I'm Nothing Without You Chap 23

I stared at Klive. Did I hear it right?

He chuckled. ‘Why you looked so stunned?’ he asked me smiling. ‘Is that obvious? I did everything to please and protect you. I even dumped my girlfriend for you. And besides, I gave you our family’s treasure. It means a lot to my family.’

‘What treasure-’ I remembered his birthday gift for me. ‘THAT was YOUR FAMILY’S treasure?! I can’t believe it! You let wore your family’s treasure?!’ I sighed and closed my eyes.

‘It looked good in you.’ he said.

I looked furiously at him. ‘Klive, how can you do such thing?! No wonder Katherine and Jake’s reaction that night were kind of weird.’ I remembered something. ‘And so was the reporter’s question. Now I knew what he meant.’ I looked at him. He seemed amused to my reaction. ‘Why Klive? I mean why me?’

He smiled at me. ‘Why not YOU?’ he suddenly turned serious. ‘I told you my reason awhile ago.’

‘Seriously?!’ I still can’t believe his confession.

Our abductor gazed jumped from Klive to me. ‘Stop this nonsense!’ he pulled my hair again making me shriek. ‘What are the codes?’

‘Don’t hurt the girl.' The guy who was standing near the door said. ‘The BOSS strictly ordered not to hurt her.’

He harshly pushed my head forward. I almost kissed the floor.

‘I said stop it!’ he said. He moved towards me and untied my hands and feet. ‘I’m sorry for that.’ he whispered at me. He then marched towards the door. ‘Let’s go. We should not be here. We’re toast if he sees us here.’

Just like that and they both left. I looked at Klive. He was sitting on the floor, his hands and feet were still tied together. I moved towards him and untied it. To my surprise, he hugged me instantly after his hands were free. He pulled back and studied my face. ‘Are you okay?’

‘Yes I’m fine.’ I whispered under my breath. I decided to drop all my pretenses. I sat down beside him, I wrapped my arms around his body and buried my face on his chest. ‘I’m just scared Klive, that’s all.’

He kissed my forehead.

For a moment I was contented having him beside me. It felt good and somehow I felt safe. ‘Klive?’

‘Hmmm…’

‘Despite our situation here…’ I looked straight to those expressive grey eyes. ‘I’m glad you’re here with me.’ I told him tenderly.

‘Me too…’ he tightened his hug. ‘Me too…’ he kissed the tip of my nose. ‘We can get out of here safe… I’ll find way… Don’t worry, okay?’ he reassured me. He pressed something in his wrist watch.

I nod at him. We were both quiet for a while.

A lot of awful things ran into my mind. I just buried my face to Klive’s chest hoping I can stop my thoughts. In returned he kissed my forehead, my nose and my cheeks to give me comfort. Then suddenly I remembered something. ‘Klive are you serious awhile ago? I-I mean was that true?’ I looked down.

‘Of course! I never kid about that, Ticiatriz.’ He pulled back, touched my chin and tilted it slightly. ‘I loved you and I’m serious about that.’

‘But I thought you loved Denise? The day you left for your business trip you sided-’

‘It was because…’ he said hesitantly at me. ‘I was so disappointed...’ He sadly said at me.

‘Disappointed? With whom?’

‘With you… with myself.’ he sighed. ‘For years, I was looking for the right girl for me. Denise came; I thought she was the one. But we were busy with our careers; we spent less time with each other so I didn’t figure out if she was really the one I was looking for.’ He looked at me. ‘Then I met you, I was certain you were the one and then I found out you have a boyfriend. Think about it, I’ve found the girl that saw me as me, the girl who didn’t damn care about my wealth, the bank accounts I owned, the girl who showed me everything about the life I haven’t seen and yet only to found out she has a boyfriend and she shouted to the whole world how much she loved him. I was so disappointed and frustrated to the fact that the girl I want… the girl I long was already taken and it was too late for me to have her.’ He said. ‘But I didn’t give up. I want you for my self. I want to steal you from your boyfriend. To do that I let you stayed at the mansion, I tried to show you the real me, I tried to be always at your side because I know your boyfriend can’t. I want to compete with him for your attention and I was hoping somehow I can get your love.’ He sighed.

‘I felt awful yesterday. I didn’t know how to react. Your boyfriend was Gareth and he was dead. I tried to steal his girlfriend, I tried to compete with him, and I envy him for having you as his girl.’ He looked at me closely. ‘I felt guilty because a part of me was relief and happy that he was dead. It’s insane but it is true…’ he whispered.

I sighed, stood up and walked towards the window.

Gareth, to tell you the truth, I like Klive’s company; I felt something for Klive and I wanted to be with him. Is that okay with you? Would it be fair to Klive? I’m not in this situation right now if you didn’t leave me. You do you have to die baby? Of all people, why you?

‘Klive I-I…’ I sighed, I wipe my tears. It took me a minute to calm my self; tears were starting to fall from my eyes. ‘To be honest with you, I felt something for you-’ after hearing that he tried to kiss me right through my mouth but I stopped him. I put my hand on his chest. ‘Please let me finish first. I have feelings for you Klive, but I’m still not sure about it. I mean, what if I was just using you to forget Gareth. It is possible. You were always beside me and-’

‘Triz I’m willing to wait.’ He said. He moved towards me and hugged my back. ‘I’m not rushing you.’

‘No Klive. It’s unfair on your part.’ I said softly, and removed his arms that he wrapped around my waist. ‘I like your company. You helped me recovered from Nana’s death and you helped me divert my attention from mourning about Gareth’s death. I was so touched with your kindness and thoughtfulness but… I really don’t know if this is love. I don’t have any idea if it is possible for me to move on that easily. After Gareth’s death, I promised to myself and to him not to love again, I can’t and I’ll never be.’ I looked closely at him. ‘Klive all I know is I love him so much.’

‘But he is dead for Christ sake!’ he shouted at me. ‘But I’m not, Triz I’m here for you. I’ll always be.’ He said softly. ‘I guess in that aspect I won over him. Gareth’s dead and I’m alive.’ He took a deep breath. ‘Triz… Gareth wanted you to move on, have a life, and continue your life without him.’ he puts his hands over my shoulder and pushed me back and forth. ‘Triz, he’s dead… and you’re not… you have to continue your life.’

My tears were flowing from my eyes. I was quiet. I know Klive was right but I’m still confused. I was still stuck in denying state. I cried my heart out. I can’t think! My mind wasn’t working right now. I felt grief, anger, frustration, distress…

I heard the door flung open. I wiped my tears, turned to face the door and I was surprise seeing the very least person I expected to see in such place. ‘Lawrence?’ I said. Lawrence was Gareth’s best friend. I moved towards him. ‘What’s the meaning of this?’ I asked confusedly.

‘Hey…’ he puts his hand around my shoulder. ‘Were you crying?’ he said. He looked at my bruised chin. ‘What happen to this? Who did this?’ he didn’t give me a moment to answer. He tenderly rested my head to his chest and wrapped his arms around my waist. ‘Are you hurt? I’m sorry for the bruise.’

I stiffen. Lawrence was acting weird. I tried to pull back but I can’t. I felt his arms around me tightens, it was like an iron bars. I struggled but he was too strong for me. ‘Lawrence…’

‘Let her go Lawrence.’ I heard Klive said. There was a trace of annoyance in his voice.

Lawrence followed Klive. The instance he released me, Klive immediately pulled me by his side. ‘I’m sorry I forgot you were there. Were you jealous… cousin?’

Cousin? I looked from Klive’s anger face to Lawrence’s amused one. They are cousins? Gareth never told me that. ‘Lawrence why are you here?’ I said breaking their silence. ‘Were you behind all of these?’

He came near me. On instinct, Klive stands in front of me, using his body as my protection. ‘Okay…’ he said sarcastically. He stopped only inches from us. ‘I’m not the only one who’s behind your abduction.’

‘What?!’

‘He’s right Avie… I mean Ticiatriz.’

‘Denise? What the-’ Klive didn’t finished his sentence. Lawrence puts his forty-five caliber on Klive’s temple.

‘Move or I’ll shoot.’ Lawrence threatened him. Klive followed his order. Lawrence pulled me and then puts the gun on my temple. ‘Do something stupid and I’ll shoot. He then turned his face to mine and started kissing me. I struggled. I tried pushing his body away, I tried to looked away but I can’t he was just so strong. I felt tears coming down from my eyes. Lawrence loosened his grip. I used that opportunity. I gathered all of my remaining strength and pushed him. This time I made it. I wiped my trembling lips with my hand.

‘What? Are you still in love with Gareth? He’s dead.’ he looked at me furiously. ‘It serves him right. I know you first but then he came along and stole you from me.’

I slapped him and involuntarily step back as I saw his murderous look. I accidentally pushed the button on my ring. It was a family treasure and only the heir was allowed wore it, our family tradition. Ethan installed something inside of it and he handed it to me months ago. I wasn’t sure about its function, though.

I really don’t like the tone of his voice. I saw Oliver in Lawrence. It was as if he’ll kill anyone just to have… me.

‘It was not anyone’s fault they both fell in love with each other.’ Klive said slowly moving towards me. ‘You never had her so technically Gareth didn’t steal her from you.’

To Lawrence anger he hit Klive using his gun. Denise and I both screamed. I was about to help Klive to stand up but Lawrence stopped me. He pulled me towards his side. Denise was the one who helped Klive.

‘It was clear on our agreement that you’ll not hurt Klive!’ Denise shouted furiously.

‘What do you want from us?’ Klive hissed.

Lawrence still holding me handed Klive a paper. ‘Sign this and I’ll not hurt Ticiatriz again.’

‘What is this?’ he took the papers and started reading it. ‘You can’t handle Thompson’s Inc. It’s in our tradition.’

‘That or Ticiatriz?’ he asked.

‘Klive no!’ I said.

Klive read the papers again. He sighed, took the pen and signed the documents.

‘Now that was done, mind if our business-’

‘Uncle Bradley?!’

‘Why are you sounded so betrayed? I thought you’ll expect something like these to happen. Guess I caught you off guard.’ He said amusedly at himself. ‘Lawrence?’

‘You’re promise Lawrence…’ Klive reminded him.

He chuckle. ‘For a guy like you, I can’t believe you trusted me. ’ He turned to face me. ‘T what are the codes?’

‘What codes? I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘I know Gareth taught you to hack systems and you’re the one who hacked the systems in Bradley’s office.’

‘It isn’t his office! That’ mine-’ he kissed me again and this time his gun was on my side. I tried to struggle but still nothing happened. I throw a pleading looked at Klive but I knew he couldn’t helped me.

After a moment he finished kissing me. ‘I’ll let you choose. ‘Give us the codes we need and be my wife or I kill Klive.’ He whispered on my ears. ‘What will it be?’

‘Lawrence… you are Gareth’s best friend! How can you do this to me?’ I wiped the fresh tears from my eyes. ‘And Klive is your cousin-’

He straightened up. ‘We’re cousin only by blood but nothing more.’ he said. ‘Now that Gareth’s gone, I’ll make sure no one will going to get on my way to have you. I dream for this day to happen and I’m willing to kill anyone-’

‘What’s taking so long?’ said Bradley.

‘I try to convince her.’ Lawrence said. He slowly lowered his face to mine and brushed his mouth to my upper lip. I felt his hand run through my arm, as if seducing me. He then brushed his mouth to my lower lip and sucked it, and totally conquered my mouth. I was so disgusted he made me want to puke! I looked at Klive, I know he was furious.

Something hit me all of the sudden. Dad once told me; in such situation as this you shouldn’t struggle or fight. It will send a massage to them that they’re in control well in fact it was the other way around. For sure they’ll loosen their guard a little and that’s the time you attack.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and lean over to him. He groaned and deepens the kiss. He slowly removed the gun from my side and wrapped his arms around my waist and hugged me tight. I closed my eyes tightly and never dared to kiss him back.

‘Bitch!’ I heard Denise said. ‘Klive-’

‘We are long over Denise.’ He said furiously, his attention was transfixed the two people in front of him. ‘Stop bitching around.’

Finally he was finished kissing me. He raised his face but only inches from mine and caressed my cheek. ‘So that means ‘yes’.’ He said sweetly at me. ‘Tell us the codes sweet.’ He pointed the gun to Klive’s direction. ‘You know the consequences.’

I tried not to shiver. I was so disgusted with him. I hate him! I couldn’t imagine myself to be his bride. I looked at Klive. His expression was murderous. ‘I’m sorry…’ I said and then I shifted my gaze to Lawrence. He smiled lovingly at me. I took a deep breath, stepped back and then said. ‘Lawrence.’ Using my remaining strength I kicked his genitalia. Goodbye sperm! I though.

On instinct he covered the part I hit. ‘Bitch!’ He shouted and tried to lift his dominant hand with the gun to Klive’s direction.

‘Asshole!’ I redirected his gun before he pulled the trigger. I heard to shots. ‘I’m damn tried of this!’ I give Lawrence a right hock. ‘Ouch…’ I whined. I looked at him. I saw him lying on the floor with his knees on his chest. Klive moved towards me.

‘Daddy!’ Denise said. ‘Oh my God… Daddy… ’

I looked at Klive worriedly. ‘U-uncle Bradley…’

‘You bitch! This is your entirely fault!’ she said. ‘You killed my father!’

‘D-Denise I-I didn’t mean to-’ Lawrence grabbed me but Klive hit him on his face. I was surprised; I loose my balance and was thrown near Bradley’s body. ‘Klive- ouch Denise!’ she pulled my hair, scratch and slap my face. She was just at my back.

‘You killed my father!’

‘Denise… stop it! I said. I was trying to reach for her hands to stop her but she just keeps on jerking it. My patience snapped instantly. I lean forward she followed me. With great force I suddenly hit her face. She jerked her face and was screaming her lungs out. I felt dizzy from the impact that I made. I hold my head with my hands. I looked at Klive.

He comes near me. ‘Let’s go… cover your nose.’ He said.

‘What-’ I coughed after inhaling something. I looked around and saw five cylinder containers on the floor, smokes were coming out from it. I followed his order. He led me towards the door.

After a minute I saw Mr. John and Ms. Alice together with Klive’s bodyguard and some Federal officers waiting for us outside. I saw six men were handcuff lying face on the floor. ‘There are three people still inside. One was dead.’ Klive said and guided me towards his car. He holds my hand.

I stop abruptly. ‘Where are we… going?’ I said. I was still coughing from the gas I inhaled.

He looked straight into my eyes. ‘Come with me…’

I shook my head vigorously. ‘No…’ I said. ‘I’m sorry Klive but I can’t.’ I pulled my hand, turned my back and started walk way.

‘Ticiatriz!’ he called.

I stop but I didn’t look at him.

‘Don’t do this to me.’ He said barely audible. ‘Please… I’m begging you.’

T don’t look back. Don’t look at him. You know what will be the consequences if you look back. If you you do, you’ll be tempted to stay. You can’t stay beside him. You’ll only hurt him if you do. Just walk way. Walk away from his life. ‘I’m sorry.’ I resume walking.

After I put a quite distance, I run. Tears were flowing from my eyes. Minutes later I stop and cried so hard. My shoulders were shaking. I know I've done what was best for us. But why does it hurts so much?