THE DEVIL’S HEART
The Devil’s Heart – Chapter 19
(Her possessive devil)
©Goodness Okoye
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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?
Hazard’s expression darkened as he turned back to Pispa. “What’s so funny, Pispa?” he growled, his voice low and accusing. “You were smiling like a Cheshire cat with Mr. Li. What were you thinking about?”
Pispa’s smile never wappened, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Just discussing business.”
Hazard’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t lie to me. I saw you. You were laughing with him like you are under a spell.”
Pispa’s expression remained serene, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Maybe I was just being polite. You should try it sometime.”
Hazard’s face turned cold. “Polite? You call that polite? I call it flirting. You’re mine, Pispa. Don’t forget that.”
Pispa’s smile grew wider, a dare in her eyes. “Am I?”
Hazard’s jaw clenched, his anger and jealousy simmering. He turned and walked away, leaving Pispa to wonder if she’d pushed him too far.
Hazard’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of tension as he turned to look out the window, the city lights of York blurring together. The drive home was silent, the only sound the soft hum of the engine.
As they pulled into the driveway, Hazard got out of the car without a word, his movements economical and controlled. Pispa followed, her eyes on him, but he didn’t look back.
Inside the house, Hazard headed straight for the kitchen, the need for a drink suddenly urgent. Pispa watched him, her arms crossed, as he poured himself a glass of whiskey.
He downed it in one gulp, the liquor burning down his throat. Still, he didn’t look at her.
Pispa’s voice was soft, a dare in her tone. “You know, for someone who isn’t jealous, you’re acting pretty… territorial.”
Hazard’s eyes snapped to hers, a flash of anger there before he got it under control. He was mute.
But Pispa just smiled, a knowing glare in her eyes. “Keep telling yourself that, Hazard.” She whispered.
Pispa’s eyes held Hazard’s, her breathing shallow. The kitchen seemed to shrink, the air thick with anticipation. Hazard’s phone suddenly rang, breaking the tension.
He cursed softly, pulling it out. “What?” he barked.
The voice on the other end was apologetic. “Hazard, it’s Lena. We have a problem with the Li investment.”
Hazard’s eyes never left Pispa’s. “Handle it, Lena. I’m busy.”
Pispa raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on her lips. Hazard ended the call, his gaze burning into hers.
“No more distractions,” he growled, setting his glass down.
Pispa’s smile slowly faded as she watched Hazard walk away, the silence in the room thickening. She let out a soft sigh, her eyes narrowing in thought.
She poured herself a glass of wine, her movements deliberate. “Guess someone’s got a case of the green monster,” she murmured to herself, a hint of amusement still in her voice.
Pispa took a sip, her eyes fixed on the door Hazard had stormed out of. “Time to play, Hazard,” she whispered, a plan forming in her mind.
The game was far from over.
*
Wayne got home and his mind wasn’t at rest, he promised to meet Hazard, he need to face him.
Ever since Pispa had joined his company, it increased more customers and it angered him that Hazard was the best.
In the morning, he wore his best clothes and drove to DEHAVILLAND KITCHEN. He sighed, it had been long he came across Hazard.
He’s always some steps ahead of him.. it shatters his heart.
Diva came in and informed him of Wayne’s arrival his face twitched.
“Let him in.” He exhaled with his eyes on his system. Diva left to get Wayne, when he walked in, Hazard pretend not seeing him.
“Don’t act like you don’t notice me.” Wayne sat, without let him to offer him a seat. His eyes roamed around Hazard’s office.
Hazard angrily looked up. “I didn’t offer you a seat and I didn’t tell you to sit.” His voice was hoarse.
“I don’t need to.” Wayne smiled dryily. “You are always a loser.”
“Who are you if I may ask?” Hazard taunted, dropped his tablet on the table, relaxing more on his chair to get a clear view of Wayne.
It has been so long.
So fucking long.
Their presence traumatized each other.
“We hate each other you know that right?” Hazard added. “Why are you here, moron?”
Wayne’s eyes narrowed, his voice low and determined. “Hazard, you can’t keep her on your team forever. I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse – give me Pispa, or face a takeover bid for your company.”
“Who? Who do you mean by she?”
Wayne was burning in anger. He took his lower lips vengefully. “That girl.. I’m taking her from you.”
Hazard laughed, unfazed. “You think you can take me down, Wayne? Pispa’s staying with me. Besides, she’s not just an employee, she’s my right-hand woman. She’s the brains behind our latest marketing campaigns.”
Wayne’s face turned cold. “This isn’t over, Hazard. I’ll get Pispa, one way or another. I’ve got a project in mind that needs her expertise, and I’m not letting you stand in my way.”
Hazard smirked, confident in his position. “I’m shaking in my boots, Wayne. But seriously, Pispa’s not just a team member, she’s a key player. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her on my team.”
Wayne’s smile was calculated. “We’ll see about that. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve, Hazard. You might want to watch your back.”
The rivalry between the two intensified, with Pispa caught in the middle, completely unaware of the battle brewing behind her back.
Hazard leaned forward, his voice dripping with challenge. “Bring it on, Wayne. I’m ready for you.”
Wayne stormed out of Hazard’s office, his anger and frustration boiling over. He slammed his fist on the car door, the loud bang echoing through the parking garage. “How could she choose him?” he muttered to himself, his chest feeling like it was about to implode.
He got into his car, his mind racing with schemes and strategies to get Pispa away from Hazard. “I’ll make him regret ever recruiting her,” Wayne vowed, his eyes narrowing with determination.
As he drove, his phone rang through the car’s speakers. It was his trusted advisor, Rachel. “Wayne, what’s going on? You sound like you’ve lost your last marble,” she said, concern etched in her voice.
Wayne’s laugh was bitter. “Hazard’s got Pispa, Rachel. I need you to dig up dirt on him. Anything. Everything. I want leverage.”
Rachel’s voice turned serious. “Got it, boss. I’ll get the team on it right away.”
Wayne’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Make it happen, Rachel. I want Pispa on my team, no matter what it takes.”
The game was on, and Wayne was playing to win.
*
Pispa stepped out of the office building, the evening sun a welcome relief after a long day of meetings. She pulled out her phone, scrolling through her messages as she walked towards the parking lot.
She was longing to phone Mel, Dulcie or maybe August.
Hazard aren’t giving her Chance, he either scold at her and ask her to pick nothing from his car at the parking lot or ask her to keep repeating a particular food for many times.
“Pispa, wait up!”
She turned to see Wayne hurrying towards her, a determined look on his face. Pispa’s expression turned guarded. “Hey, what is it? What the fuck do you want from me”
Wayne stopped in front of her, his eyes intense. “Look, I’ve been thinking. Give me another chance. Let’s work together on this project. We make a great team.”
Pispa shook her head, her voice firm. “Wayne, I’ve told you before. I’m not interested. Please respect my decision.”
Wayne’s face fell, but he didn’t back down. “It’s because of Hazard, isn’t it? You’re choosing him over the company?”
Pispa’s eyes flashed with annoyance. “This has nothing to do with him. It’s about what’s best for me and my career. Now, if you’ll excuse me.
Wayne’s expression turned bitter, but he nodded and stepped aside. “Fine. But this isn’t over, Pispa.”
“Look, stop threatening me with my family’s life okay?”
“Family..?” He chuckled. “Okay?” He shrugged leaving, Pispa watched.
Hazard stormed out of the office building, his eyes scanning the parking lot until they landed on Pispa and Wayne. His face darkened as he watched Wayne approach her, his anger simmering.
Just as Wayne was leaving, Hazard strode over, his expression thunderous. “Pispa,” he growled, his eyes flashing with possessiveness.
Pispa turned to him, a hint of fear on her eyes. “Sir. What are you doing here?”
Hazard ignored her question, his gaze fixed on the spot where Wayne had just disappeared. “What did he want?” he demanded, his voice low and rough.
Pispa raised an eyebrow. “H.. He is Just talking business, . Nothing.”
Hazard’s grip on Pispa’s arm didn’t loosen as he pulled her into an empty office, the door slamming shut behind them. He backed her against the wall, his chest inches from hers, his breathing rough.
“You like pushing me, don’t you?” he growled, his eyes blazing with possessiveness. “Playing with fire, Pispa.”
Pispa’s breathes was her only response, a fear in her eyes.
Hazard’s control snapped. He leaned in, his lips claiming hers in a fierce kiss, leaving no doubt who she belonged to.
TBC…
