Laura's nose twitched in irritation as the words settled in her ears and she flexed her muscles to suppress it. Rian smiled at her again and reached for her hand, having sensed the unwelcoming demeanor.
"It's not something much honey,"he said softly."I just really need it and there's no one else I can turn to"
He raised his hand to her face and tilted her chin to look at him. His eyes were glowing as she stared deeper into them, Laura's resolve began to weaken. An all too familiar feeling creeping into her chest.
"What do you want?"She said in resignation."what do you want from me this time?"
"It's nothing much babe,"he tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ears as he slowly pinned her to the wall."I just need some money"
She rolled her eyes irritation."As always."
"It's not what you think babe,"he said in defence, *"it's just that.."
"How much do you need!"
"Oh babe I know you're..."
"How much do you want me to give you Rian,"she cut in again.
"Okay I want $500k"
"What!"
"I need it urgently for my business"
"For your business?"
"Yes honey,"he grabbed her as she made to walk out and pulled her back."You know I don't have anyone else to turn to. Save me this time, save my business"
"But that money is too.."
"Please,"he wrapped his hand around her shoulder and placed her head on his chest."My business is on the verge of bankruptcy. Laura... Please. I'll return it if I have to, just do me this favour. This one time"
Laura didn't bother to give an ear to the last statement. It was the one hundredth time she would be hearing it. But she listened to the string of pain in her own chest, she had to be responsible for Rian. If he didn't considered her as part of himself, he wouldn't always turn to her for assistance.
"It's okay. I don't have enough cash. Will you accept bank transfer?"
"What about your ATM card, "he asked slyly, "or don't you trust me to that extent?"
"Don't be silly Rian. You know I don't have a personal account. The only ATM card I have is for my employees. I pay their salaries with it, I always leave it at the office."
"It's all good babe"
"I'll have my PA prepare the money for you,"she fished out her phone and started dialling his numbe."You should get a response in an hour or less"
"Thanks honey"
Even though Rian wasn't convinced by the repudiating response, he managed to force a small and a final hug before hopping into his car."Silly girl!"He muttered under his breath as he pulled of the driveway, "Stingy goat! There is no way you can have one ATM card. But don't worry I'll get access to that very soon. It's only a matter of time"
As he proceeded with his journey, he struggled to keep the annoying thoughts at bay but it didn't work. They taunted him incitingly, set his heart ablaze even as he pulled the car to the front of a white building. The rowdiness in the building and the thick smell of alcohol in the air failed to placate him but his lips curved into an automatic smile the instant he set his eyes on a familiar face in the corner.
"Over here!"She said with a wave and he instantly walked to her and engulfed her in a, long, warm embrace.
"I've missed you babe"
She raised her head and locked lips with him, the smell of his cologne thick in her nose.
"I've missed you too Rian"
"Have you had anything to eat today?"They sat down and he pulled out the menu.
"I don't feel like taking anything"
"And why is that?"
She shrugged and looked away, folding her arms underneath her breasts."Nevermind. It's
not for you to worry about"
"Is it because of the money?"He stretched his hand towards her but she slapped it away, narrowing her eyes at him."okay babe I understand..."
"You don't understand anything Rion"she shot back."How can you choose to lead me on this cruelly. How can you choose to toy with my feelings?"
"What do you mean by leading you on? Why would I ever such a thing. I love so much and you know that"
"If that is the case when haven't you gotten rid of her? Why are you still with Laura"
The question wasn't unexpected but the way it suddenly resonated with him alarmed him. What was he truly doing with that ugly thing called Laura? Why was he still putting up with her?
"You made me promises Rian,"she continued."You made my centre my whole life around you. This is taking too long. Do you not want me anymore"
"You're getting this twisted Lilly. I am actually making plans for the two of us, good plans!"
"Does it involve taking Laura to the altar in the end? Because I don't understand you anymore"
"Okay I'm sorry. It's just that I'm trying extort more money from her. The ones I've gotten from her is not enough for us to start up with. I promise you babe, once I have the money, which will be sooner than you think, I'll send you your cut and we'll get out of the country"
"Is that a deal?,"she asked as her eyes brightened up with excitement.
"I can swear my life on it babe."Rian assured, "I love you too much to lie to you, you need to understand that"
"Okay Rian. I love you too":
As the duo went on playing and vibing to the live band in the pub, a figure stood up from the seat beside them and walked out. The instant this figure was out of the noisy pub, he it removed its face cap. It was Chris, and he happened to have overheard the conversation between Rian and his paramour.