Chapter 88 88

Chapter 88 88


I watched as he walked away, and only when he went down the stairs did I turn back to glare at Penelope. Her nonchalant expression made my blood boil. 

“The next time you try that shit again, I’m throwing you off the building. Keep your distance, Penelope,” I said, my voice low and threatening and I liked it, I wanted to sound as cold-hearted and not-caring as I could and I knew I aced the expression when I saw Victor from my peripheral view smiling smugly.

She opened her mouth to reply, but I didn’t wait to hear whatever excuse or retort she had. I spun on my heel and walked away, feeling Victor’s presence close behind me.

As we moved down the stairs and through the crowd, my anger started to simmer down. The music was loud, the lights were dim, and people were dancing, oblivious to the situation around them. Victor just stayed silent, letting me cool off. 

We made our way to a quieter corner of the venue, away from sobber prying eyes and curious ears. I leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Victor stood next to me, his calm presence a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

“She’s really pushing your buttons tonight, huh?” he finally said, his voice gentle and amused.

“She always does,” I replied, shaking my head. “I don’t know why she thinks she can just... act like everything is okay between the two of us. I don't care if people are watching, I just want her to stay very far away from me.”

Victor shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips a he pushed a strand of my hair to the back. “She probably thought you'd go with it.”

I nodded, knowing he was right. Penelope had always been a thorn in my side, constantly trying to undermine me. But tonight, with everything going on, her stupid, antics were the last thing I needed.

“You look hot tonight, have I told you that?” I asked, trying to change the subject and at the same time, say what has been on my mind since I saw him tonight.

As usual he was in a suit –no jacket—the first three buttons were left undone and his sleeves were rolled up.

“Well, you look gorgeous,” He replied, his eyes meeting mine with that familiar, reassuring warmth. “You know you do.”

I raised my brows, noticing the dull and tired aura around him. Had he been staying up late? Too much work? My eyes moved to his face and I saw the less visible eye bags. Normally, he would've told me how hot and sexy I looked, how he wanted to end every man that looked at me, and then he'd say I looked better naked. However, tonight, the compliments were there, but he had less energy and enthusiasm.

“Hey, are you okay?” I asked, reaching out to touch his arm but quickly dropped it when someone walked pass us. “Yiu look you're about to shut down”

He gave me a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. “Yeah, I'm fine, I think. Probably just tired.”

I frowned. “You sure? You look like you haven't slept in days. Is it work?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I think. Not much though, just rounded up the numbers for the month”

I nodded, not believing entirely that he was okay. “You need to cut yourself some, you know.”

He'd work hours straight without having a meal and still wouldn't get enough sleep. Like he some streak or something.

“I know,” He said, giving me a reassuring squeeze on my hand. “And I will.”

When we realized that people were beginning to pass by too much, we walked together but a few feet apart towards the main hall that was now crowded, the noise of the celebration growing louder with each step. 

I could already hear people growling. Some had already shifted, others were mating or fighting. Nobody had said anything about no fighting, so it was all happening at once. There were also a lot of breakups going on.

"Come on," I muttered under my breath when I saw Victor walking absentmindedly. He heard me and turned to look at me. I gestured towards the stairs, and he nodded.

Halfway there, we met Zara. She informed me that she had prepared a room for us. “You two should take a rest. I'll cover for both of you,” She said. That might seem suspicious to people who already had suspicions, but I wasn't that worried because Zara had her ways.

“Thanks” I said, giving her a grateful smile.

Victor and I headed up the stairs. The noise from the party below started to fade, but I could still hear the faint sounds of growling and laughter. The top floors were dimly lit.

“You helped with the decors right?” I asked Victor as we walked.

He shrugged. “Yeah, he wanted the people to see how competent we are” He replied scoffing. “How did you know” He turned to me with a smug smile, like he knew what I was about to say.

“I can see the red and yellow touches around.” I said. “Don't let it get to your head, I only guessed” I quickly added when I saw his grin spreading wider.

We reached the room Zara had prepared for us. I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was cozy, with a large bed in the center and soft lighting. With a tiny kitchen and a wider bathroom. We rarely gave out the rooms so it still looked new and good.

Victor collapsed onto the bed, sighing deeply. I sat down next to him, kicking off my shoes. “Hey” I called softly as I sat close to him, rubbing my hands over his back.

He flipped over and stared at me, “Sorry, I ruined your night” 

“My night? Pfft, I'm not mateless so it's not my night, I just came to overlook,” I stood up. “Come on, let's take a nap, I'll help you undress”