Chapter 7

ASHFORD

“The Terras are interested in doing business with you.” Desmond keeps babbling all the way to the car park.

I don’t understand why he can’t get the memo that I’m not in any way interested in whatever business he is trying to set up with the Terras.

Ever since I got a text from Lennox an hour ago about her ex-boyfriend’s display of foolishness at her cafe, I’ve been having urges to find him and teach him a lesson or two.

Funny how I never liked the asshole right from the first day Lennox introduced him as her boyfriend. He looked cocky and arrogant with a touch of stupidity.

“Mr. Ashford.” Desmond calls, snapping my attention back to him.

For the hundredth time, I hate his babbling so much. “Can you stop talking for a second?” I’m a second away from snapping at him. 

“This business will be beneficial to the company, Mr. Ashford. You should review their proposal with an open mind.” He never keeps talking.

“For the love of heavens, please be quiet, Desmond.” I glare at him over my shoulder and this time, his mouth clams shut. Good. 

“I’m sorry, Boss.” His apology comes in a low voice.

“Now tell me, have you been able to get your hands on Joshua Rufus’ location?”

Desmond nods, eyeing me suspiciously. “Yes, I have.”

My brows deepens as I stare at him, waiting for him to spill out the asshole’s location. “Spill it out.” My voice tightens.

“He is on the outskirts of Marble Falls.” Desmond spills out reluctantly, like he knows exactly what I am about to do.

“Good, you can take the day off.” I reach to enter my car, but Desmond’s question has me halting at the entrance.

“Why are you stalking your best friend’s ex?” Desmond is a curious person and I knew he would ask me sooner or later. Though, it comes faster than I expected.

“I’m not stalking him.” I bite out, forcing a smile on my lips to put his mind at ease. “I just need to straighten things with him.”

Desmond pauses. Typical detective mood. He stares into my eyes and walks to my side of the car. “Can you rethink this? I believe you’re making a very wrong decision.”

I am only doing what is right. And what is right is punching Joshua square in the face.

“I won’t do anything stupid.” 

My words don't seem to assure him. “I don’t trust you. You’re going to do something stupid.”

I let out a frustrated sigh, throwing my head backward. “I’m just going to have a word with him, so he won’t repeat his actions.” The anger brewing inside me is about to combust.

“What about the media? Remember they are all over the place now, since you pulled that stunt with your best friend.”

The way Desmond keeps calling Lennox my ‘best friend’ instead of addressing her by the name seems to piss me off.

The word ‘best friend’ reminds me of how much limitation I have in Lennox’s life. I shouldn’t intervene much in her personal affairs, yet, I find myself doing just that.

“Have the Avionics checked the jet yet? Remember, I’ll be using it in a few weeks for a wedding in Seravelle island.” I ignore his earlier words, pretending I didn’t hear it.

“Boss…” Desmond sighs, probably frustrated at my stubbornness. 

I can be bull-headed at times.

“One more word from you, Desmond, and your letter of dismissal will be the first thing you’ll receive in your email box tomorrow.” This seems to get him off my neck.

Armed with Joshua Rufus’ location, I drive to the company he works for.

Upon arriving, I stare at the building which looks more like a shopping mall than an actual working space. So much for being arrogant and cocky.

I am directed to his office and upon reaching, I don’t bother knocking. I just stroll in and immediately Joshua sees me, he suspends everything he is doing.

The asshole squares off with me like he is prepared for a fight, but I remain cool. I didn’t come to throw fists like teenagers.

“You see, Joshua.” I start off, taking slow but deliberate steps towards him. “I hate when people harass those I love. So, if I were you, I’d stop being an asshole and back off from Lennox.”

This is a piece of words I will advise he takes very seriously. 

“Don’t think you can intimidate me because you’re some trust fund kid!” He snaps at me and speck of his spit hits my cheeks.

While he screams in my face, I try to remain cool and not let the rage brewing in my chest explode, because I know neither of us would like it.

“Why are you fighting for that gold digger? That bitch who pretends to be an angel for a pity party?” 

Okay, well, I already visualized punching him square in the face, but the only thing stopping me is the fact that Lennox might be unhappy with me.

So I do what I do best, clench my fists and suck it all up. “I doubt we are on the same page here.”

Joshua comes closer, towering over me, even though he is barely reaching my shoulders. “I left her because she…”

I cut in, right before he says another word that will piss me off. And I promise, this time, I won’t hold back. “No, she left you after you proved you’re worthless. I know everything that happened.”

I inch closer. “Now listen to me carefully. I’m not about to start a fight with a childish ex-boyfriend. Do yourself a favour and stay away from my girl.”

Joshua huffs a laugh, mimicking my stance. “Or what?” He scoffs, drawing his brows together like I’m going to be intimidated by his cheap stance. “File a restraining order against me, huh?”

I take a step back and tilt my head. This dude doesn’t know what is about to hit him. “No, worse than that.”

“Try me.” I add.