Hollow

Nine | Fierce

"Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Hence a prince who wants to keep his authority must learn how not to be good, and use that knowledge, or refrain from using it, as necessity requires."

-Niccolo Machiavelli, 1469-1527

I groan as the harsh morning sun dances over my face, coaxing me to get out of bed and go close my treacherous curtains. My head is pounding and the taste of alcohol is still bitter in my mouth. It's funny how when you have hangover you swear to stop drinking but as soon as your glass gets filled, caution flies out the window.

As if it wasn't enough, someone decides to disturb my peace by calling my phone.

"Hello." I answer with a croaky voice.

"Did I just wake you?"

"Yes."

"I'm so sorry. I just thought you would be awake since it's almost ten and I..." Daniel reluctantly trails off. "Zahra, are you still there?"

I jump up, my senses most likely dulled by the lack of sleep. "Sorry, you were saying?"

"I got your message and since I'm in town, I thought we could meet later?"

"Sure. I'll text you the address."

"I'll let you go back to sleep now." Daniel chuckles lightly before hanging up.

I toss my phone on the bed and pull the covers over my head, drifting back to sleep.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

"If it isn't my favorite CEO! Good morning, kiddo." Tate exclaims as I walk inside his office and settle in one of the chairs at his desk. "I take it you had an eventful evening?"

I grumble in response and he chuckles before turning his laptop to face my way.

I had no intention of showing up today but this man had the audacity to interrupt my beauty sleep, reminding we had a board meeting. I look closely at the screen, ignoring the pain the light is causing my poor eyes as I memorize the demo of the security system.

The door opens and Alex strolls in with a green-ish drink that he hands me.

"Thank you." I mumble.

"I need you to sign that." He says pointing to the paper Tate is currently signing.

Tate hands the paper back to Alex who also hands it to me. I read the content and grab the pen, signing quickly before handing it back to Alex. I stand up and walk out, greeting a couple of people as we stroll down the hallway.

Alex opens the door for me and we enter the board room where everyone is already settled, waiting. I opt for the seat opposite to Luca's with Alex sitting beside me.

"You'll get over it." Alex whispers lowly.

"What makes you say that?"

"You never let anything get in the way of what you want...not even a hangover." He replies in amused voice. I conclude silently that he's making fun of me.

"And what is it that I want, Alexander?"

He flashes me a calculated smile. "Retribution."

I hum in agreement and gesture for the meeting to start. Bryce starts introducing the security system, going over the details and aspects as well as the first prototype of the weapon we're currently working on.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

Unknown POV

"Why not take the day off until you figure out what your next move?"

"I'd gladly stay but I'm late for a meeting."

"I'm sure I'll figure it out." He replies, hesitation evident in his eyes.

"No, what you need to do is make sure that that hotel deal is proceeding at the rate we need it to be."

"Why are you even helping him?" He asks in bewilderment, as I stand up from my seat preparing to leave. "As soon as he gets what he wants, you're out of the picture."

"Not if I play my cards right."