CHAPTER SIX

Caden's POV

“Say that one more time. I didn't quite hear you the first time.” I said, uncrossing my arms.

Casa shook her head as if disappointed. “This isn't a joke, Caden. You will be getting married if your life is threatened again.”

“Like fuck I will!” I scoffed. “You expect me to arrive when my life is in danger? What is marriage now? Some sort of life insurance?”

Gabriel made an attempt to speak but I cut him off.

“Not another word from you. The last thing I want to hear is your shitty American accent.” I spun around and picked at the hairs at the back of my neck with my good hand.

“Caden, this is what your grandfather wanted.” Jonathan began softly.

“What about what I want?” I tilted my head to meet his gaze. “Did any of you stop to ask me that?”

“It's not in our power to do that, Caden,” Jonathan sighed. “Your grandfather clearly stated in the second clause that if a threat to your life is deemed persistent beyond 30 days, then you'll have to get married to someone vetted and approved by the board.”

“Why?” I asked, still picking at the hairs till they stung like a bitch.

“Your grandpa was obsessed with legacy and stability. And a single, reckless CEO with a death wish isn’t exactly stable in the eyes of investors.” Gabriel added.

“Investors are what you're worried about when my life is in danger? I should fire you!” I hissed. “And marriage? Who, pray tell, is the saviour I'll be getting married to.”

The trio exchanged quiet looks, giving me the answer I needed to know.

I slapped my forehead.“Jesus Christ.”

“Having a bodyguard follow you everywhere 24/7 will only spark suspicion among the people so to avoid that, your grandfather decided we have a bodyguard pose as your partner, thereby reducing the risk of your life falling in danger.” Casa explained like this was one of those shitty lectures she attends in Cambridge.

I sum everything they've told me and sighed. “So you’re telling me if I don’t marry my bodyguard, I lose my entire company?”

The trio exchanged a resigned look before looking at me.

“Yes.” They chorused.

That word did enough damage.

I stuffed both my hands in my pockets and turned to the door.

“Caden, where are you going?” Gabriel called behind me.

I clutched the doorknob and twisted it open. “To my room to get some sleep. You know, to sleep on the bomb you three just dropped on my lap.”

“You know this marriage will still hold without your consent.” Casa added.

“Like hell it would.” I walked out of the room, not forgetting to slam the door on my way out. lol

I didn't even bother to return to the kitchen. Those three had successfully ruined my appetite like they do every time.

“Dinner is ready, sir.” Joakim said the moment I stepped into the living room.

I dismissed him with a light wave. “I'm not hungry. Thank you.”

“You sure?” He arched his brow.

“Are you deaf?! I said I'm not hungry!” I snapped.

Shit.

I palmed my forehead and sighed. “Look, I lost my cool and I'm sorry but please, I'm not hungry. You can share dinner with the rest of the team. Goodnight.”

With that, I paddled to the direction of my room. A good night's sleep would fix this nightmare. I'm too young to be depressed.

“Depressed huh? That's a common word teenagers use nowadays.” Those words flashed through my head and I stopped dead in my tracks.

It was HIM. Again. Why does he keep running through my mind after all these years? What gave him the right to just punish me with the memory of his eyes and his scent?

Fuck. I think I'm obsessed.

Another sigh escaped me and I took a step forward but I bumped into a wall. Since when were walls built with chiseled muscles and 6 packs?

“If you want to feel my abs, you could just ask nicely.” A familiar gravy voice caressed my skin.

I looked up and met full pink lips, pointed nose till they locked on dark-gray eyes.

Asher was sporting a black T-shirt that clung to his upper body like a second skin. The man was ripped in all the good places. He was the kind of man God had spent time creating. Too bad, the man in question was an infuriating asshole.

“I'd rather bleach my eyes than touch you.” I pulled away from him.

“You sure? Because you looked like you wanted to.” He flashed me a grin and I died. I cannot be attracted to this man. It's Mission : Impossible.

“Go fuck yourself, Asher.” I tried to sidestep him but he grabbed my elbow. “Let go.”

“One of these days, I'll teach that foul mouth of yours a lesson.” He growled.

Okay. What did I find that hot? And why in Queen Elizabeth's name was I looking forward to the lesson he'll teach me. My mouth, I mean.

Get your head back in the game, Caden.

I shoved his arm away but he was quick to grab me. This time he pulled me closer to himself. No distance, no space. Just the two of us, chest pressed against each other, breaths nearly one.

“Don't make my job difficult for me, little prince.” Asher hissed.

“If you don't want me to make your life a living hell, I suggest you get out of my fucking way.” I bit out.

“Watch what you say to me.” Asher's grip on my elbow tightened.

I don't wince. I won't give him the liberty of seeing me fumble. So, I lift my chin and smile. “Get the fuck out of my way, please.”

He murmured a rain of unintelligent curses before he dragged me away.

“Where the hell are we going?” I asked, trying my best to keep up with his large footsteps.

“Dinner.” He growled again.