Watching Kaiser make himself comfortable on the bed, acting like he owned the place and taking up more room than was fair, she was reminded of their first interaction when he had arrived at her apartment originally.

“Feels familiar, right?”

“Somewhat.” She reluctantly replied

As if remembering their first interaction, Kaiser smiled before pointing to the available seat in the room.

“Sit.”

“I’m fine.”

“Okay. When was your last meal, and what’s going on with your stomach? Do I need to call a doctor?”

“Are you really here to make small talk with me?” Valentina asked incredulously. “If you are, then please leave.”

“I…am not.”

Sighing, Kaiser stood up and approached her, causing her to tilt her head back to look at him questioningly with her hand out.

“Distance yourself from me, Mr. Grayson.” She coldly told him, but he continued approaching her until her fingers lay on his chest, maintaining that distance without moving forward. Because of the contact, she had no choice but to look at him in the face as he lowered his head to her eye level.

“Good. You’re finally looking at me. We can talk now.” Kaiser gave her a wry smile.

“What do you want to talk about, Mr. Grayson? I feel like we’ve said everything to each other.”

She kept her tone and expression cold as she asked.

“I am here to apologize to you for the words that I said and how I acted when you came home the other morning.” Kaiser easily bowed his head as he spoke to her in a contrite tone.

“I didn’t mean for it to come off as holding anything I’ve done or plan to do for you against you or make you feel like I wanted something in return. I was just frustrated about…a lot of things and took out that frustration on you when you had done nothing to deserve it. It’s not an excuse but you know I have quite the bad mouth and say whatever is on my mind regardless of who I’m talking to. I…didn’t expect my words to cause a rift between us because I fully expected you to put me in my place because you’ve never been one to hold your tongue when I do something you don’t like. I apologize for being insensitive and poking at your sore spot. I’m sorry for doubting your words and actions. I’m sorry for making you cry. I know that I hurt you, and obviously you wanted some space, but I wanted to make sure you heard my apology. Properly, and from my mouth with my sincere intentions attached to them.”

Hearing his words and seeing his puppy dog expression, Valentina almost felt her heart sway. Her hands slowly dropped to her sides as she felt her anger soften, but remembering the words and accusations, she couldn’t easily forgive or forget.

After all, this was a man who had offered to buy her the first time they met. If someone kept showing their true colors, it would be foolish to expect them to change so quickly.

Getting fooled once was not her fault, but being fooled by the same person repeatedly made her the foolish one.

Additionally, Rio’s words rang in her head. Being with Kaiser was just asking for trouble.

Hardening her expression, she arched her brows.

“Okay. Is that it?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I’ve heard your apology and will consider it. Get out. I have a busy day tomorrow.” She pointed at the door to make her intentions clear.

“There’s the temper I like so much,” Kaiser commented lightly, causing her to scowl.

“Mr. Grayson…”

“Valentina.” He said her name almost as if he were purring, “Will you actually consider my apology, or are those just empty words? You can be honest.”

“Yes. Maybe.” And by maybe, she meant no way on earth but anything to get him out of the room. She glanced away, unable to look at the eyes that were completely focused on her.

“As long as it’s not a no, there’s room to negotiate. I know how much you like to run away, so I’ll have to be smart about grabbing you back.” Kaiser murmured as he regained his confident demeanor.

Peeking at that rascal-like smile, she could feel a chill go down her back, and she took a step back.

Slowly, as if he were a wolf stalking a deer, he took a step, then another, slowly backing her into the table until she had no choice but to sit and lean back to avoid him.

Chuckling darkly, he placed his hands on both sides of her body, trapping her in a little bubble.

“Back up, Mr. Grayson. You’re in my personal space.” She warned him.

“I will. Just a moment. Look at me again, Valentina. In the face, please.” His hands slid on the table until they locked with hers. Disregarding her attempts to pull them away, he lowered his head until they were at eye level. Grey to green.

Staring at his handsome face with the slight bags under his slightly red eyes and the disheveled hair that fell over his forehead, she felt her heart waver once more.

“I can see that you don’t believe me, and you’re very skeptical about my words, but I meant what I said. Things that hurt you, I wouldn’t dare say or think even if I’m frustrated or jealous, and I’ll admit I was very jealous.”

As her eyes widened in surprise, he nodded, “I know, right? It’s funny. But Valentina, if you think I’m going to let you go after one incident where I messed up or allow you to never see me again, you’re delusional and haven’t been listening to the words I’ve been saying for the past couple of weeks,” Kaiser announced calmly.

As she stared at him, he continued, stating everything like it was a fact carved in stone.

“I made a mistake and will own up to it and make sure nothing like it ever happens again. You’ve seen me learn in the past, and I’ll continue to do so. In the meantime, you will make me suffer for as long as you see fit, which I so rightfully deserve, and then you will forgive me, and we will come back together. Because I’ve decided you will be mine, Valentina, and naturally, you can take me as yours. No one else will do.” Kaiser calmly announced as if he were talking about what he ate for breakfast. Hearing his baseless confidence ticked her off, and she gave him a cocky smile.

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“And if I don’t? I’ve told you before I will fix my own problems and there’s plenty of fish in the sea when I decide to go fishing. I am not yours.” Valentina asked in a challenging manner. She lifted her chin as she glanced at the arrogant man in front of her, feeling her competitive spirit rise up.

“Well, you can fix whatever you want, but as for the fishes in the sea, I’m the top-of-the-line big bad shark. I’ll clear them away and hook myself onto your line.”

At his silly metaphor, she couldn’t help but snort in amusement, and he gave her a happy, pure smile that morphed into the sly one she was so familiar with.

“I don’t believe in losing Valentina. I’ve gotten anything I’ve ever chased, and I plan on chasing you. Thoroughly and with everything I have. By hook or by crook, I’ll catch you and wrap you in golden chains that you will never want to escape from and make sure you get everything you desire. I have enough confidence in myself to say so. I told you, I’m not afraid to beg, and I do so enjoy a chase, and I’ve seen you like to run away when things get difficult. Good luck to you.” Kaiser gave her a cocky smile of his own, their faces so close together that he could count each of her thick curly lashes and smell that intoxicating scent that surrounded her.

Her pink lips were parted, and he could see a faint blush on her cheeks. Her vibrant green eyes looked at him angrily and…with a bit of interest?

Good.

As long as she didn’t fully hate him, he could work his way back into her good graces. He had enough money, time, and resources to do so. Whether it be his looks, his name, or his background, he knew they were all top-notch, and he would use it all to capture her and make sure she wouldn’t want to leave. Ever.

He had fully meant it when he said he would wrap her in golden chains that she would never want to break.

In fact, he had spent the past couple of days in a house that felt empty, thinking his plans over.

As he stared at the familiar contours of her face, many plans were made and discarded in his brain as he settled on the ones with the highest level of success.

Luca was an angle. He knew she loved his son which was convenient.

Escaping Black Rock and building her career was an angle. He had the top-performing agency and could allocate the best resources to her, subtly, of course.

Helping bring the downfall of the Salazar’s was an angle which he had already begun albeit quietly.

And…his body was an angle. He knew she quite liked this face of his.

Glancing down at her lips, he gauged his chances of sneaking a kiss against the odds of her swinging on him and decided now was not the time. Slow and steady won the race. Just the fact that she had let him into the room and allowed him this close was good.

As if sensing his thoughts, Valentina quickly yanked her hand away before shoving his head away familiarly while staring at him with a serious expression.

“You’re incorrigible.”

“I am. And there’s no way you can escape from me.”

As they stared at each other once more, ever the one to take a mile when given an inch, Kaiser laid his head on her shoulders, and closed his eyes.

“Talk to me. Please. Now is the time to properly curse me out. Or beat me up if you want. I won’t even look.”

“Go away.” She muttered angrily.

“Not until you curse and hit me once. I know you’re quite angry. Take it out on me. This is a rare opportunity only given to you. I don’t even allow my parents this much.”

It was silent for several minutes before he heard her quiet voice.

“You were very mean to me. Very harsh even though I didn’t do anything.”

“I know, I’m sorry.”

“And you doubted me. Even when I haven’t done anything to cause that doubt.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Why would you ever say that to me? You’ve seen my family, you know how they treat me. You were the one who always said to depend on you. Why would you say that to me, Kaiser?” hearing the choked whisper coming out of her mouth as she punched his sides, he just quietly apologized and rubbed her back as she stifled her sobs and clung to his chest.

“I’m really sorry.”

He really regretted his words back then and wanted to go back in the past and beat himself up.

She really didn’t deserve it.

Regardless, all he could do was apologize as sincerely as he could and in that moment, all the plans he had made went flying out of his head. He just didn’t want to be the one making her heart hurt so much that she would cry. Again.

After a while, Valentina shoved him away and wiped her tears before staring at him.

“I didn’t cry.”

“Of course not. It was raining indoors.”

At his playful response, she glared at him, the thick lashes framing those foxlike eyes sparkling from tears. Her nose, cheeks, and the corners of her eyes were red, and as he reached out to wipe a tear, she batted his hand away.

“Go away. I hate you. I’m very angry at you.”

“That’s fair.” Kaiser calmly accepted her statement but raised his brow at her in expectation.

“As I said before, we can talk later. But on my terms, and there’s no guarantee I’ll accept your apology or interest. You have to stop following me. I don’t have time for this right now. I’m busy with work, and I’m pretty sure you have a company to run.”

“Fine by me. I await your vicious scolding and sincerely look forward to it. Unfortunately, I’m heading back tonight, so I won’t see you for a while.”

“That was a very short trip.”

The comment slipped out, and Kaiser laughed, his eyes crinkling as the atmosphere between them eased slightly.

“I only came to accompany you and make sure you were settled. Since we’re having a lover’s quarrel, I figured I would deliver part one of my sincere apology before giving you some space.”

“We’re not lovers.” Valentina ruthlessly replied.

“A certain part of me has been inside and on a certain part of you. I would think we’re lovers, no? Or do you do that with just anyone? I know I don’t.” Kaiser replied shamelessly as he changed the subject to brighten her mood.

Hearing his words, Valentina’s face turned bright red as she began sputtering, causing Kaiser to let out a satisfied smirk.

“That’s what I thought. Oh, and Valentina, this was just a preview apology. Prepare for my sincere apology afterward. It will be so sincere that you’ll beg me to stop and tell me you forgive me. Because, as I said, I have no plans on letting you go.” He lowered his head by her ears and whispered, “You’re mine.” Before pulling back.

At his confident smirk, she gave him a skeptical look.

“We’ll see. Goodbye, Kaiser. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.’

“I won’t. And since you left all your things at the house, I’ve had them delivered here. I’ll have the director upgrade your room as well. This is pitiful, especially when we have the budget”

“No, thank you. I don’t need the clothes, and I don’t want any preferential treatment that I didn’t learn with my own skills. I don’t need trouble from the cast.” She told him with a serious expression. Who knew when it would be thrown in her face again?

As if sensing the direction of her thoughts, Kaiser grimaced, “What you’re worried about will never happen again, count on it. The room can stay for now, but the clothes are yours, and you can do whatever you want with them. Throw it away. Have a bonfire. I don’t care. It’s your stuff. Your lawsuit is continuing splendidly with more updates coming for the lawyers. They should contact you soon. I have other business to get to, so have a good night, make sure you eat, and good luck filming. Contact me at any time if anything goes wrong or you need some help. And do try to forgive me.” Weighing the odds, he quickly leaned over and kissed her cheek before retreating rapidly before she could do anything.

He gave her a sly smile as she glared at him, “I had to steal one for the road. I have a feeling that it’s all I’ll get for a while.”

“Forever.” She retorted coldly

“We’ll see about that. Bye, my baby Val. Don’t give the things I give you to other men. Especially the ones I hate.” Waving cheerfully, he blew her kiss before letting the door close behind him.

“Who are you saying is your baby? You’re lucky you’re Luca’s father, or I would have socked you in the face,” Valentina complained loudly, but all she heard was a dry chuckle from outside the door.

Hearing it, Valentina wanted to go out and fight him. Instead, she got up, but as she moved, two small cards fell to the ground. One was a hotel room keycard with the words ’Presidential Suite’ written in gold letters, while the other was a very familiar black credit card with her name on it.

Picking it up, she glanced at the two cards in her hand.

When had he-?

She was so sure she had given this to Rio to pass on.

That man was something else.

She tossed both cards in the trash and went to wash her face. She couldn’t believe she had cried like that in front of him when she was supposed to be angry. How embarrassing.

Yet, several moments later, her conscience twinged, and she pulled the cards out of the trash can before sticking them in her underwear drawer. She had to find a way to give it back.