurious life he lived and he definitely wouldn't be able to afford her.

"I own the bank," he scoffed. "Me! A manager!"

"Which bank?" She had a feeling she wouldn't like the answer he would give her, but her curiosity was egging her on.

He held her gaze for a few seconds. "Chase Bank."

Chase Bank was one of the biggest new banks. It had started only ten years ago and now had so many branches in the country. There was even talk about them expanding to the states, that's how big it was. If he owned Chase, he was one of the richest men in Nigeria. And the most important part of it? Chase Bank was the one she owed seven million naira. Chase Bank was the major reason she was with Kachi in the first place. Kachi was Chase so he was the one she owed all that money.

***

I think I've got my mojo back guys.

You guys have stopped commenting o. Please talk to me. Tell me how you feel about the chapter. Don't forget to vote ❤️