Just Once

Chapter 4- Zayden

My phone dinged with a notification. I turned my attention towards my phone keeping my book down. I pick up, my eyes running across the words that covered my screen. It wasn't a message or a notification. Instead, my entire screen was black with the words HELLO. Then it went pitch black.

My screen lit up again with a message. 

It was a picture. A picture of my apartment building, zoomed onto my balcony where I was currently standing. It was obvious that this person was right there but the night had already laid its blanket over us and the street lamps of our garden were too dim to help. 

Another message came through. 'Meet me by the corner lamp post of your building garden.' 
Oh, so we're getting straight to the point, then? That's convenient. I don't like people who play Guess Who anyway. 

I went inside and put on a hoodie and sweatpants. As I reached the lamppost, I made out the silhouette of a woman. I approached her.

Sofia Volkov

"Well well well look it's Sofia Volkov herself" I mocked stepping closer to her.

She glared at me, her eyes boring a hole through my skull. "How does it feel after getting my most important and biggest contract terminated?" She spits bitterly. I frown. I didn't even do anything. Not yet at least. 

"I'm not the type to do such things, Volkov. Do your research before you come to my place like a creep." A scoff escaped her lips, looking away for a moment she thought something for a moment before turning her gaze towards me. "Well if it wasn't you then who was it? You're the only one who has been circling over Volkov industries like a fucking vulture."

I raise a brow staring down at her. "I'd be lying if I denied what you just said. But I didn't do anything. Not yet at least." 

Something snapped inside her and she shoved me against the wall behind a tree. For such a petite girl Sofia was strong as hell. "Stop lying Meadows. I've seen the way you do your work. And I'm pretty sure it's not as clean as it seems. Tell me why? Why do you want to bring down Volkov Industries." 

I smirk before turning us around so that she was the one with her back against the wall and I was holding her captive in my grip. "The next time you want to put your hands on me Volkov try asking for permission. And I'll say it again, I haven't done anything to your company."

"Then who would plant rumors about Volkov industries being unstable? You're one of the few rival companies who have their reach in Europe. Who else would do that anyway?"

I step back putting some distance between us. I shrug " I don't know. You're one of the youngest and most successful women in the industry. There are tons of people who want to bring you down. Try doing some research on your shareholders and investors." 

As she processed my words I couldn't help but notice how small she was compared to me. So cute when angry. 

NO, get a grip.

"And don't put your hands on me." I lean down, my mouth right next to her ear, my hot breath grazing her skin. "Unless you want your dirty little investors to go in flames."

With that, I step back. "Have a good night, Petal"

I make my way back to my apartment. Leaving her standing frozen.

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"Petal? Seriously Zayden? Of all the nicknames you could find you decided to call her Petal?"
My best friend laughed as I told him what happened. I'd never met him but somehow I'd found comfort in this stranger.