Chapter 67 SPONTANEITY
POV: PATRICK
I was mesmerized by Elisabeth, naked, and captivated by the TV rising from the floor. She was the most beautiful sight, so I pulled her onto the bed, dominating her from above. My heart pounded with a strange certainty, and an absurd idea came to mind.
“Just marry me!” There was so much conviction in every word that I was surprised by the proposal myself.
It made sense. We had only recently become involved, but I had always respected the professional boundary. That never lessened my interest and curiosity about this woman, who always intrigued me. Everything changed after that discovery. Since then, living behind masks no longer seemed fair!
Elisabeth had the ideal profile I had been seeking. She was trustworthy, dedicated, loved what she did, and still nurtured a passion in her heart: to be a writer.
There was no one better than her for this. I wanted her in my place, taking over my empire. I knew that only Lis could carry on with my dreams. Furthermore, I sighed as Greg entered the room, frowning at me lying there naked.
“I'm not getting into bed with you!” he said, wrinkling his nose.
“Your loss; I'm a great lover,” I smiled, picking up the shorts thrown on the floor.
“If that were true, you wouldn't have women wanting to destroy you and another running scared from your room.” Crossing his arms, he stared at me. “What did you say to make Elisabeth act like that?”
“I asked her to marry me!” I kept my eyes steady on his, and his mouth dropped open.
“You did what?” Rubbing his temples, Greg approached. “Why would you do something so stupid?”
“Why not? It makes sense, and besides, it would simplify the process of her rise to taking over the publishing house.” I threw on the shirt, went to the side drawer, and took the medication, swallowing it.
“And you want me to believe you're doing this just for business?” He moved closer, serious. “Patrick, do you realize how much she could get hurt in this?”
“It's not just for business!” I said firmly, impatient. “I want her.”
“You're in love!” Greg raised his hands dramatically. “Now we not only have a new enemy but also have to deal with your being unfocused.”
“I haven't lost my focus, Greg. Never suggest that again!” I grabbed him by the shirt forcefully. “Understood?”
"Whatever..." I released him roughly, irritated. He handed me an envelope. “The documents have been signed and registered; this is the copy, and I'll keep the original safe as agreed.”
“Excellent!” I smiled, excited. “And the transaction of Forbs' 50% stake?”
“Completed. Now we start the merger and endure Heloise's tantrums.” Greg pondered, tilting his head. “Does Elisabeth know these actions are being taken? And that your ex will be more present daily?”
“Not yet. With Elisabeth's ex on the loose, I don't plan to let her return to work at the office.” I sighed.
“You know she needs to be more active and present in the negotiations, the merger, and the decision-making...That was the goal from the start.” My friend seemed agitated.
“What bothers you?” I frowned, crossing my arms and analyzing him.
“That your relationship with her is hindering Elisabeth's development for the position." He crossed his arms, staring at me. “Our time is short, and she needs to be prepared.”
“She will be!” I clenched my fists, nervous. “Focus on your role in this game and let me handle mine.”
“Yes, sir.” Greg said over his shoulder, stopping at the door. “Just don't say I didn't warn you.”
I threw a pillow in his direction as he left. My phone started vibrating nonstop. I looked at the caller ID with the unknown number when the messages caught my attention:
“You have something that belongs to me, Mr. Morgan, and I will take it back!”
“Damn it!” I squeezed the device hard, cracking the screen. Another notification arrived.
“You have a lovely home. It's so nice to see Elisabeth seeking comfort from her grandmother.”
Alarmed, I dropped the phone, grabbed the gun from beside the bed, and ran towards Mrs. Eva's room. Greg was downstairs when he noticed my agitation and came toward me.
“What's going on?” he asked.
“The bastard is watching us.” I whispered to him.
“How? We have a state-of-the-art security system!” Greg stared at me, surprised.
We headed towards the room, where Lis seemed to have fallen asleep on her grandmother's lap. Mrs. Eva was staring out the window, wide-eyed and frightened, pointing. I signaled for her to stay quiet as we approached. When something moved, Greg opened the window, and I aimed the gun. A drone rose and flew away with a small sign:
“BOO, I FOUND YOU!”
I thought about shooting the drone but didn't want to wake Elisabeth and cause more alarm. The device flew off and disappeared.
“Greg?” I whispered firmly to him.
“I know, I'll increase security!” he said hurriedly. “I'll find out how that damn drone breached our security barriers.”
As he rushed out, I sat at the edge of the bed, looking at Mrs. Eva.
“Please, don't mention this to Lis.” I asked politely. “Are you okay?”
“Can you really protect my girl?” Eva held my hands, distressed. “He will kill her if he catches her.”
“That won't happen, I promise you!” I squeezed her hands, reassuring her.
“Promise what?” Lis said sleepily. I hid the gun beside the bed.
“That I'll take you to bed!” I winked at Mrs. Eva, who smiled more calmly. “Shall we?”
“Good night, Grandma.” Kissing her forehead, Lis rubbed her eyes, yawning, and left the room.
I took the gun from under the bed, hiding it behind my shirt, and followed her.
“Where are you going?” I frowned as I saw her heading in the opposite direction of my room.
“I'm looking for my room, Patrick...I assume you have many visitors.” Running her hands through her tousled hair, she continued walking.
“My room is your room!” I pulled her by the waist, twirling her and leading her to the bedroom. “You use and abuse me and don't want to spend the night with me? That's cruel of you, Mrs. Elisabeth. I didn't know you were such a rogue!”
“Did you just call me a rogue?” She raised an eyebrow. “As far as I remember, you wanted to be used and abused!”
Entering the room, I laughed, kissing her.
“And I want it more often!”I teased.
“That's why I need another room. I need rest, and you're insatiable.”Rolling her eyes, a smile escaped her lips.
“Oh, Lis, but the idea crossed your naughty mind.”Playfully, I bit her lips, dragging her to the bed. I subtly hid the gun near the mattress while kissing her, taking her once more on that cold night.