Blood and roses

Chapter 4

"Sir, the guest has arrived; please allow them entry, Neo."

"And Blake's whereabouts?"

"I'm not sure, sir; he hasn't arrived yet."

"Inform me upon his arrival."

"Certainly, sir."

Oh, I've just remembered, my phone is still switched off. Messages from Blake, what the hell? Need to call him now.

"Hello boss, is she fine? Is she hurt?"

"No, just shaken up. I'm taking her home, making sure she is fine, so I'll see you in a bit."

The line went dead. He'd better not do anything. "Neo, locate Michael and Ryker for me, send them to my office, and tell them they need to hurry."

"Sir, you want to see us?"

"Yes. Find Blake's location. Send the most trusted men. Stay low."

I went to the living room to welcome my guest.

"Elexander, baby, I missed you. Don't you ever call me back; you were my toy for one night."

"Mr. Knight, I apologize for my daughter. What is the meaning of this meeting, Mr. Blaze?"

"Marriage? You are joking, Mr. Blaze. You want me to marry your daughter? It's not going to happen, not now, not ever."

"Just think about it, Mr. Knight. 60% of my shares will go to you. 60%."

"Neo, please escort Mr. Blaze to the door; this meeting is over."

"Sir, there is a file on the desk in your office."

Walking up the stairs to my home office, I sit down, pick up the blue folder, and start reading.

Elara McCarthy, a 22-year-old born in Scotland, lost both of her parents in a train crash. Forced to live in the big city with her aunt. They were cruel to her, so she ran away when she turned 18. She started working at the bakery and has been there for four years. She only has one friend, Bella, and she's never had a boyfriend. My poor girl has been through a lot.

"Sir, Blake has arrived; he is asking for you."

"You can send him up. Thank you, Neo. You can go home now."

"Thank you, sir, and good night."

"Blake, what happened?"

"I was on my way when I saw Elara running, so I stopped to help her. But whoever was after her got away. She was not hurt, just shaken; she was scared."

"Is that all that happened?"

"She invited me in for coffee, but I declined. Then she kissed me on the cheek."

"She did what, and you let it happen? Come on, man, she is freaking gorgeous. She is my dream girl."

I start to see red. "Don't you ever talk or look at her again, Blake! Do you understand me?"

"You like her as well, don't you?"

"Yes, damn it, I like her, Blake. I can't stop thinking about her; she's on my mind 24/7."

"That is the problem, Elexander, because I also can't stop thinking about her. I want to protect her, keep her safe, and love her. Something you can't do if you don't know the meaning of love."

"Just get out. You will break her heart, Elexander, you know it."