THE DEVIL’S HEART
The Devil’s Heart – Chapter 18
(Her possessive devil)
©Goodness Okoye
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Hazard’s laughter was a harsh bark. “No one? You think I’d believe that?”
His eyes narrowed, his grip on her chin tightening. “You’re here because of me.. You are working for me. So you’ll do as I say. Or else.”
Pispa’s eyes dropped, her body stiff with obedience. Her father’s life hung in the balance, a fragile thread tied to Hazard’s whims.
She owns a lot now.
Hazard’s gaze lingered, his smile twisted. “Good girl.”
He turned to leave, his voice dropping low. “You’ll stay here until I decide what to do with you.”
Hazard stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him, leaving Pispa trapped in the cold silence of the penthouse.
The city lights twinkled like tiny stars through the glass, a cruel reminder of her isolation. She paced the room, her eyes scanning for any sign of weakness in the fortress-like walls.
August’s face flashed in her mind, his bright smile, his fierce determination. He’d find her. He had to.
The soft click of the door made her spin around. Corey slipped in, a sly grin spreading across his face. He locked the door behind him, the sound sending a shiver down Pispa’s spine.
“Hey, beautiful,” he whispered, his eyes roving over her. “Thought I’d check on you.”
He leaned against the door, his gaze lingering on her lips. “Hazard’s gone for the night. We have… all night.”
Pispa’s heart pounded, but she held her ground. “I’m not interested, Corey.”
Corey’s laughter was low and husky. “Oh, I think you are. I think you’re just playing hard to get.”
He pushed off the door, stalking closer. Pispa’s back hit the wall, her breath catching. Corey’s eyes sparkled, his voice dropping to a whisper.
“Don’t worry, Pispa. I won’t hurt you… unless you want me to.”
Corey’s smile grew, his eyes glinting with amusement. He leaned in, his breath whispering against Pispa’s ear. “You know, I’ve watched you. I’ve seen the way you look at him. But he’s not here now.”
Pispa’s skin crawled as Corey’s fingers trailed down her arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps. She pushed against him, her voice firm.
“Get away from me.”
Corey’s laughter was low, his eyes sparkling with challenge. “Oh, Pispa. You’re making this more fun than I thought.”
He backed off, hands raised in mock surrender, but his gaze lingered, undressing her. “For now, I’ll play nice. But we’ll continue this… conversation.”
He turned, unlocking the door with a sly grin. “Sleep tight, Pispa. Sweet dreams.”
The door clicked shut, leaving Pispa shaking with tension.
*
August’s sobs echoed through the night as he curled up on the riverbank, his body wracked with grief. The stars above seemed to mock him, their light a cruel reminder of his failure.
He’d promised Pispa’s mom, he’d promised himself… he’d fail.
The river lipped at his feet, a gentle reminder that life went on, even when everything seemed lost. August’s fingers dug into the sand, his mind racing with what-ifs.
What if he’d moved faster?
What if he’d never let her out of his sight?
The questions swirled, taunting him. He felt a hand on his shoulder, Tommy’s voice low.
“Dude… let’s go.”
August shook him off, his voice raw. “Leave me.”
The night wore on, the stars wheeling overhead. August’s tears dried, replaced by a cold, hard resolve.
MORNING~7:08am
Pispa’s eyes fluttered open, the penthouse bathed in harsh morning light. Her heart felt heavy, the weight of her situation crushing. She’d slept fitfully, her mind racing with escape plans and August’s face.
Hazard appeared, sharp suit and cold eyes. “Get ready. We’re going to the office.”
Pispa’s stomach twisted, but she nodded, following him to the car.
At the company HQ, Hazard’s tension was palpable as he introduced her to Mr. Li, a sleek Chinese investor.
“Ah, Pispa. I’ve heard much. I’d love to discuss investment over dinner tonight.”
Hazard shifted, uneasy, but Pispa’s nod was quick. “I’d love to.”
Hazard’s jaw cliked, but he said, “Fine. I’ll arrange it.”
As Li left, Hazard’s voice dropped low. “Be careful, Pispa.”
A flicker of warning in his eyes surprised her. Hazard hovered, his gaze cold, before he reluctantly left them to it.
AT THE RESTAURANT
Dinner was set in a dimly lit, upscale restaurant, the kind where deals were made over expensive wine.
Pispa arrived, dressed in a sleek black dress, her anxiety simmering beneath the surface.
Li’s eyes lit up at Pispa, his smile wide.
Mr. Li greeted her with a smile, his eyes lingering. “You look lovely, Pispa.”
Over wine and delicate food, Li leaned in, his voice smooth. “I invest in people, Pispa. Not just companies. I’m intrigued by you.”
Pispa’s skin crawled, but she smiled, steering the conversation to business. Li’s investment could save.
Li’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Pispa, I’ve been looking at Hazard’s cooking academy proposal, and I think it’s a solid investment. With the right backing, we could make it a premier culinary school in New York City.”
Pispa nodded, her voice enthusiastic. “I agree, Mr. Li. Hazard’s passion for cooking is unmatched. If we can scale it right, it’ll be a hit.”
Li leaned in, his tone calculating. “What’s the projected ROI on this? How soon can we see profits?”
Pispa’s smile was confident. “Conservative estimate? We should see a 20% profit margin within the first two years. And with Hazard at the helm, the brand will draw serious talent.”
Li’s gaze narrowed. “And Hazard’s involvement? He’s not exactly… easy to pin down.”
Pispa’s eyes held his. “Leave Hazard to me, Mr. Li. He’s on board if we move forward with the investment.”
Li nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Alright, Pispa. I’ll commit $500 million to Hazard’s academy. But I want a seat on the board to oversee the finances.”
Pispa’s smile was polite, but her eyes flashed a hint of negotiation. “I’ll talk to Hazard, but I think he might push for a $400 million cap. And we can discuss the board seat… if you come to the grand opening event.”
Li’s eyes crinkled at the corners, intrigued. “Deal. I’ll send the proposal over. And… Pispa?”
“Yes?” she prompted.
“Make sure Hazard knows I’m watching his academy closely.”
As dinner ended, Li’s hand brushed hers. “Walk with me, Pispa.”
A shiver ran down her spine. She pulled away, her voice light. “I’d better get back.”
Li’s smile didn’t falter, but his eyes hardened. “Another time.”
Pispa smiled nervously, she opened her mouth the spill words…
Hazard burst through the restaurant’s dimly lit lobby, his eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Pispa.
She was laughing, Mr. Li’s hand on her lower back, his face inches from hers.
A red haze clouded Hazard’s vision. He strode over, his voice low and lethal. “Pispa, let’s go.”
Pispa’s eyes widened as Hazard’s hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her away from Li. The Chinese man’s smile turned icy.
“Ah, Hazard. I wasn’t aware you were… involved.”
Hazard’s gaze could freeze water. “We’re leaving.”
Pispa’s heart raced as he pulled her out into the night air. “Hazard, what-“
He cut her off, his voice rough. “Don’t. Just don’t.”
The car waited, Hazard’s grip on her waist tightening as he pushed her in. The door slammed shut, the silence suffocating.
Hazard’s eyes narrowed as he faced Mr. Li, his voice low and menacing. “Listen carefully, Li. Pispa’s off-limits. You keep your dealings strictly business. Got it?”
Li’s smile was polite, but his eyes flashed with understanding. “Of course, Hazard. I wasn’t aware of… your interest.”
Hazard’s gaze could freeze steel. “Just remember: Pispa’s part of my investment. You touch, you lose.”
As he turned to leave, a snippet of Pispa’s laughter from earlier replayed in his mind – the way she’d smiled at Li’s words. Hazard’s jaw clicked, his grip on the car door tightening.
No one made Pispa laugh like that. No one.
Hazard slid into the car, his eyes fixed on Pispa. She was frowning, her arms crossed.
“What was that.. Sir?”
He leaned back, his voice casual. “Just setting boundaries.”
Pispa’s gaze narrowed. “Boundaries? You were practically possessive.”
Hazard’s mask slipped, a flicker of raw emotion crossing his face. He looked away, his voice low. “Don’t read into it.”
The car’s silence was thick, Pispa’s eyes on him, Hazard’s pulse thrumping in his neck.
What’s going on?
TBC…
