Chapter 39: Chapter Thirty-eight

After Ryan left, Mirabella followed Hunter as he strode towards the other side of the club. He didn’t give her a chance to breathe or even pause to collect herself after Ryan stood and left, his palm was steady on the small of her back, guiding her through the dim corridors of the club until they stepped into the private elevator. The ride was silent except for the faint hum of the machine. She leaned against the wall, staring at the glowing numbers climb, while Hunter’s eyes remained trained on her like a man trying to memorize a painting.

When the elevator dinged, he stepped out first. She followed, her gaze sweeping across the luxurious floor they had arrived at. He led her through the corridor that smelled faintly of leather and expensive cologne until they came to the wide door of his office. He opened it and gestured for her to step inside.

The office in his penthouse, spacious, sleek, and designed with the kind of cold authority that screamed Hunter Groves. The leather couches sat in one corner, a broad glass table rested at the center, and a huge desk occupied the far end of the room. Bookshelves stretched along the walls, every spine neatly aligned, every surface dust-free. The tall glass window overlooked the city, giving the room a commanding view.

“Sit on the couch,” he told her simply, removing the black jacket he wore to hang beside the door.

She stopped in her tracks and looked at him, sighing loudly. “Are you going to keep me in your office all day? Like some… I thought we were supposed to go somewhere?”

Hunter didn’t reply nor did he look at her. Instead, he walked around the desk, pulled out his chair, and sat down. His laptop glowed as he opened it and his long fingers began typing away, scrolling, pausing, then resuming with a focused intensity.

Mirabella dropped her shoulders. Of course, he wasn’t going to answer. He never did unless he wished to. Instead of arguing further, she shuffled toward the couch and sat down, crossing her legs with a little huff.

Time crawled slowly. Seconds passed, stretching into minutes. Hunter was too focused, his eyes rarely leaving the screen, his jaw clenching from time to time, his hand dragging across the mouse pad without pause. Mirabella’s restlessness grew. She hated silence. She hated being idle even more.

Her eyes wandered around the room before landing on the neatly arranged shelf. Books, old and new, lined up like soldiers. She stood up, dragging her fingers along the polished wood until a particular title caught her eye, ‘Beyond Favours’. Something about it pulled at her curiosity. She plucked it out, dusted the neat edges lightly, and returned to the couch.

She cast Hunter a quick glance again. He hadn’t even noticed her move. Just perfect.

Opening the book, she let herself sink into the pages, reading line after line, flipping slowly, losing herself in the book. For a while, the silence didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

About an hour and a half later and what felt like an eternity, Hunter finally glanced up. His eyes softened immediately. She had fallen asleep, the book slipping slightly from her hands, her head tilted against the couch.

Hunter leaned back in his chair, studying her. Her lips were slightly parted, her breathing soft and steady. She looks peaceful and innocent. He felt something tug at his chest as his eyes took her in. She looked so untouched, so unguarded, and he couldn’t stop the small smile that curved his lips.

The door opened quietly. Tobias stepped in, tall and composed, his usual sharpness softened only by the respectful nod he gave Hunter. His gaze flicked to Mirabella instantly, and for a fraction of a second, Tobias’s expression shifted with curiosity. His eyes silently questioned, but Hunter’s subtle shake of the head silenced him.

“Victor is already at the club with Scar,” Tobias said as he moved further inside.

Hunter’s gaze tore from Mirabella, his attention sharpening. “And?”

“Scar’s demanding an urgent challenge in the ring with Marcus. He said something about Marcus hitting on his sister. He wants to ram his fists into Marcus' face. Marcus accepted.” Tobias’s lips twisted as if trying not to roll his eyes.

Hunter pinched the bridge of his nose, leaning back in his seat. “Those two…”

“They’re totally impossible,” Tobias agreed. “Behaving like an old married couple that can’t stand each other.”

Hunter leaned back on his seat and rubbed at his temple. Till today, he can't seem to place his hands on those men's problems. Marcus and Scar had always argued about the smallest things. The men were behaving like a couple who can't stand themselves just like Tobias said.

Hunter smirked faintly, then asked, “Any scheduled ring fights today?”

“Yes. Nate and Ramos. A friendly one.”

Hunter nodded. Things like these are very common. There were brutal fights and friendly ones between mates if they felt bored and needed to blow off steam. Friendly doesn't really mean cuddle fights or gentle fights though, it was not just as brutal as real matches and all.

“Let Scar and Marcus have their way. I’m not .”

“Yes, boss.”

Hunter’s eyes drifted to Mirabella again and he grinned. She was definitely going to be shocked when he took her down there.

Tobias didn't fail to notice the look on Hunter's face. The man was smiling too often lately. “Why are you keeping her in your office?” he asked cautiously.

Hunter didn’t look away. “I’m giving her a tour tonight. In the Underclub.”

Tobias arched his brow. “The underclub?”

Hunter’s voice was firm. “Yes. She needs to see my world. The whole of it.”

Tobias nodded, though he didn’t pry. He already knew enough. Hunter Groves was smitten. Utterly and dangerously smitten. The man who rarely smiled was now smiling too often. Tobias had never seen Hunter like this before, but strangely, it didn’t look wrong. If anything, it made Hunter more… human.

“The ring fight starts in twenty minutes,” Tobias reminded him.

Hunter nodded once. “Go on. I’ll be down.”

Tobias left quietly, shutting the door behind him.

The room was silent again. Hunter rose from his chair and crossed the space to the couch. He sat beside her, his fingers brushing lightly against her cheek. Her skin was warm beneath his touch as he tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, watching as she stirred faintly but didn’t wake.

His eyes trailed downward, landing on her thighs. She was wearing a black polo shirt and a short jean skirt. Simple and casual, yet maddeningly tempting. Her smooth thighs stretched out in full display. His hand lowered almost unconsciously, his knuckles brushing against her skin as he stroked lightly with the back of his fingers.

When she didn’t wake, he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers. He bit down softly, just enough for the sting to break her sleep.

Mirabella stirred, groaning lightly, her dazed eyes fluttering open. Confusion lingered for only a moment before they focused on him.

“Hunter,” she murmured, rubbing at her eyes with the back of her hand.

He chuckled softly at her tender, innocent state. “Time to go.”

She blinked up at him, then lifted her arms slightly, opening them as if asking for a hug. But Hunter knew better. She wasn’t asking for affection. She was asking for him to pull her up.

So he did. He rose, gripping her hands lightly and tugging her up with him. She leaned into his chest lazily, her body pressing against his as though using him for balance.

Hunter’s lips stretched into a smile. He looked down at her, his voice dropping low and husky. “Baby, you behaving like this does things to me.”