73- Hunter’s response
Breathe Abigail. Breathe. Inhale. Exhale. Good girl. She was standing before the giant door at the end of the corridor. The guard checked her invitation and ushered her in.
The moment she entered the door she raised her chin, straightened her posture, and managed a confident grin on her face. Men started checking her out with interest but Abigail did not seem to notice them. She was looking for the one and only.
Her eyes were combing the crowd around her when suddenly her eyes fell on a group of men. He was there, with his back towards her. She could easily recognize him anywhere maybe because of his distinguished height and broad shoulders.
His shoulder blades tensed a bit under his jacket sensing her presence. He gradually turned around with a wine glass in his hand and could not control the gasp escaping his lips. There stood his wife.
Well! Seemed like his wife.
This was not his usual coffee girl.
The woman standing there exhibited royalty, grace, and excellence. She was wearing a peach-colored evening dress, which was off-shoulder exposing her delicate neck and smooth shoulder skin. It was a Paris chiffon dress having applique work in front with a high slit showing her perfect leg.
Her long black hair was left loose with a semi-braid. Molly had given her the makeover with a peachy nude shade which made her skin more glowing.
She was standing there waiting for him, he realized. What he did not realize was his companions were telling him about some upcoming project which was only halfway when he turned around to see his wife. Leaving them, he took long strides to reach her and stopped there at an arm’s length.
“Abigail!” his voice was barely audible.
“Hunter.” she tilted her head with a smile.
“Now I know why you did not let me pick you.”
“Ahan. And why is that?” She raised a brow. “We would never have gotten the chance to attend the ball,” he shrugged taking in her appearance. She got his meaning and a blush crept on her cheek.
Bless you, Moll. You were so right.
Taking a few more steps, he reached to her and took her in his arms.
“Sugar. I need to kiss you but… ”
Oh God, Hunter. And I need to do a lot more than just a kiss.
“But?”
“Not here.”
“Then where?”
“Somewhere… private.” His eyes were on her lips and his hands were trailing her bare arms.
“By the way, where have you hidden my wife?” He asked with a lazy grin. She could not answer that, clearing her throat she started playing with the front button of his shirt. “Hunter. I am hungry.”
“Me too, Abigail.” He said meaningfully making her heart skip a beat. They were standing close to each other, way too close, staring into each other’s eyes. She was about to say something when a blond woman out of nowhere placed her perfectly manicured hand on Hunter’s arm, “Hunter. It’s so good to see you!”
It seemed like they had come out of some magical spell. Hunter was casual but Abigail had to force the smile on her lips. Hunter hugged the woman then the woman turned towards her.
“Celine.” She instantly remembered the haughty blond who made a fuss at the office.
“Hello! Who are you?” Celine was definitely a drama queen. Abigail had to roll her eyes. Hunter did introduce them when they last met.
“She is Abigail. My wife. You met her in my office if you remember.” Shrugging her shoulders she merely blessed Abigail with a nod and turned her attention to Hunter.
“You promised to introduce me to someone if you remember.” She pouted like a child and Abigail was internally fuming. She was feeling hell jealous.
“Abigail. I would be back in a minute, sweetheart.” Hunter gave a quick peck on her cheek. Abigail nodded smiling sweetly.
“No problem, Hunter.”
While leaving with Hunter, Celine gave her a side smirk, making her feel somewhat lowly and insignificant. She just stood there telling herself that Hunter would be back soon. But when that ‘SOON’ turned out to be thirty minutes she gave up.
Strolling casually she went to the bar located at the far end of the hall. “Fruit cocktail please.” She sat on a stool too engrossed in herself when someone breathed near her ear.
“Still don’t like getting drunk?” the hair on her nape stood.
“What are you doing here?” she asked without even bothering to look in his direction. Kyle chuckled “What do you think? I can’t manage to climb up the ladder which you had already conquered?”
“Excuse me?” Her brows knitted at his peculiar example, “What do you even mean by that?” The bartender handed her the cocktail which she accepted and started taking small sips.
“Nothing.” He smiled and gave her a once over. “You look beautiful by the way.”
She felt a little irritated, “What’s your problem, Kyle? Why you are here?”
“I told you that… ”
“I know what you f*cking told me.” she hissed while he roared with laughter.
“Levisay has sure taught you how to curse.”
“He has taught me a lot of other things too, Kyle. Wanna try?”
“I don’t understand. Why are you so angry?”
“And I don’t understand why you are sitting here?”
“We were friends too, Abigail,” he muttered.
Abigail had to roll her eyes at his audacity, “We were fiancé too… Kyle.”
She mimicked his style. This time rage took over Kyle, holding her hair tightly he brought his face closer to her mouth. Abigail winced in pain.
“Leave me.” She rasped with hate. ” Leave me damn it. You are hurting me.”
They both were drawing attention. People around them had stopped talking, it was now pin drop silence.
“I won’t leave you. I once made this mistake but not anymore.” When he laughed, she could smell alcohol in his breath. He started trailing his fingers on her face smudging her eye makeup a little. Then he started tracing her lips, lingering them there…
When it got beyond control she slapped him, little did she know that she was inviting his wreath. He shook her head making her flinch with pain, he laughed again. Abigail could feel wetness in her eyes. Just when she was about to give up, someone held Kyle by his shoulders and threw him away.
“Abigail! Sweetheart! You alright?” She almost wanted to cry with relief when she heard Hunter’s soothing voice.
Abigail looked around with tears in her eyes. She had never felt this embarrassed in her life. This was the second time Kyle had made her suffer.
Hunter was seething with anger, he reached Kyle in a few strides and punched the man right on his face, ” How dare you touch her? You pig head!” Kyle’s nose started bleeding. Hunter was raining continuous punches on his face, making everyone gasp in fear.
Abigail wanted to stop him but she was frozen due to the shock. Though she was not injured, Kyle had just grabbed her hair, a little too roughly.
Few people standing there pulled Hunter away from Kyle’s body. Hunter came back to her and took her in his arms, escorting her outside. Abigail was taking deep breaths to calm her nerves. Just then a man in his fifties came to them.
“Mrs. Levisay, I am so sorry.” The man had genuine worry on his face. Abigail was quiet, she was still shocked, “Who are you?”
“He is our host, Abigail. Mr. McKenzie.” Hunter was holding her, trying to soothe her with his gentle strokes on her back. He was mentally cursing himself for leaving her alone.
Abigail sank into his body to get some more comfort. She did not know what the two men were discussing but she could still sense Hunter’s anger towards the situation.
“Mr. McKenzie! We had been biggest business rivals but this time the line is crossed. I would not tolerate any disrespect towards my wife.”
“I know Hunter, and I wish I can assure you that we would take action against him. He was hired for our wood furniture contract and I guarantee you that we would end the contract at the first crack of dawn.” Mr. McKenzie was truly remorseful.
“You know very well, our rivalry never got beyond our business. And I assure you it would remain a healthy competition in future too. My heartiest apologies to you and your beautiful wife.”
Hunter nodded accepting his apology.
“Ready to go home?” he whispered gently and kissed her head when she moved it in affirmation. She was still shaken, whatever happened inside was something she never expected. Kyle had attacked her and that too in front of so many people.
Thank God, Hunter was there in time. Otherwise, Kyle would have killed me! The mere thought made her shiver. Hunter felt it while sitting in the car. He took off his jacket and draped it around her.
Later that night wearing his t-shirt, which was oversize for her, Abigail went to the study room. Hunter was sitting on the couch in just a pair of shorts, with the laptop beside him and a file on his lap. The moment he saw her he closed the file.
“You alright? I was not planning to leave you alone but this thing just came up.” Instead of answering him, Abi just smiled and went to the shelf to select a novel for herself.
“Relax. I am fine.” Right now she was in the confines of her home and was safe.
“Abigail, you went shopping.” He remarked while standing and stretching.
“Yes, I did. Why?” she picked a book while going through its blurb. It was not easy to ignore his perfect body. How long would it take to get rid of that single clothing away from his body?
“You are still wearing my t-shirt.” He stated matter of factly while walking towards her.
“I like them more.” She frowned a little. “I did try sleeping suits but nothing can beat the comfort of these t -shirts I guess.” she gibed. “Better take back your credit card and buy some t- shirts for yourself.”
He pulled a face at her and she laughed. Abigail had been very poor in befriending anyone. But he was an exception. Sometimes she felt like she had given him a part of herself and had been rewarded by receiving a part of him.
Eventually, she felt lucky, because she was the one who got the chance to stay close to him. They were standing very close to each other, she realized. And now that he was this close, the sexual tension again started to consume her.
For some unknown reason, she started studying his naked chest to avoid any eye contact. But that was worse.
Hell!
Hunter was like a breath of fresh air for her. His scent was addictive and she just wanted to inhale it. Without uttering a single word Hunter leaned forward and started touching her lips very lightly with his own. The touch was so light and feathery that she wanted to giggle and bite him at the same time. 3
The kiss remained soft and sweet but after a few moments Hunter groaned and gave in. He increased the pressure on her lips, his tongue swept in tasting her mouth like anything. Abigail’s insides were turning mushy.
She held his face tightly, grinding his face into hers. Hunter’s hand was trailing on her body, still above the t- shirt. Their mouths had become more demanding and Abigail’s hands were tracing the curves on his naked chest and back. She could feel the heat emanating from his skin to her.
Hunter’s kiss had become aggressive, his hand went at the hem of her t-shirt until it touched the bare skin underneath. Abigail let out a wild moan which froze Hunter. He tilted his head a bit and then very gently, kissing her forehead, he stepped back.
She was confused, puzzlement evident in her eyes.
“Tomorrow is a very important meeting. You better get your sleep, I’ll join you once I am done with it.” He said in a hoarse whisper.
“What?” She was a little bewildered then nodded, forcing a smile on her lips, “Right, umm I really need to go to bed. I am damn tired.” She chuckled and saw him going back to the couch and opening his laptop.
Without another word she left the room, closing the door behind her. While Hunter was sitting there with an open laptop looking at the blank screen.
