Soulmates. (Harry Styles) -completed-

♥-chapter twenty-five-♥

Taking the trip up in the lift was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I had to hide the fact that I was feeling sick with nerves, remembering all too well what had happened last time I'd been alone with Daniel Kane and his son.

'So, what you fancy? They do a good club sandwich,' Chris said, rubbing his hands together. All he needed was a black cape and a cackle 'bwa-ha-ha' to complete the bad guy act. I found him pathetic.

'Um, yeah, that sounds lovely.'

'You like Las Vegas?'

'It's unique.'

He sniggered. 'It is that. A manmade playground.'

'You in college?' I asked.

'No. I went straight into the family business.'

'Hotels?'

'And … er … other things.'

It was the other things he preferred - the racketeering and violence. I sensed him as the type to follow in his dad's footsteps. But the only time I was scared of the lad was whenever he threatened to suck the emotions out of me.

The lift doors opened on an all too familiar corridor. I couldn't help hesitating as I stepped out.

'Something wrong?' he asked, noticing the hesitation.

'Er … no, just a moment of déjå-vu.'

I could tell he was trying to hide his grin. 'I know the feeling. Look, Kenzie, I just want to introduce you to my father; he's CEO of the family business. It won't take a moment. Is that OK with you?'

I shoved my hands in my pockets, glancing down quickly to check my microphone wasn't visible in my cleavage. 'Sure.'

I'm doing this for Harry, I told myself as I followed Chris into the boardroom.

As he had been that day weeks ago, Daniel Kane was waiting at the head of the table. 'Ah, Kenzie, good to see you again.' He got up and waved the door closed with his powers.

The lock clicked, making me jump.

What? He wasn't even bothering to hide that he was a savant?

'I've met you before?' I asked, hoping I sounded genuinely puzzled.

'You can drop the act now. I'm fully aware that the FBI has sent you to us in the vain hope we'll incriminate ourselves. But that's not going to happen.'

Then why was he talking like this? I couldn't help but glance down again.

'You can forget about the wire. Maria's running interference. They'll be getting static. Chris, where are your manners? Get our guest a chair.'

Chris seized my shoulders and pushed me down on a seat on its own by the window.

'What are you getting from her?' Daniel Kane tapped his fingers on his crossed arms.

'The smug confidence has gone.' Chris inhaled deeply. 'Fear - wonderful fear.'

'Take as much as you like,' his father said. 'She's cost us enough with that stunt she pulled in the casino.'

I shuddered as Chris bent to my neck and rubbed his cheek against mine. The training I done with Ethan proved there was no point - I couldn't remember what to do. Fear escalated; I was shivering uncontrollably. Worst of all: I couldn't feel Harry with me anymore. All the most frightening times crowded into one place: my parents' argument, Phil's beatings, abandonment, being shot at in the forest, the warehouse.

'Wonderful,' murmured Chris.

Daniel Kane had decided his son indulged enough. 'Stop now, Chris. I want her conscious.'