Page 100 of The Devil's Chaos

44

FORTY-FOUR

HAVEN

Iwas settled into the passenger seat of Kai’s blacked out Range Rover, fidgeting with my sleeves. I had entertained the wealthiest, most elite men that society had to offer, but the thought of standing in front of Kai’s father,the police commissioner, had me anxious. Kai didn’t say anything, but instead, he put his hand on my knee, interlacing his fingers in mine, a small gesture of reassurance.

As we pulled up to the sprawling estate, I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. The imposing wrought-iron gates slowly swung open, and Kai guided the car up the winding driveway lined with immaculately trimmed hedges.The house loomed ahead, a grand Victorian mansion with towering pillars and ornate windows that seemed to stare down at me, judging my every move. We exited the car and went up the stone steps to the front door. The door swung open before he could reach for the knocker, revealing a tall, imposing figure.

“Norman, good to see you,” Kai greeted him.

Norman was a bald older man with brown eyes that seemed to bore right through me. He gave a curt nod to Kai before his gaze settled on me, his expression unreadable.

“Mr. Montgomery,” he acknowledged. “This must be your guest.”

“Yes, this is Haven Benson,” he introduced me, placing a reassuring hand on the small of my back.

I managed a nervous smile, extending my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Norman.”

He shook my hand firmly. “The pleasure is mine, Miss Benson. Please, come in.”

As we stepped into the foyer, I couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur of the interior—high ceilings, intricate moldings, and a grand staircase that seemed to go on forever. The house was a testament to the commissioner's wealth and power.

“Your father is in his study,” Norman informed Kai. “He is expecting you.”

Kai nodded, leading me down the hallway lined with classical-era paintings. Our footsteps echoed on the polished wood floors, which seemed to stretch on forever. Kai gave my hand a reassuring squeeze as we approached the heavy oak door of the study.

He knocked twice before a deep, authoritative voice called, “Enter.”

Kai pushed open the door, and we stepped into a room that seemed to embody the very essence of power. Towering bookshelves lined the walls, filled with leather-bound volumes and various accolades. A massive mahogany desk dominated the center of the room, and behind it sat a man whose presence commanded respect.

“Father, I’d like you to meet Haven Benson,” Kai’s tone was respectful, yet firm.

Commissioner Montgomery rose from his chair, buttoning his tailored suit jacket as he approached us. He was tall and broad-shouldered, and he was even more imposing in the suithe wore. His silver hair was impeccably styled, and his blue eyes seemed to see right through me.

“Kai, my boy,” he greeted, his voice a rich baritone. “Miss Benson.”

I swallowed hard, extending my hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, Commissioner Montgomery.”

He took my hand in a firm handshake, and I watched his gaze assess me coldly. “I’ve heard a great deal about you.”

I glanced at Kai, wondering how much his father knew and whether or not I should be concerned. His expression remained neutral, giving nothing away.

“Please, have a seat,” the commissioner gestured to the leather chairs in front of his desk. “I believe we have much to discuss.”

As I settled into the chair, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this meeting was more than just a simple introduction. The commissioner’s eyes held a glint of something I couldn’t quite decipher, and I had a sinking suspicion that the bloodline I was fighting to escape was about to catch up to me.

“So, Miss Benson, I understand you’ve been…entertaining my son,” he began. His tone was neutral, but it didn’t take a genius to hear the undercurrent of disapproval.

“Yes, sir. Kai and I have been seeing each other for a few months.”

The commissioner leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “What exactly are your intentions with my son, Miss Benson?”

“I don’t know what you mean?”

“I’m sure you’re aware of our family’s position in society and the expectations that come with it.”

I felt Kai tense beside me, but I held the commissioner’s gaze steadily. “With all due respect, sir, my intentions are simply to care for and support Kai in whatever way I can. I understandthe pressures and expectations he faces, but I assure you, my feelings for him are genuine.”

---