Hi my friends! As promised, I'm here again. :D I really can't say thank you enough. Thanks so much guys. I love y'all.
Wish I could tag you all, but I'd just try tagging different readers/writers to continue to show my appreciation.
Dedicated to: ___stephanyy____ Jkaloko Nophisat SogbaikeModupeola Teemonera IamMoana17 Pacesetter12 _Lehin
Also, shout out to Teefabulous for the new cover for my book. Thanks a lot dear. I really appreciate it. How do you see it guys?(I mean the new cover)

Enjoy.....

...........................

*Alex*

"For such a soft, tiny hand,... I must say you're a really good slapper, sugar" I said, chuckling.
I quickly snapped out of my shock after Sola slapped me hard across my face.

I glared at her. Normally I didn't tolerate such insolent behavior from women, but Sola had always been an exception for everything since she crashed into my life.

"Don't call me that! And the next time you force your lips onto mine again.. I will give you a more harder slap than this!" She was panting loudly, her anger so strongly emitted.

"I don't mind being slapped by a beautiful woman, it adds to the excitement." I quipped, grinning widely at her angrily flushed face. She shook her head as if she could quite believe I was still standing in front of her.

"You're such a distasteful, vile man! Coming to this place and pretending like you've never met me in front of my boss.. Then coming in here to kiss me by force! Is that why you decided to buy this hotel? To come here and spite me??!"

"Don't flatter yourself, the deal was already signed and sealed even before I set my eyes on the info about the place. Although, I won't deny that I was quite surprised to see you poised as an executive staff. Seems you managed to ensnare the poor unsuspecting man.. "

"Not everyone is as heartless as you, YOU PIG!!! Some people have good intentions. I'm just sorry I came across a big jerk like you!"

I frowned at her insults. "what's gotten into you? You were never this rude, Sola."

She set her hands on her hips and raised her pretty little chin high.
"Well, thanks! I'm not the same naive, gentle girl I was 3 years ago. Men like you have made me learn my lesson!"

I felt anger rise up in me like sweet liquid. Men like me??
"You are a cheat and an inexperienced little thief! You cheated on me with some lowlife, and stole from me 3 years ago! So don't fucking act the victim here!!"
I glared at her in anger. I noticed she didn't look surprised or even flinch.

"Cheated on you??" She laughed out loud, looking at the ceiling and shaking her head in a frustrated manner. "I really do not have the time for your mindless conversations right now, so once you're done speculating your nonsense, I suggest you get the hell out."

I opened my mouth In shock at her ridiculously rude tone. I had to accept Sola had grown wings now. She looked so much more matured and confident in her self. Her dark pink suit and short skirt hugged her sweet curves to perfection and she looked every bit as a shrewd business woman. I would have been proud of her, had I not been so furious with her.
Before I could mutter up a good come back reply, she walked out on me, banging the door behind her with a loud thud.

I stared at the door, wondering how messed up our first meeting after such a long time had been messed up. I had expected her to melt the moment she saw me, begging for my attention and asking me to take her back, but things did not go as I had imagined. And she blatantly denied to having cheated and stolen from me.
She almost looked so believing, but I knew better. Sola, though beautiful and innocently seductive, was a crook. A big crook. And I was going to make this crook mine again!.

.................................

*Sola*

I was arranging the paperwork we had analyzed during the meeting, when oluchi burst into my office.
"Sola! Mr Jimmy and Mr... Williams are asking of you." I glared at her as I noticed the tone with which she used to call Alex's name. Like she was drooling.

"Thanks." I replied, and went downstairs, taking the elevators.

"Oh Sola, there you are!" Mr Jimmy said as soon as he spotted me walking towards them. I deliberately averted my eyes from the big jerk beside him. I was going to avoid him at all costs.

"Hi, Mr Jimmy. You needed me?" I asked, standing consciously close to Mr Jimmy.

"Yes, Sola. I've assigned you to be the one to take Mr Williams on tour through our hotels and resorts." he turned to Alex, "I can commend that Sola is a really talented worker, she works magic with the logistics and resources information. You will have a vast view with her, I promise you." He finished beaming at me.

I stared at Mr Jimmy in shock. Out of everybody here... It had to be me??!!!

"But... Mr Jimmy,... I have to..."

"Don't worry about Justin, Sola. I'm sure Amina is taking good care of him."

"Who's Justin?" Alex asked with a scowl on his face. He didn't look pleased to hear the name at all. My eyes widened in alarm as I realized that Mr Jimmy had just spoken about my son. Alex couldn't find out about Justin!

"Oh, Justin is sola's young so-"

"Um.. Mr Jimmy! I... I.. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to.. To create time for the tour with Mr Williams!" I quickly chimed in, stopping Mr Jimmy from spilling my secret.

Mr Jimmy smiled warmly at me and thanked me for my generous work. I turned to Alex with a harsh expression on my face.

"Will you be free this Wednesday? I think the atmosphere at Taqua bay would be okay to start with." I said, waiting for his reply.

"Yes, Miss Sola." He replied, smiling at me. Damn his pretty mouth!

"Alright. I'm sure you must know the location and address. We'll meet there." I said to Alex, hoping the conversation will come to an end and he would just leave.

"I would much prefer to come pick you up at your place, then we go in my car. The time is 9am... Isn't it?"

My heart began to speed up. I didn't want him coming near my house, or near my family.
"Um... No, I would prefer we meet at...."

"Please Sola," Mr Jimmy interrupted, pleading with me. This man didn't know what I was trying to avoid! "I think it's best if you allow Williams to pick you up at home. I don't want you stressing yourself."

I glared at Alex, who was smiling amusingly at my reaction and Mr Jimmy's unsuspecting words.
He was really enjoying himself with manipulating Mr Jimmy and me altogether. Idiot!.

Alex glanced down at his wristwatch. "It was nice meeting you, Mr Agoro." He shook his hand, then he turned to me and raised his hand. Immediately I placed my hand in his much more bigger one, he raised it slowly to his lips. I felt my heart stop as his lips softly touched the back of my palms. I gasped softly the moment I felt his tongue dart out and lick my skin.
I felt so hot under and My knees felt weak and I was a minute away from collapsing on the ground. How could he still have such effect on me?!
I really hoped Mr Jimmy wouldn't notice the magnet of sexual tension that was so evident by the raw look in Alex's dark gaze as he stared intently at me. I felt helpless and naked under his gaze, I averted my eyes and tried pulling my hand away.

"And you, Miss Sola ojo. You are a very beautiful woman." He said, never taking his eyes off of mine.
I quickly withdrew my hand as if I'd been touched by a naked wire.
"And...And you too, Mr Williams" I replied, glaring at him. I noticed from the corner of my eye that Mr Jimmy was watching us, studying the exchange between us in confusion. I felt so conscious of my self.

"See you Wednesday, 9am sharp." He said and entered his dark, sleek limousine and drove off.

I smiled shyly at Mr Jimmy who was smiling back at me.
"I think he's already captivated by your charm and wit, as I am. You're a wonderful lady Sola." He said with so much pride in his voice, that I felt my eyes water.

"Mr Jimmy!" I giggled lightly at his friendly tone. "Thank you very much sir. I really appreciate it." I said, hugging him lightly.

................................

It was 3:30pm and I had just parked my car into Justin's school's parking lot. The school was one of the prestigious schools here in Surulere. I was so glad that I could afford to send my son to a good school. But I wasn't going to tolerate him being bullied by some other kids.

I walked straight into the principal's quarters.

"Hi ma, good afternoon. How may I help you?" the receptionist at the desk asked, smiling invitingly at me. I smiled back.

"Good afternoon. Please, I need to speak with Mr Amos."
The receptionist asked me to wait while she prepared my appointment. After some minutes, she told me he was free and I could go in.
I walked into his office and greeted him while he did the same.

"It's been quite a while Miss Ojo, how have you been?" he asked cheerfully.

"Fine, fine. Thank you sir."
And then I explained to him about how my son was having nightmares because he was being bullied by his classmates all because he didn't have a father figure.

"I'm really sorry for the trauma it must have caused for your little boy, I promise the issue will be addressed and the students in question will be punished. Thank you for reporting this to us ma'am." He said, handing me a soft drink.
"And please, I don't want my son to be aware that I came here to report the issue to you. Justin always feels he can handle issues like that, but.. I will do anything to protect him. I hope you understand.."

"Of course Miss Ojo, consider it confidential."

We talked about some other things, like the upcoming vacation, excursions and other facilities that needed to be considered in the school. After about 30 minutes, I stood up and prepared to take my leave, he also stood up to escort me all the way out of the building.

I noticed the appreciative look he kept throwing my way as we walked together.

"You're looking really beautiful Miss Ojo." Mr Amos said, smiling warmly at me.
I shifted uncomfortably. Mr Amos had asked me out twice in the past, as he was also a single father of three and he knew I was a single mother.

"Thank you, Mr Amos." I replied smiling back at him.

"Is it possible for you to be free this weekend?... I would love to take you out. Say... Movies?"

"Uh.. I would really like to, but... Unfortunately, I'm not free. I'm behind my schedules and I have hardly any free time." I replied in a tiny voice.

I felt guilty immediately I saw his his face turn down cast and he looked very disappointed. I bit my lip, guilt eating at me. I really ought to give the man a chance...

"Or.. I can try to adjust a few things so I'll be free. But just for a few hours?.."
His face brightened almost immediately and he grinned at me, holding my hands tightly in his.

"That's a great idea! I'll text you. Take care miss ojo." he said with a final wave. I got into my car and drove back to work.

...........................

That night, when I got home, I explained everything to Amina.. About Alex's reappearance, and the meeting with him on Wednesday.

"OH MY GOD! So.. You mean he's actually the one buying the hotel? Mad oh!" she exclaimed with excitement while I scowled at her.

"Does he know anything about Justin yet?" she asked curiously.
"Of course not. And I'd prefer to keep it that way."

She shook her head in disbelief. I proceeded to tell her about how I'd agreed to go on a date with Justin's principal.

"After I encouraged to give him a chance since! It is when Alex came that you now decided you will agree abi? You're a mumu girl I swear!" she mocked, laughing at me. I glared at her.

"I want nothing to do with Alex. I won't let him come near me or hurt me and my son."

"But Sola... Don't you think he has a right to know about his child? I don't think it's wise to hide something like that from him. Look at Justin... He silently longs for his father's love. Think about this Sola."

I thought about it that night in bed, watching Justin sleep soundly beside me. I knew for a fact that he deserved to know his father, but I didn't want to think what would happen if Alex found out. There would be chaos and Alex would try to hurt me and my son, or worse, separate me from my son. I trembled in fear of such thing happening. I couldn't live without my son. He was my whole life. He was the reason why I kept on living. To have him taken away from me, it would tear me apart.

I had almost dozed off, when I heard my iPhone ring, indicating a message. I picked it up from my table and opened up the message.

10:48pm : see you on Wednesday, sugar.
A. W.

I gasped in outrage and shock. How had he gotten my number so quickly? And why couldn't he just leave me alone!.
I groaned and turned off my phone before settling back in bed.

I was already so nervous about what was to come on Wednesday.

................................

End of chapter 16!
I hope you guys enjoyed it.
Quick spoiler: we'll be hearing from Clara soon!!
Brace yourselves for the next chap guys!
Please don't forget to vote and comment, it is highly appreciated.
Thanks guys. ×Tori ×