Page 57 of Retribution

He takes the phone from my grasp, tapping in his number and returning it to me.

“Try not to die in the meantime, darling. I’d really love to see you alive and well.” He displays an audacious smile and turns swiftly, putting his hands in his suit trouser pockets and walking away.

My chest flutters at the confidence he radiates. It’s different to the confidence of someone like Reed. He’s forward and direct, but to my benefit rather than his own. He makes me feel like I’m the rose that’s encased in the glass chamber, priceless and treasured without forgiveness.

Watching as his figure disappears around a corner, I peer down at the phone I’m holding as if it’s my most prized possession.

Harry

Harry. I blush at the nickname, it suits him.

***

I walk up to my apartment building, a sudden feeling of anxiety washing over my senses. I stall and turn around, anticipating an unwarranted presence.

Scott.

My instincts heighten and I’m catapulted into defense mode, the proximity of him causing an eruption of outrage and resentment.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” I snarl towards him.

His eyes remain calm and don’t waver, barely acknowledging the disgust in my tone.

“I’ve come to take what’s rightfully mine,” he retorts.

I’m taken aback. I glance up at the apartment and return my gaze to him, fire burning through it.

“I burned everything.” I include a forced smile, glad that the conversation will be ending.

As I turn my back towards the building entrance, he grabs my elbow, eliciting a shocked gasp from my lips.

“I’m not talking about belongings or the apartment, Indie.” His manner growing more aggressive whilst I tense up.

I try to free my arm from his burning grip, but it only tightens.

“What the fuck do you want from me, Scott? You’ve already ruined my life, what more could you possibly take,” I spit out, the tears beginning to well, memories sifting through me with a whirlwind.

“Half of the studio belongs to me.”

I snort, convulsing into a fit of laughter. He is entirely insane if he thinks he has any rightful claim to the studio, I completely funded the entire thing and built it up from the dust.

“I’m serious,” he continues.

I roll my eyes and try to shake off his grip again, failing again. I look around to see if there is anyone around to witness this, nada.

“As much as you want to rid me of the only thing I have left, it’s the one thing you hold no stake over.”

He blinks. His face grows nearer, the darkness in his eyes igniting a slither of fear from deep within. For a moment, I think he is going to kiss me with the nearness. His hot breath fans across me as my eyes grow wider.

“I suggest you check the business deed, darling.”

What the fuck?

Surely, he’s just trying to scare me and intimidate me into offering him fifty percent of the studio, which will certainly never happen.

“The studio belongs to me, Scott. Drop this pathetic scare tactic and get out of my life, for good.” My chest rises and falls, fast.

“So, you’re not going to allow me to access my rightful shares?” The deepness of his voice sends shock-waves into my brain.

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