Chapter 4 FOUR

"Good Morning Mr. Larsen." His secretary

Celia greeted. She was new. He had fired his former secretary for inappropriate conduct and attire in the workplace. She could not handle the fact that her boss was attractive like a professional thus she was out of the job.

"Morning Celia," Nik replied as he made his way into his office. "Please get me coffee, black, a teaspoon of sugar."

Celia knew his coffee preference already but he reminded her every day. She was a much better replacement for the former one. She was smart, hardworking, organized, and many more attributes he could praise her for.

"Yes Sir." She acknowledged with a smile.

Nik's office was on the last floor of LarDon enterprise's high rise sitting in the savvy fast-paced business district of the city. The large ceiling-high windows allowed natural illumination into the room. An inbuilt shelf posed as a wall behind his office's expensive office table.

To the left-hand side of the room close to the windows was a lounge-type settee with three couches. The two short couches face each other and the longer backed the window. A grey coffee table sat in the middle of the trio and on it was a porcelain figure of a man riding a horse. Nik settled into his swivel chair as he pulled out his laptop and got to work.

LarDon enterprises had been started by his grandfather in the late nineties. It had begun simply as an accounting and tax firm at the time it was named Larson corporation. By 2005 when his father took over and his mother's family invested millions, Larson corp was rebranded as LarDon. Today they were a force to be reckoned with in not only the Finance industry but also Law and architecture. If the deal Nikolai was working on pulled through they would venture into tech, making LAS the premium accounting software in the country.

Nik worked as the Chief Finance Officer (CFO). He was in the run-in as the next CEO when his father finally stepped down. Anitta was head of the LarTa the architectural subsidiary under LarDon, while Rick worked in the Legal department.

They were all shareholders. Celia entered the office with a tray of coffee. She placed it on Nik's table.

"Thank you?" "The meeting with the board is still by 2 pm." Celia reminded. "Miss Marina called to know if you would be free today. She wants to go over her company's investment options with you."

Nik rolled his eyes inwardly, he knew Marina did not want to go over anything business related. She was just looking for an excuse to see him. He had been avoiding her like plague. They had kissed once, an action she initiated. Nik avoided relationships with clients. Marina was a client thus she was off-limits.

He had principles.

Principles that you threw away Friday night. It was like his mind enjoyed taunting him. "Is that all for today?" He asked "You have a meeting with Albert and Ria from Salamon corporate." She continued. "You have a tentative lunch date with commissioner Owens, that is all for now."

"Thank you."

***

Lolia chewed on her straw as she scrolled through her phone. She was not interested in any of the shenanigans being played out on the screen, her mind was far away from there.

A day after her memory of Friday night returned and she still failed to wrap her head around the fact that Nik tried to kill her. She brought her hand to her neck, wondering if the bruises were still evident. She had told Eric that they were reactions to a sunscreen she used. He probably would not believe her if she told him that Nik had done this to her, she could hardly believe herself. If Nik's hate for her had gotten to the point of attempted murder, then she was not safe. It was either she got him arrested or let him know the truth about his dear mother. Lolia had not ruined Dahlia's marriage, Dahlia had done that all by herself. Eric was in the middle of a call when Lolia walked in. He was probably talking business since he could not go to the office. When she entered he looked up from his laptop with a smile before he continued in a stern no nonsense voice. She had not seen him take business meetings and calls in a while.

Lolia nodded as she dropped onto his bed and crossed her legs. The short flowery blue dress she wore exposed her long legs. She kept her eyes on him as he continued to speak. If only he had that vigor in bed. A sick voice attacked in her head.

A voice she loathed because it always spoke the worst of her feelings. Feelings that were true but she did not want to agree with. Right now staring at Eric, the feeling she fought was how much she was beginning to hate being with him.

"Let us pick this up later," Eric said to the person on the other side of the call.

A tenor voice perfect for speech giving replied with a warm 'Goodbye Sir.' Eric closed his laptop and turn to her with an outstretched hand. Lolia let out an inward sigh and put on a smile before she stood up from the bed and made her way toward Eric. She took his hand and he pulled between his thighs placing her on his lap. "Are you sure this is not hurting your..." "Lia can't you let me enjoy this without reminding me of my ailment." He muttered. Lolia rose her hand in surrender. "Fine." Eric began to kiss her collarbone. Lolia closed her eyes tight fighting the urge to push him off. This was getting worse, her dislike and distaste for his touch. "I wanted to talk to you about Dahlia." She started and his kisses stopped.

That was the reason she had come here, to talk about his late ex-wife and his children. Eric sighed. It was obviously an erection killer for him. Not that his erection was useful anyway. "What about Dahlia?" He looked up at Lolia waiting with bored eyes for her to talk. Except for his health and looks, Eric had hot changed much from the man she met at a club two years ago. A proud, man who liked to be in control. She could sense that he hated the way his life was going right now, the way he was ill and had no charge over his health.

"Your children need to know that I am not some evil home wrecker," Lolia replied. Nik had tried to kill her. Who knows what Anitta and Rick may plot next? She was getting terrified. "They need to know that their mother, God rest her soul is not a saint."

Eric closed his eyes and groaned as he pushed her off his lap. It was not enough to hurt her but enough to seem hostile. Lolia was taken aback by the action. This was the first time she had ever brought up exposing the truth behind the end of his and Dahlia's marriage. She had expected him to put up a fight but not like this. "I will not have this conversation with you." He stated. "The only reason you know is because I was drunk and in pain." "I know b..."

"No buts." Eric shut her up before she could speak. "I will not have you taint the image of my wife." Of my wife, the words rang in Lolia's head as a slap would.

He was referring to Dahlia as his wife, so what was she? The question burnt on her tongue but she remained quiet. "I hope your wife." She added air quotes, "Fucks you every other night." with that Lolia turned to leave ignoring Eric's calls and yelling for her to get back.

She rushed into her room and dropped to her bed. Surprisingly tears did not well up in her eyes instead she jumped to her feet and began to dress up. She donned, blue dress pants and a black cowl neck camisole, it was a silk piece.

Although she loved wearing wigs that matched the golden blonde color of her natural hair. She opted for a wavy black wig, there was a fierceness the mass of the waves added. She put on light makeup and picked up her car keys. Three cars all to herself but her favorite was her grey Aston Martin. It was not only sleek it was also fast and sexy. She loved the car, probably one of the best gifts Eric had ever given to her.

The drive consisted of pep talks to herself telling her that she was dressed the part and now she had to act the part. She was going to confront Nik and if she did not like his replies, heck she was going to report him to the police. He was not going to go scot-free after what he did...tried to do to her. Lolia took the elevator stopping at the top floor of the LarDon highrise.

She made an A-line for Nik's office. This time she would not wait outside, she would barge in and make her demands. "Excuse me ma'am you cannot walk in there like that." Lolia stopped in her strides and turned to the secretary. This one was new and polite. She was not as good-looking as the old one but she had a cuteness to her plain face. "I want to see your boss," Lolia stated with her head held high. If Eric was not going to protect her, she would protect herself. "You can't he is in a very imp..."

"Do you know who I am?" Lolia cringed at herself. Had she become those rich women who felt the need to throw their influential last name and status around? Maybe not but right now it was necessary.

"No ma'am." The secretary replied "I am Lolia Larsen and I own a percentage of this company that pays your salary." Five percent shares in LarDon enterprises another gift from Eric. She had asked him if she could work at the company, but he refused stating he preferred her a housewife. A month later he came home with the documents showing that she was now a shareholder in LarDon.

"Okay, ma'am but you cannot go in right n..."

Ordinarily, Lolia would wait and play nice but today was not the day ignoring the secretary she walked past her in quick steps, her stilettos making her presence known as she barged into Nikolai's office. He was sitting in his swivel chair behind his massive glass office table.

On the exterior chair was a lady with short black hair. They both looked up at her at the same time. The secretary was behind Lolia giving an apologetic look to her boss.

"I am so sorry Mr...." Nik rose his hand stopping her apology. The damage had been done. "We need to talk." Lolia threw at Nikolai ignoring the drop-dead gorgeous Chinese American lady sitting in the office.

She was seeing premium red at this point. "I am in a meet..."

"Well, then we can talk about the bruises..." "Fine," Nikolai stated with a clenched jaw. She had tied his hands with that statement. "Have a seat," Nikolia stated "My feet don't hurt yet."

Nikolia turned to Marina, his face was a mask of fury and rage. "We will adjourn this meeting please." "Are you sure Nik?" Lolia fought the urge to roll her eyes when Marina called Nikolia's name in such a manner. It sounded like a pornstar speaking, too breathy to sound sexy and too low to be appealing.

"Yes," Nikolia stated standing up. "I will walk you out." Once Marina stood up Lolia realized that she had not interrupted just a meeting but a probably hook up for Nik and Marina. Marina was in a blazer dress so tight every curve of her apple shape showed and so short her skinny pale thighs were exposed. Marina gave Lolia a once over with a frown and a stink eye.

Lolia scoffed and rolled her eyes. If Marina knew what Nik was capable of she would run so bloody far from him and never look back. Yet here you are not running. Nik and Marina left the office together and Lolia let out a sigh. All this fury was not her. She had no idea how to be intense and fierce but she was acting it out pretty well.

Now, what was she going to tell Nik? Would she threaten to report him to the police? Lolia heard Nik enter the office and close the door behind him. She heard the steps his expensive shoes took. With each clack, his feet made to tiled floors her heart beat double time. She was still stuck on the question of what she would say to him. She had driven here dressed all fierce on the high of her anger. Now that she was in his office, she was blank.

"You remembered," Nik said. He was standing behind her. There was a clear distance but his deep threatening voice caused a vibration in her. A vibration that stirred her anxiety turning it to fear. "I remembered," Lolia replied turning around.

Nik examined the Lolia she was more than a few inches shorter than him. Her heels gave her more inches but she was still short compared to him. He could see the fear in her eyes although she tried to mask it with the way she held her head high and left her lips thinned.

This was the strongest he has ever seen her. Although he had seen her scarcely the few times he had seen her she was either smiling or pleading. Although he could see through it, fierceness looked good on her.

"You tried to kill me." She accused, her voice low like she did not want anyone to hear.

Nik stuffed his hand in his pants pocket analyzing her, confused by the tone of her voice. She looked towards the door as if she wanted to make sure no one could hear.

"I did." It was an admission that sounded like a question. "But I didn't."

"You drugged the truce cocktail didn't you." She sounded disappointed. She groaned as she turned away. "I am so stupid for trusting you. You have hated me from day 1."

"Yes, you were," Nikolai replied. Deep down he held regret for his action but his hate and pride would not let him admit it. This woman had caused his father to neglect his mother on her last days.

"You are going to pay for this," Lolia said turning to him. She stalked closer her hands forming fists at her side, she pummelled into his rock-hard chest. "You fucking murderer."

Nik grabbed her hands and pushed her against the shelf. Aside from when he fucked hard. Nik never manhandled a woman, he had never tried to kill anyone too. Lolia was slowly becoming a lot of his firsts turning him into a monster he could not recognize.

He looked down at her fear glowing in those small blue eyes. His eyes moved to her neck. The red bruises his hand left were beginning to turn purple, his eyes softened but he did not let her go yet. "What are you going to do?"

He asked "Report me to the police, tell my father. You have no proof except a fogged mem..."

"Are you really going to be that kind of person?" Lolia asked with a raised brow. "A man who happily preys on people because of his power. A fucking monster."

Nik was quiet as he watched her. Her hands were still pinned to the shelf by his. Their bodies were too close for comfort. Her words had given him a reality smack.

What the fuck was he doing? His mother would not approve if she was alive. He stepped back releasing her. The area on her wrist which he held had turned red. From the way she rubbed at it, it was obvious it hurt.

"How much to keep you quiet?" She had enough money after marrying his father but women like her always wanted more money. Greed was what drove them.

"Not even all the money in the world," Lolia replied pushing past him. "What do you want?" Nik asked "Action," Lolia replied.

"Action?" Nik asked "You have to agree to anything I want for the next year." Lolia said off the top of her head "Starting from today."

"That is ridiculous," Nik muttered. "No, it's unfair for me because you tried to take my life," Lola stated. She always whispered the part about murdering her. "I am keeping quiet so I own one year of your life."

"You are serious."

"Deathly," Lolia informed.

Nik walked to the lounge area of his office and dropped into the couch directly backing the window. It gave him a full view of Lolia, from her dark hair to her slender form.

"So if I don't agree to this?" He asked

"It's going to be a very scandalous story isn't it." She turned to him and folded her hands stifling a wince because her wrist still hurt from his grip. She had very sensitive skin and was sure that Nikolai manhandling her would leave a bruise.

"Nikolai Larsen most eligible bachelor in New York a murderer." She gave a pout as she folded her hands. "Let me try again, Nikolai Larsen heir to LarDon Empire set to lose it all after being found guilty of attempted murder." Nikolai groaned and buried his head in his palms. "Or Nikolai Larsen might be facing prison t..."

"I get it." He yelled shutting Lolia up. "I fucking get it." He rubbed his temple angrily, weighing his options but there was nothing to weigh.

Lolia was right, it was an unfair bargain. He had tried to take her life. She was only asking for a year of his time, prison time would be more than a year. Lolia watched quietly as Nikolai fought inwardly. He hated her so much that he was actually considering prison rather than being at her beck and call for a year. She felt hurt, she did not like not being liked by people. She hated the idea of people disliking her because it made her feel inferior. She had learned from a young age that her skin condition would always make her stand out. It would also make it hard for her to make friends who saw her as equal in beauty so if she could not be liked for beauty she strived to be liked for her character. Being overly nice, avoiding confrontation, and smiling even when she was down.

Her kindness was her shield but Nikolai hating her despite all put cracks in her shield.

"Prison is not better than me." Lolia blurted.

Nikolia looked up at her and sat back. He looked bored now. "Might be." "Fine, see you in court." Lolia groaned and turned to leave. She was only inches from the door when Nikolia's voice stopped her her.

"Stop." His voice had lost fight. He came closer. Lolia heard the steps and once again it made her insides churn. "Fine." He said.

Lolia turned around. "Fine what?"

"I agree to this bullshit."

Lolia licked her lips and smiled. The smile faded fast. "Say it like you mean it, like a fucking oath." Who was the fierce woman? Lolia wondered deep inside.

She was the woman who played and laughed not a woman who cussed and ordered six feet plus men around.

Nikolai frowned. Did she just cuss at him? So the little kitten had claws. He moved closer, he looked lethal.

Lolia moved back sharply hitting the door. They were only speaking and she was going to leave this place red and bruised....what if we fucked?

Nope!

She slapped herself inwardly where did that stupid idea surface from?

"Say it!" She ordered not minding the fact that he had her pinned to the door. Nikolia swallowed. "Fine." he took a deep breath. "For the next year, I Nikolai Larsen belongs to you, Lolia Larsen." This was the first time he had ever said her name. It rolled off his tongue like velvet, his accent adding stress on the second L. He pronounced it like Lola but unlike others people he did not ignore the letter I before the A.

"You pronounced it right." "What?" Nikolai asked with a frown "My name," Lolia replied Nikolai shrugged as he stepped back from her. "If that will be all. I have work to get back to." Lolia caught herself. "Of course. I'll pick you up tomorrow." Nikolai whirled around. "What's happening tomorrow?" "You'll see," Lolia stated exiting the office. "Fuck!" Nikolai punched the chair. "Fuck! Fuck!" he kicked the table.

***

Lolia let out a big sigh when she entered her car. How had she done this? How had she made Nikolai agree to this? Why the hell did she not report him to the police? So many questions and her mind had no answer. Her phone ringing pulled her attention. It was Kachi.

"Hey, baby?" Kachi greeted from the background Lolia could see that her friend was in an expensive swimming area lounging.

"Where the hell are you?" Lolia asked with a laugh.

"Hamptons, baby." Kachi replied, "With Sylvester Tomelli."

"The movie producer?" Lolia was not surprised Kachi only rolled with the big shots, billionaires, princes, and producers. If he had money and was unmarried Kachi hung with him till she was tired. However, Kachi did not let it get to her head. She used her connections to bring business to her interior decorating business.

"I got you a present," Kachi announced. "It's on its way to your house."

"What is it?" Lolia asked with narrowed eyes. Kachi always got her presents but they were usually things and outfits she could not wear.

"You better rush home so Eric does not open it. Lolia sighed. Kachi was up to her usual antics.

"Fuck!" Lolia muttered out of the blue.

"What?" Kachi laughed

"This is not for you," Lolia informed with a supposedly stern nod but Kachi laughed some more. "I just left Nikolia and I forgot to ask for my purse. I left it at his from Friday night."

Kachi sucked in a breath as she made a comical pout. "We have not discussed that night." Kachi informed "Taye said you were in a bad mood the next morning and gave her silence all the way to yours." she continued "You gave me silence when I called also."

Kachi had called to apologize but Lolia was still sad. Buried in the burden of the words Nik had told her that morning.

"It was nothing," Lolia replied with a smile. "Just a hangover headache." Kachi nodded.

She did not buy it but she did not push. Lolia liked to act like life was all roses and sunshine even when the thorns pricked and the sun-scorched, she maintained a smile until she could no longer maintain it. Eventually, she would fess up but for now, there was no pushing Lolia to speak.