Chapter 6 – Running From The Billionaire by Kimi L Davis

I rang the bell of Ingrid’s, my cousin’s, house and stepped back and waited for her to open the door. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long as the door opened a minute later and there stood Ingrid, dressed as if she was ready to go for a magazine photoshoot. Black hair styled to perfection, with flawless skin, glossy green eyes, straight nose, and full lips, Ingrid looked perfect as always.

Her mouth dropped open at seeing me standing outside her home.

“Ha—Hailey? Oh my God, what are you doing here?” She came over and hugged me tightly, making it difficult for me to breathe.

“Nice to see you, too, cousin.” I muttered.

She let go of me and gave me a once over. “So, what are you doing here, all of a sudden. No calls, no texts, nothing…” She said with caution lacing her tone. I didn’t blame her, if my cousin showed up unexpected, I would be suspicious too.

“I’ll tell you all about it, once I get inside.” I told her, hinting at her to stop asking questions outside and to let me in.

“Oh yes, please come on in.” She pushed open the front door and ushered me inside, while carrying my suitcase by herself.

I dropped my bag on the coffee table and flopped on the couch and sighed deeply. Finally I was away from Theodore. He wouldn’t think about finding me here. Good job, Hailey.

Ingrid brought over some snacks and juice, then sat down besides me on the couch. “As much as I would love to be the kind hostess and let you rest, I’m way to curious about your sudden visit. So start talking, lady.” Ingrid demanded, leaving me no option but to tell her everything. Which I did.

I told her about everything that happened a few days ago; all about Theodore and his crazy behavior, and the tingles his touch gave me. I even told her why I came here, and how I would stay until this mess with Theodore goes away, and he would finally leave me alone.

After I finished talking, I looked at Ingrid who stared at me as if I was an alien from another planet. “You—you came here to hide from your boss? The boss, who made you feel alive for the first time in your life, who made your heart race and your stomach fill with butterflies, that’s the boss you’re hiding from?” Ingrid questioned wide eyes.

I nodded, confused as to what she was getting at. “You i***t! You don’t run from people like that. You, you hang on to those people with all you’ve got, you stupid woman! Aahhh, you’re crazy; you ran away from a once in a lifetime opportuinity, oh you stupid stupid woman.” Ingrid shrieked at me.

What the hell?! Not her too! I thought she would support me on this decision. God what was this world coming to?

“Ingrid, the man is dangerous. He can destroy me with a snap of his fingers; and by that I don’t only mean my heart, but my entire life. So sue me, if I wanted to avoid the danger that my life was coming across, forgive me, but I’m not a fan of tears and blood.” I snapped.

“Don’t give me that excuse, Hailey. Don’t give me that excuse that you came here to avoid danger. You missy, are not going to be staying here for more than a week. You will go back to America, and you will give Theodore a chance, and I’m not going to take no for an answer!” Ingrid demanded, causing me to get up from the couch.

“You know what, Ingrid? Screw you! I thought, by coming here I would find my cousin welcoming me with open arms, but no, you want me out of here and to go back to the one man, who practically threatened to send me to jail if I didn’t work for him. I thought you were family, but no, you’re worse than a stranger,” I said and turned around, “and don’t worry, I’ll be out of here in a couple of days.” With that, I stormed into the guest bedroom and slammed the door shut. Then threw myself on the bed and cried myself to sleep.

~*~*~*~*

I woke up the next morning, refreshed and full of positive energy. I quickly got up and checked the time and saw it was 10:00 am. I briefly thought about Theodore, and what he must be thinking not finding me at his office. I smiled, knowing that now I was finally free of him.

I went to the bathroom and came out 10 minutes later, wearing skinny jeans and a bright yellow top. After leaving my bedroom, I walked in the kitchen and found it silent and empty. Hmm, guess Ingrid isn’t home. I was still angry at her, but wasn’t furious anymore like I was last time.

After rummaging in the fridge and the cabinets, when I came up with nothing, I decided to go to the grocery store and get some milk and cereal for breakfast. I jogged over to Ingrid’s room and grabbed her purse, making sure there was money inside it, then quickly slipped out of the house, making sure to lock the door, then jogged over to the nearest supermarket to buy milk and cereal, after all, I could really use the exercise.

Getting the milk and cereal didn’t take too long, and before I knew it, I was standing at the counter, waiting to pay for my items. The cashier quickly checked out my items and within a couple of minutes, I was walking out of the grocery store with a brown paper bag. I was glad that Ingrid didn’t live too far away from the store, otherwise I would’ve been really tired once I reached her house.

I was so busy thinking about eating cereal for breakfast, that I jumped when a black Range Rover came and stopped right in front of me, effectively blocking my path. The doors to the Range Rover quickly opened and two burly men in black suits spilled out, pointing a gun at me. Scared, I dropped the bag carrying my groceries, and raised my hands in surrender, fear rushing through my veins.

What the hell? Who were these people? What did they want from me? What did I do that they were pointing a gun at me? All these thoughts begun swarming my brain as I stared at the two men pointing a gun at me.

But my questions were answered when I saw a third man stepping out of the Range Rover. My eyes widened in horror, and my blood froze in my veins as I saw who was standing in front of me wearing a triumphant expression.

“Hello, Ms. Pritchett.” He said, a cold gleam in his eyes.

I gulped in terror.

“Theodore.” I mumbled.

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