Loved

Hunter’s P. O. V.

———————

After a long and unsurprisingly annoying day of work, I arrive home a few to seven.

Edward comes to drive my vehicle to the garage but I stop him before he can ask.

” No need. I’ll be dropping off Iris and bringing her back soon enough ”

He responded with a bow and walks stealthily behind me as we approached my front door that was left slightly open.

Courtesy of Edward.

When I step inside the first picture to greet me is Cheryn carrying Louisa on her lap and giggling feveriously about what I do not understand.

” But what if she sees me?” The little girl asked and that makes me know she hasn’t taken note of my presence.

” Should I promise you?” Cheryn smiled brightly eliciting a happy chuckle from the kid.

” Pinky swear ” This came from the small one as she stretches out her obviously too tiny finger to seal the deal.

But Cheryn quickly sees me and acknowledges my presence.

” Good evening Mr McConnell ”

Those words were a stop sign to Louisa because as soon as she heard me reply to Cheryn, she hurriedly jumped off her lap and was about to bail down the hall.

” Louisa stop!” I called her back, almost like a warning.

And she screeched to a halt before she could escape, but she didn’t dare turn to look at me.

With her back in my direction, I asked her what I needed.

” Where is your mother?”

I was expecting a tiny voice of response but rather a more mature voice gives me an answer.

” I’m here” Iris emerges from the hallway and like a magnetic juju, her kid was behind her in seconds for covering.

My eyes trailed up from the kid to her mother and it took the graces from heaven for lips to remain closed.

God! That gown should be banned from stock.

A casual evening dress that would have looked simple on anyone, but some curves and edges on Iris gave it a whole new definition.

The leopard print on one side and the black and white pattern on the other made it an elegant attire that extended to just below her knee.

Her make up was light, the only highlights standing out were her eyeliner and pink glossy lips.

She let her hair down and it fell out in waves all over her face, framing it to have a nice splendor.

This look was far too much for just a business discussion.

” What are you wearing?” I asked eyeing her waringly from top to bottom.

” It’s a signature look from the brand, none of your business ”

I heard Cheryn snicker a laughter and Edward behind me pretended to clear his throat in order cover his.

I had completely forgotten they were still here.

” I said you should go discuss with Mr Luigi, not seduce. I’m pretty sure those words don’t rhyme ”

But what exactly is seductive about her dressing? I can’t pin point anything out but I do not just approve of such.

I don’t want Mr Luigi thinking my secretary is a whore.

On a second thought… Hmmm.

” You said the way to Luigi’s heart is a lady right? So I decided to look good for him” She shrugged, making her earrings to create a clanging sound.

” Go change ”

It’s simple. I have a reputation to build for my business.

” Huh?” She folded her arms on her chest and this dress is doing nothing to help cover the sight.

” You heard me” I pushed one hand into my pocket and the other had a grip on my phone.

Iris used her eyes to scan the living room before looking back to me and I think she’s trying to send a message.

She wants our company to leave.

Since when did she bother about her words in front of others?

Actually… She has never actually exchanged words with me in front of people.

Well done.

” Cheryn, Edward please excuse us. And take Louisa with you ”

Within a few seconds of waiting, they were walking out and Cheryn passed Iris a silent ‘ you look gorgeous’ comment.

” I’m surprised you know her name” Were her first words when we finally got the privacy.

” Who? Cheryn or your spawn?”

She glared at me but I couldn’t be fazed.

” Don’t change the topic. Go change ”

” Hunter I am not changing ”

She called me Hunter? What? No Mr McConnell today?

” And why is that?”

” Because you don’t control me “.

” I believe you going for this dinner is a proof that I do ”

” I’m only doing this for your father ”

” Oh.. So you consider him now?”

” He’s always been the reason I’ve been tolerating your nonsense!” She shouted

My nonsense!?

” So you’re trying to tell me, the moment you and Mason Reid were ready to suck on each other’s faces it was for my dad!?”

” What in the world is your problem!?”

” My problem is you don’t want to use your head in this case and I’m not going to lose a very valuable deal because of a nimrat like you ”

Her eyes twitched. And I can hear her breathing becoming deep and long.

” There’s nothing going on between Mason and I. We are just friendly ”

” And I repeat. Our dictionaries are extremely different ”

She’s not done ratting out her mind, but I don’t have time for her bullshit.

” Go change. I cannot let Mr Luigi see a worker of mine as a prostitute. I’m not so keen of your profession”

” Jesus Christ! What is wrong with this dress?”

Everything.

” Nothing. It just spells fuck me and not I need your money ”

” Of course you’d know a cloth that screams fuck me, you’re the brand owner ”

” And a few years ago you patronized my business ” I smirked. She’s not the only one with snarky comebacks.

” I hate you ” She growled, her skin was turning basically red.

New theory. Blood actually boils.

” I’ve always known. Now go change ”

She scoffed and picked a clutch from the sofa Cheryn had once occupied.

” If you don’t mind. Mr Luigi is waiting. Send for Edward ” She was going to the kitchen to probably look for Edward.

” I’m taking you “.

” Thanks but I’ll pass”

” I’m not offering, it’s a command ”

” I still choose to pass up”

” Do not provoke me Iris!”

” It’s Jules”.

” Shut the fuck up about Jules and go freaking change!”

” You either take me like this or forget dinner”

Why did that sound like a sexual innuendo?

I have spent way too much time around Michelle.

” Fine, get in the bloody car”

She pushed her nose up in the air and walked passed me, ensuring she scoffed when she got to my side.

When will murder serve a less penalty on earth?