STALKING THE BILLIONAIRE DEVIL

"Lock the door, little urchin."

"You are nothing but a worthless piece of trash."

"Rags are meant to live on the street, not in an expensive house."

Those weren't words, but memories-memories that have etched deep into the heart and soul, haunting and painful.

A little boy descended the stairs, looking so lost as those words echoed in his head.

"Ahh!!!"

A scream-loud and sharp-hit his ears, pulling him back to the present. His fingers curled tightly around the cold rail.

The scream grew louder, stabbing into his ear like a needle.

A woman was in labor, the woman he hated so much.

His life wasn't anywhere close to a perfect life... owned by them and stripped of its worth.

The door to the ward opened, and a man stepped out.

"Would you come inside this ward, or do you want me to drag you in, orphan child?" he said with disdain in his voice.

He went inside the ward.

The boy glared at the closed door as if he were seeing the couple directly. His heart bled at the mention of the word 'orphan child'. If fate was cruel, then his would be the cruelest.

He blinked as if it would erase the memories as he got to the door. The knob, which was supposed to be cold, burned in his palm as if sharing his hatred.

The woman's screams got louder, filling the hospital walls. His ears twitched, cringing at her shouts.

He creaked open the door and, coincidentally, the baby came out, breathed her first breath and cried.

The nurse carried the baby, while the cry pierced the air. His eyes found hers, and he stared at her child's bloodied, innocent and wrinkled eyes.

The father walked near the child, the father beaming with a smile. "Ixora," he whispered.

He felt the joy of being called a father after so many years. His wife lay unconscious, clueless about the life she had brought to earth.

The boy took backward steps, the name 'Ixora' resounding in his head... over and over again.

A name he had just made a vow never to forget, as long as he lives.

He turned and started leaving the hospital.

"Worthless child, come back here, where do you think you are going?" The man called after him, but he didn't stop.

He walked on, without looking back, without stopping, had no direction in mind, but he knew it was time for him to leave.

The couple waited for him, but he never returned. Seconds turned into minutes, minutes to hours, hours to days, days to weeks, weeks to months, months to years and...

20 YEARS LATER

"Do you miss Ixora Castellan, take Mr. Drexton Blackthorn to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The wedding priest asked.

Ixora nodded, her face beaming with a smile beneath the veil.

Getting married to the crush of your life has been every girl's dream, and, for Ixora, it was no less different.

The man standing in front of her was everything she needed in a man. Perfection.

"You may now kiss your bride," the priest announced, interrupting her thoughts.

Drexton slowly lifted her veil, and both started leaning in.

Just before their lips could meet...

The loud sound of her alarm rang, waking her up from her sleep.

She opened her eyes and turned off the alarm.

She exhaled softly.

Like always, she had never gotten to kiss her groom.

Something always interrupts her dream right before he can kiss her.

Ixora Castellan; rich hazel eyes, bold and thick eyebrows, well-shaped nose, crimson lips, long, dark, thick hair and spotless skin. She is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs Castellan, one of the wealthiest families in the whole of New York.

She glanced at the clock: "7:45 am!"

"How could I wake up so late?" she climbed out the bed, into the bathroom.

In less than 10 minutes, she ran out dressed in a casual short jean skirt and tank top.

She had sexy curves.

She used her finger to brush her hair while running down the stairs.

She needed no make-up - she was a natural beauty.

"Morning, mom, and dad. Oh, Hazel, thank goodness you are already here," she said in a hurry.

Hazel is her best friend, more like her sister.

"Ixora, I was-"

"There is no time, we have to leave," Ixora dragged her, and they both ran out of the room.

"Are you sure that is my daughter? Who on earth stalks over a guy they are crushing on?" Mr. Castellan said.

"You should be able to answer that as well," Mrs Castellan rolled her eyes, fixing her well-manicured nails.

--

Ixora pulled Hazel by the hand. "We have to hurry, else I'd not get to see him."

"Xora, slow down, please," Hazel pleaded, panting in between.

Both girls' hair flowed with the wind, their slippers slapping the tiled streets of New York.

"You should have woken me up? Why did you allow me to oversleep?" Ixora asked.

"And have you killed me? Sorry, but no."

She knew Ixora very well. The girl who had a weird way of crushing on somebody.

They got to the magnificent skyscraper that stood tall, and coincidentally, a Maybach car was just pulling up at the company.

Ixora pulled her further. "To our spot." Both hid in their usual spot-behind the gate where no one would see them, not even the security guards.

The door opened, and he stepped out, just like a king in his gray suit, with the jacket hanging in his arms.

Reporters immediately swooned around him. Each was trying to catch a glimpse of his face, but none dared to touch him.

He strode to the door before facing the media.

His visage alone was something to die for; sharp nose, curved jawline, high cheekbones and a smile that would make anyone go crazy.

Drexton Blackthorn.

Owner of Blackthorn Automobiles, one of the biggest automobile companies in the world, also deals in high-tech stuff. He's the youngest and richest billionaire in the world, but what made him so unique was the smile that was always on his face... or at least that's what people thought.

"Isn't he so handsome?" Ixora smiled dreamily, taking secret pictures of him as always.

Drexton's pictures filled her phone galleries.

Hazel looked at Ixora but only shook her head.

She had gotten used to Ixora's behavior.

*Mr. Blackthorn, please tell us the reason behind your success.

*You are an inspiration to many people.

Instead of replying, he looked in the direction Ixora and Hazel were hiding. He flashed them a smile before walking inside.

"Did you see that? He smiled at me?" Ixora gushed.

Hazel sighed tiredly. "He always does that, Ixora."

Ixora was far gone, staring at him as he walked in.

Hazel folded her arms above her chest. "Since he's gone, can we leave now?"

Ixora looked at her. "Don't give me that look. You can't blame my heart for choosing him."

Hazel shook her head and started walking away.

"Hazel, wait up," Ixora ran after her.

****

**[DREXTON 'S OFFICE]**

Drexton hung the shirt on the chair before sitting on the chair.

For someone like him, who smiled some minutes ago, the smile on his face was gone.

His assistant stood waiting for him.

"Go on."

"Rothrock company wants 100 cars delivered to them," Kian read.

Drexton raised his brow. "That is all, sir, Tasha would do the rest," Kain said, his voice professional.

Drexton nodded.

Kain bowed and left.

Some minutes later, Tasha walked in, dressed in a black and white shirt and skirt.

The skirt was short, and the first three buttons of the shirt had been unbuttoned.

She had always been trying to get his attention, but Drexton had always overlooked it.

Today, she was determined.

Drexton had his eyes fixed on her as she read his schedule.

"Send in my coffee," he told her when she was done.

She left the office.

In a few minutes, she returned with the cup of hot coffee and placed it on the table.

Drexton was someone who preferred drinking coffee before starting his daily activities.

He picked up the cup and brought it closer to his lips. Just before he could take a sip, his nose caught a smell coming from the coffee.

Tasha stood there with so much anticipation, waiting for him to drink the coffee.

He looked at her.

"What did you add to this coffee?" he asked in a low voice.

"Sir... I... nothing," she stuttered.

How did he find out?

"I don't repeat myself," he said, his voice dangerously low, different from the man who was smiling at the media.

Tasha began trembling, cold sweat gleaming on her forehead.

"No... Nothing, sir..."

She fell on her butt when he opened the drawer and took out a gun, pointing it at her.

"Sir, it is an aphrodisiac. Please don't kill me," she cried, shifting back with her butt.

"You are fired," he said coolly, and pushed a red button on his table.

The door slid open, and Kian walked in.

Seeing the gun in Drexton's hand and Tasha on the floor, he instantly understood the situation.

"Take her away, and start looking for a replacement," Drexton ordered.

As Kian took her away, his eyes fell on something that made his stomach knot.

~ Mr Ryker Vaughn was spotted in the pool of his blood at his front. According to investigations, HD embedded in solid gold was found beside his body. No one leaves their signature on the crime scene except for the Hell Devils. 

~ Mr Ryker Vaughn was well known for his philanthropic nature.

~ The citizens are crying and living in fear because of these three young men who have been terrorizing the country.

~ The police, who were said to have been doing nothing about it, have finally spoken up. Whoever is willing to give them information about the Hell Devils would get fifty million-they had assured the citizens.

~ But the questions remain-who are these young men that have chosen to strike fear in the hearts of the people?

***

Ixora exhaled while scrolling through the news.

"I just hope they'll be brought to justice," she muttered, her gaze fixed on their pictures that were displayed.

Hazel burst into the room. "Xora!" she cried, breathless.

Ixora jerked upright, heart pounding. "What? Why are you screaming? You scared me," Ixora frowned.

Hazel ignored the look, then sat down beside her.

"You haven't heard the news?" Hazel asked with an indifferent look.

"The Hell Devils?" Ixora asked.

Hazel shook her head. "Not those psychos. I came with some much better news. Blackthorn Automobile Company is looking for a new secretary," Hazel replied.

"What!!!!!" Ixora screamed so loudly that Hazel had to cover her ears.

"Really? Oh my gawd," she gushed.

"Yes, Ixora, this is your chance. You have to pass this interview. That way, you won't need to stalk him from afar. You'll get to see him every day," Hazel smiled.

"Oh, and the interview is today, 10 am," she added.

Ixora's eyes widened. "10 am! And you are only telling me now!" She got out the bed.

"I came here as soon as I heard about it," Hazel said, but Ixora had already run into the bathroom.

Hazel fell dramatically onto the bed.

"Sick."

Ixora came out a few minutes later, fully dressed.

She grabbed her phone, and her eyes caught his picture, which was her wallpaper.

"I'm glad you're not like Hell Devils," she kissed the picture, then sprang out of her room.

***

[CAIUS HOUSE]

The house was one of the biggest houses in the country with its large estate. The maids were setting the dining table for breakfast.

Caius, the owner of the house, living with his wife and only daughter, made his way down the stairs.

The door creaked open, and a person walked in dressed in black pants, a black leather jacket with HD written on the back. His hands were covered in black gloves, and he wore black boots with a black circle nose mask.

HD was written boldly on it.

Another walked in, dressed in the same way, but with a triangle-nose mask and a baton in his hand.

"We are on the news," the first person said, taking off the nose mask and gloves.

"Black men are looking for us," the second person added, also taking off his mask.

"And we'll keep giving them hints," the last person said, coming in.

Caius nodded as he watched him stand together with the rest of them.

They are his sons-the Hell Devils.

The last person took off his star nose mask.

Jaxon Creed; circle nose mask. He's got tattoos on his body, and he hates whatever he doesn't like.

Maddox Creed: silent deceiver, triangular nose mask. Just like his name, Maddox, he is indeed mad. He doesn't talk much, and that helps him deceive people. He is Jaxon's twin brother-dizygotic.

Lastly, Drexton Blackthorn, star nose mask, leader of the Hell Devils.

The three of them are best friends.

"The money had been sent," Caius said, fully descending the stairs.

"Good, I'll leave now," Drexton said.

"No, stay for breakfast."

Drexton shifted his gaze to Jaxon and Maddox.

Both gave him a nod.

They all sat at the table, which was filled with different delicacies.

"Bonnie and Lorraine?" Maddox asked, noticing their absence.

"Bonnie got a headache and Lorraine insisted on taking her to the hospital," Caius replied.

Bonnie is his daughter, while Lorraine is his wife.

"The fuck. Black men promised 50 million to anyone who gives out our identity," Jaxon grinned as he read the news.

"Mr. Ryker Vaughn was a great philanthropist. He was an idol to many people," Jaxon continued, scrolling through the news.

Maddox scoffed. "A man who raped his 14-year-old daughter holds this much importance."

They might be killers, but they have their code-they don't kill the innocent.

Drexton stood and wiped his lips with a tissue.

"I will be on the way,"

"The prey?" Maddox asked.

"Will come today," Drexton replied and left.

"Did you find anything about the daughter?" Caius asked.

"The daughter, no,"

"Her sister,"

"We're on it."

***

[BLACKTHORN AUTOMOBILE COMPANY]

Lots of ladies stood waiting as the interview was currently ongoing. They have interviewed about 50 people and still haven't found the right person.

Ixora rushed in since she was already late as a result of her parents' unending questions.

She paused to catch her breath before wowing the company.

It was huge, and everything was in order, including the workers.

Her eyes traced the lines that were waiting to be interviewed.

"All these people want to be his secretary," she thought, going closer.

She noticed something about their dressing; they were all dressed in revealing outfits, and it seemed she was the only one who was dressed corporately.

"Are they here to work or seduce him?" she asked, almost in a mumbled voice.

One of the girls standing next to her heard her.

She rolled her eyes and scanned her. "Don't pretend to be innocent."

Ixora looked at her. "Not everybody is like you."

"Are you talking to me?" she asked.

Ixora batted her lashes and looked away.

"I shouldn't let her ruin my mood," she thought.

--

Ixora watched as the girl from earlier came out with tears in her eyes.

They have interviewed so many people and still haven't found the right one.

She wiped her sweaty palms on the back of her skirt.

Was there a chance for her?

How was it possible that all these people didn't pass the interview?

She'd never done the work of a secretary before.

She doesn't even know the basis.

"You better leave, Xora," her mind whispered.

She turned to leave.

"Next," a deep voice said, making her halt.

She turned around, disposing of the negative thoughts she was getting. She checked her dress one more time, then slowly walked in.

The air inside the office was chilling, even with that, she was still sweating...maybe because she was nervous.

Drexton had his gaze fixed on her the moment she stepped in. She stood in front of him, her eyes meeting his cold, deep, piercing stare, sending shivers down her spine.

His chin was resting on the back of his palm, staring deep into her soul. She tried her best to ignore the stare he was giving her. She found it weird, even with the sinister smile he had on his face.

"Sit," he adjusted his position.

His voice sounded deeper, more authoritative, more controlling.

She nervously sat down, rubbing her sweaty palms against each other, and her whole body was shaking. The cold was only making things worse for her-or maybe it was the heat.

"Your CV. Ixora," he said in a calm and calculated tone.

Ixora's eyes widened as she handed the CV over to him.

"How does he know my name?" she mumbled only to her hearing, but he heard her. Loud and clear.

"You've never worked as a secretary before?" he asked.

"Yes, sir, it's my first time," she replied.

He nodded slightly, then slowly closed the CV.

"You. Are. Hired."

Drexton said, his eyes still locked on her like a predator who had caught his prey.

"You can start tomorrow," he turned to his assistant. "See her out."

"Thank you, sir," Ixora said almost inaudibly and turned to leave.

The hairs on her body have already stood.

She could feel herself trembling inwardly.

His gaze was still on her... she could feel it.

She glanced back at him, and, true to her thoughts, he was staring at her... no, not her, her soul.

The chills became so heavy that she had to hurry out of the office since it seemed to be stretching forever.

Drexton slowly rested his back on the chair.

"Welcome to hell, play pet."

[IXORA'S ROOM]

"Are you trying to say that he already knows your name?" Hazel asked.

Ixora nodded.

Hazel held her shoulders. "How is that even possible?"

"I have no idea," Ixora replied.

Hazel sat beside her.

"This can only mean one thing."

"What?" Ixora asked, looking at her.

"He's also crushing on you," Hazel squealed.

"That's not the reason," Ixora said.

"What do you want me to say?" Hazel asked, scooting further back on the bed.

Ixora went to the window, and the cold breeze slapped her skin.

"Inside there, I felt... it was different and... I can't explain it," Ixora breathed out.

"Ixora, quit overthinking yourself. You-"

The door creaked open, and Georgia walked in with a tray in her hand.

Her heels clicked loudly across the marble floor.

"Xora," she called.

Georgia, Ixora's mother.

Ixora didn't reply.

Georgia looked at Hazel. "I will see you later, Ixxy," Hazel said, understanding the look.

She left.

"My baby," she held Ixora's hand and made her sit on the bed.

"Why do you look worried?" she asked.

"I'm fine, Mum," Ixora said.

She and her mum don't get along.

Whenever her mother begins to display affection towards her, she wants something.

"You can tell me anything," she said in a soft tone.

"Spill it out, mum," Ixora said, tired of her pretence.

"How was the interview?"

She was right after all.

"It went well, mum. I can start tomorrow."

"Why do you need to work for somebody?" she began, rubbing Ixora's arm. "You are our daughter, the first lady's daughter. You shouldn't work," Georgia said and carried the tray of food.

"Mum, just let me be," Ixora said and lay on the bed.

"If that's what you want," Georgia said. "I will leave."

"I will leave the food here in case you get hungry."

Georgia glanced at her before leaving the room.

"That stupid daughter of mine. I wonder how I birthed someone as dumb as her."

While climbing down the stairs, a call came through.

Her face turned cold.

She swiped green.

"Speak."

****

[HELL DEVILS [HD] HIDEOUT]

The house was in a secluded area with nobody in sight. All other houses around the area have been abandoned.

The inside of the house was dominated by red and shadowy lights, giving off the intimidating aura of the devils they were known for.

The walls of the apartment were painted red. There was a skeleton head painted on the left side of the wall.

Their name, Hell Devils, was also written boldly on every piece of furniture. There were some ominous symbols and grotesque sketches which adorned the wall, including one of a young boy covered in blood, and numbers written with blood. Some writings were written on the wall in Italian, and some drawings were beside the writings.

Maddox and Jaxon were already inside when Drexton came in.

"News?" Jaxon asked with a smirk, puffing out thick, dark smoke from his cigarette.

"Hmm," Drexton replied.

Maddox raised his head from the table. There was some white substance below his nose, giving him a mad look, fitting the short form of his name, Mad.

"And play pet?" he asked, sniffing.

"As expected, she came," Drexton replied, a wicked, sinister smirk forming from the corner of his lips.

Maddox nodded and returned his head to the cocaine on the table.

"When do we start?" Jaxon asked.

"When it's time," Drexton replied, heading upstairs.

"Pet chick won't last a second with him," Jaxon grinned, relaxing deeper into the chair.

"She deserves it," Maddox replied, taking a long sniff.

***

[CAIUS HOUSE]

A car pulled up in front of the house.

Bonnie and Lorraine alighted from the car, both dressed in classic, expensive outfits.

Bonnie wore shorts over a tank top and pink sneakers, while Lorraine wore a red-fitting gown that stopped at her knee with a slit in the middle.

"Mum, I told you it was only a slight headache," Bonnie said, her eyes fixed on her phone as they walked in.

"You are my princess. I have to take care of you," Lorraine said.

The door slid open, and they met Caius sitting in the living room.

A newspaper covered his face.

Bonnie sniffled in the air.

"Drexton was here," she said, sniffing more of the air.

She rushed to her father.

"Dad, did Drexton drop by?" she asked.

Caius didn't reply.

He knew his daughter and her mad obsession with Drexton.

Bonnie turned to her mother with red eyes.

"This is all your fault. If you hadn't taken me to the hospital, I would have seen him," she glared at her mother.

"But darling, it was for your own..."

"I would rather stay and see Drexton than to..." She stormed out of the room, making sure to slam the door very loudly.

Both Lorraine and Caius said nothing.

They heard the car's engine roar to life.

She had left the house.

Caius shifted his gaze to Lorraine.

"I will give Stacy a call," Lorraine said, going upstairs.

***

[BLACKTHORN AUTOMOBILE]

That one feeling of getting caught when trying to steal is what Ixora was feeling right now under her boss's cold gaze.

She was late to work, and that too on her first day.

It is bad for a first impression.

She's sure if looks could kill, then she'd be six feet under.

How could she be so careless? And her mom didn't even think of waking her.

Not like she was expecting it.

But then again, his stares.

There's something about it that always gives her the creeps.

She was late, she got it, but the least he could do was yell at her or even fire her.

Why stare at her for so long?

It'd been more than fifteen minutes, and his gaze was still on her.

The first feelings she got under his gaze were there again.

The hairs on her body had all stood.

Why her?

She had gotten tired of the stare.

Gathering enough courage, she slowly raised her head, and her eyes met his gaze.

As if the heavens were watching them, a thunder rumbled in the clouds.

Ixora tore her gaze away from him, only to see a paper in front of her.

"Your signature," Kian said beside her.

Was this how it was done?

She opened the paper to read.

Her eyes went to him again, and she found him still staring.

He had been in that same position for the past 20 minutes.

He hadn't blinked...or did she not see it?

As if hypnotized by his intensifying gaze that had done nothing but give her the creeps.

She signed the paper without reading it.

His eyes twitched, which she saw.

"Good, Ixora. Resume your work," Drexton said.

His words rang in her ear for the third time before she was able to understand them.

Resume her work? Just like that?

He didn't say anything about her being late.

Kian collected the files from her.

"Come with me," Kian said and left the office.

Ixora turned and started leaving.

Her feet suddenly felt heavy, really heavy, and she knew he was staring again.

She exhaled.

"Why does he like staring at me?" she thought.

A thought that had no answer-a thought that would linger in her mind longer than she had expected.