Chapter Eighteen  - His Obsession 

Sydney 

I sat at my desk in his office, facing another enormous workload, but thankfully, it was manageable this time. Despite being busy, I couldn’t get my mind off his threat. It echoed in my mind since the moment he uttered it. 

“You will stay here with me, Sydney. The minute you leave, I’ll call your father and give you away.” 

Would he really do such a thing? I was too shocked to answer him and followed him to his car. We reached the office, and he disappeared somewhere while I tried to focus on the work he had assigned via email. 

Why did he insist on my staying with him? What did he want from me? It was getting more and more confusing. If he wanted a physical relationship, he could have approached me last night. No, I was sure he wanted something else. Why did I feel there was more to the guy than met the eye?

He had disappeared all morning, as if to avoid me. The door opened, and Jenny peered inside. “It’s our lunch break, Sydney. Will you join us?”

I glanced at the clock and hesitated. “I’m not sure. Mr. Barlowe hasn’t updated me on my lunch break timings.” 

She rolled her eyes and came inside to grab hold of me. “It’s the same for all. Let’s go. I don’t want you to fall sick like yesterday.” 

I nodded and closed the laptop. “Lead the way.”

She led me to the cafeteria on the backside, which was teeming with employees. There was hardly any place to sit. “Gosh! It’s so crowded.” I wanted to run after getting weird looks from all. Maybe they knew I was staying with Killian in his tent. 

“Ken has booked a table for us.” I had met Kenneth Pine, the accounts guy, last evening. He had helped me a lot with the emails. Jenny led me to a table where around fifteen employees were seated, waiting for us. 

“Hi, Sydney! How are you today?” asked Kenneth, patting the seat next to him. 

I smiled at him. “I’m fine. Thanks for your help yesterday.” 

“I’m having a burger. What about you?” asked Jenny. 

“Same. Let’s get the food.” 

Kenneth rose and grabbed my arm to stop me. “Hang on. I’ll get them for you. I have a membership card.” 

“Sydney, why are you here?” Killian’s growl echoed in the cafeteria, his booming voice loud and clear. 

There was pin-dropped silence all around as everyone gaped at him and then at me. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. Kenneth’s hand dropped to his side, and I could see him pale with fright. 

“I..” I could hardly frame a sentence to see Killian striding towards me in a fit of rage. What had I done now? “Umm, it was lunch break, so..” 

“Couldn’t you wait for me?” He stopped inches away from me. His glance went towards Kenneth, and I just hoped he wouldn’t lose his job like Pete. “Mr. Pine. Meet me before you leave the office.” The way a nerve ticked in his jaw, I was sure Kenneth knew what was in store for him. 

“He was just offering to get me a burger, Killian,” I muttered under my breath. It inflamed him even more, and he turned to focus on me. 

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry if I’ve caused any problems. It wasn’t my intention. Please don’t throw me out.” Kenneth looked ill at ease, his face white as a sheet. 

Killian leaned in with his jaw clenched. “No one touches what’s mine. You did. So you will be punished.” 

I froze at his implication. What was wrong with him? We weren’t in a relationship. Then why was he acting like a jealous husband? 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I promise to stay away from her.” But his plea fell on deaf ears. 

“My decision doesn’t change, Pine. Sydney, let’s go. You’re having lunch with me.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me along with him. 

I could feel the judgmental glares, the hateful snickers, as I walked away with Killian. Now, the entire office would stay away from me. Jenny avoided me and stuck to Kenneth. 

I sighed. Maybe I truly didn’t fit into Killian’s world. If he continued this, soon he would lose all his male employees. 

“Killian, stop dragging me out. I can walk.” Didn’t he realize how humiliating it was?

“You deserve it for flirting with my employees. So is Pine your type?” 

I gaped at his grim profile. “No. He was just getting a burger for me. That’s all.” 

We reached his car, and he released me. “Getting a burger for you, helping you with your task, carrying you to his car, and driving you to the tent. Right? So tell me again, he isn’t interested in you.” He unlocked his car and opened the door for me. “Get in.”

My head reeled, realizing what he just told me. How did he know? I hadn’t even noticed it until he pointed it out to me. 

He started the car, and I came out of my dazed state. “I was too sick to notice last night.” 

He scoffed as if I were making excuses. “Then you’re really naïve or lying.” 

His words pierced my soul. “I don’t lie, Killian. Why would I? I’m not in a relationship with you, nor am I answerable to you. So, don’t act like a jealous boyfriend with me. It’s pathetic and insulting.” 

His scowl deepened as he drove in grim silence. “We might not be in a relationship now, but we will be soon. So change your attitude, Princess. You’re mine, and I will always behave like a jealous boyfriend around you.”

“No. I don’t want a relationship with you. I can’t connect to you.” 

He scowled more. “You have no choice, Princess. I don’t let go of what’s mine. If you try to escape, I’ll call your dad.” 

I glared at him. “I hate you.” 

He shrugged. “There’s a fine line between love and hate. I’m sure you’ll cross it soon.” 

He drove out of the property, and I panicked. Wasn’t there a criminal waiting to attack us? “Why are we going out? What about Jacques Le Roux? Isn’t he lurking around somewhere?” I looked around for the criminal, totally forgetting about Killian’s threat. 

“We’re just going to a café down the road.” He stopped in front of a charming family-owned café, adorned with vibrant accents and surrounded by greenery. 

Megan’s Corner Café. 

I smiled, liking the place a lot. Looking onto a well-manicured floral garden, the place was bathed in natural light. A middle-aged woman looked up from the counter as we entered. She smiled at Killian, as if recognizing him. “Killian! So good to see you! When did you come to Doolhof?” She approached him with open arms, giving him a bear hug. 

“Two days ago, Megan. So, how have you been?” 

She released him and smiled. “I’m fine. Business is slow with the new threat roaming free. Have you heard? A most-wanted criminal is here in Doolhof, and the cops are on the lookout.” 

“Yes, I’ve heard. They’ll nab him soon. Don’t worry.” He placed an arm around my shoulders to pull me to his side. Megan’s glance fell on me, and she grinned. 

“Oh, who’s this? She’s so pretty, Killian. Is she your wife?”  

Killian chuckled while I blushed crimson. Why wasn’t he clearing the confusion? 

“This is Sydney..” He couldn’t even complete his introduction, and Megan took my hands in hers. 

“I’m Megan Bradley, owner of this place. Killian has been coming here every year for the last six years. We’re like family. He has helped me with this place after my husband’s death.” 

She released me, and I smiled, warming up to her. 

“I love this place.” 

She beamed with happiness. “You’ll love the food more. Sit anywhere you want. Killian has already booked the whole café for three hours.” 

My jaw dropped to the floor. What? Why would he do that? Killian looked uncomfortable, as if he didn’t want me to know that.

“I’ll have the usual, Megan. I’m sure Sydney would love it too.” He led me to a cozy, romantic seat overlooking the vibrant blooms and the rugged mountains in the distance. 

“Sure, I’ll get it right away.” 

Killian watched me admire the place while my cheeks flamed under his scrutiny. I should hate him for his earlier behavior, but somehow I didn’t. “Why did you book the entire café?” 

“To get Megan business. Why else?” He avoided the question and rose. “I’ll join you in a minute.” He walked out to make a phone call while I sat watching him and the green vineyards all around. 

His words confused me. Was that his real motive for bringing me here? To add to Megan’s earnings? 

Megan appeared from the kitchen with a smile on her face. “Your order will be ready in fifteen minutes. Would you like some fresh Grapetiser to sip?” 

“Yes, please. I would love it.” 

She summoned a server and ordered her to get the drinks before turning to face me. “I’m so happy to see Killian settle down, dear. I haven’t seen him with a woman in the last six years. He has become a nomad, a workaholic and a loner.” She glanced in his direction and smiled. “He looks so happy with you. The scowl on his face is gone, too. You two look perfect together.” 

I listened with my mouth hanging open and then glanced at Killian, seeing him in a new light. 

Did we actually look perfect together?