Chapter 8 Start The Game

• Killian's pov
• He thought back to the way he felt his breath hitched when she locked her brown eyes with his. Her eyes were warm and reminded him of hot chocolate during Christmas. It had specks of green that made them even more unique.
• Then her scent— oh! It drove him insane and it took everything in him to control himself. There was just something so intoxicating about it, the smell of something fruity with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon.
• It was perfect. Made him want to bury his nose in her hair and take a deep sniff.
• He remembered a look in her eyes. It was something he couldn't decipher despite how long he has spent staring into them.
• He hated not knowing and that made her dangerous to him.
• A knock at the door broke his train of thoughts.
• “Come in.” He ordered without turning back.
• The door opened and he heard that sound of heels clicking on the marvel floors, this made him tune and he came face to face with one of his assistants, Rachel. She had a nervous expression on her face. “Sir, there’s something you need to see.”
• She handed him the tablet she was holding and he took it from her then stared at the screen which had a bold headline on it.
• “Massive Shocker: Billionaire Tycoon Killian Hayes And Fashion Mogul Elara Beckett Are Engaged And Set To Wed!”
• Attached was an article and a photo of him and Elara taken at the gala last night. He hummed in approval at the way they looked like the perfect power couple he wanted to portray. He had to admit, Mason truly was a master of his work and had done an impressive job on his story.
• “Sir,” Rachel started. “Is this true? I can call the PR team and have them take it down if it's another scheme from our competitors”
• He opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by his phone buzzing with a notification, he picked it up with the tablet perfectly balanced in his other hand.
• Elara: We need to talk. Now.
• His lips twitched at her commanding tone, the fact that she thought she could scare him was amusing. Her massage carried the same confidence and determination he had seen in his office and he liked it. She was unlike any other woman he had ever met, she was the perfect match for the chaos that was about to be unleashed.
• He began to type a reply when a call came in. It was from an unknown number but the security app on his phone showed him the name of the person. Ivy Beckett.
• His finger covered over the screen as he debated whether or not to pick up. He hadn't expected her to call so he didn't know what to do.
• Finally, he answered. “Ivy.” He said, keeping his voice calm and even.
• “Killian.” Her voice was high pitched and disgustingly sweet. “I must say, I was quite surprised when I saw the news. It was… unexpected to say the least. You and Elara, my sister, are engaged.”
• “You don't sound pleased.” He turned and motioned for his assistant to leave which she did immediately.
• “Pleased?” Ivy let out a laugh that sounded like nails on a chalkboard to him. “I wouldn't say that, darling. I'm merely curious. Is this love? Or is it just another of your business schemes? Trust me it will fail if it's the latter.”
• “Is that why you called? To confirm the news?” He asked. “I've always known you to be nosy. Well, it's true, we are engaged.”
• “Oh.”
• “And I most certainly do not owe you any explanation.” He finishes.
• There was a brief silence between them.
• “Be careful.” Ivy finally said, gone was the fake sweet tone as it was now replaced with something much darker. “You think you’ve won something with this little stunt? You're playing with fire, Killian. And you of all people know first hand what happens to those who cross me.”
• Rage lit inside him. “Li—”
• He was cut off as the line went dead.
• His fingers curled around the phone in anger before he threw it across the room where it shattered as it hit a bookshelf.
• “How dare she?” He muttered angrily.
• He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. The game has just begun, this wasn't the time to start getting riled up. That was what she wanted so he forced himself to relax so he could think rationally.
• Ivy was many things but one thing that she wasn't was being invincible. It was time for him to play his games and this time, she won't come out unscathed.
• It was a battle of chess and he would claim the battlefield.
• He walked over to his desk, placed the devices down on it then opened a hidden drawer. Inside, there was a file which had the Beckett family's symbol on it.
• The file contained years worth of research— secrets, transactions, leverage, pictures. Everything he needed to tear down their empire.
• But besides all that he still had one more card that he was yet to play. One that would end it all.
• His phone buzzed again. This time it was an influx of notifications concerning the engagement.
• His smile returned to his face, slow and dangerous as he leaned back into his chair and stared at the ceiling which reflected himself.
• The game had officially started.