Chapter 9

Ardal

Due to Susan’s recent “offense,” I’ve been called in to meet with Kadeem. Everything in me had hoped I could keep a distance from him, but it appears that’s not going to happen as I’m sitting right across from him now.

We stare at each other in silence for a moment, both of us glowering for our own personal reasons. It makes the air in the room feel electric as neither of us choose to back down, though I assume that’s what Kadeem is waiting for. I only wish he’d speak already so I could get this meeting over with, but apparently, he’s choosing to be stubborn.

“So what? Am I fired or something?” I finally ask, wondering if Kadeem has pulled some strings to dismiss my position. Due to his love for Susan, it wouldn’t surprise me. Plus, he’s the Alpha of the Red Moon pack, which means he can make anyone do whatever he wants - including having the gym fire me.

“No,” Kadeem answers, impatience within his tone. I’m surprised by his answer, but I don’t show it as I realize there’s more he’s going to say.

“But we do need to discuss what happened yesterday,” he states.

“Okay…?” I say, shaking my head. “What about it?”

I feel like I'm in the principal's office, ready to receive a slap on the wrist. Kadeem certainly fits the part as he remains stiff and tense.

“All things considered,” Kadeem begins again. “We’re prepared to offer to double your salary in order to forget what happened.”

“What?” I blurt out, blinking at him. “You can do that?”

“Yes,” Kadeem clips out. “I own the fitness club, so I can make any changes that I want. Susan is also a nominal owner.”

I have to scoff, falling back in my chair as I take in this information. I had no idea. But somehow…it makes sense. After all, both Susan and Kadeem always took their fitness very seriously.

“And you think you can just solve all your problems with money?” I sneer once I’ve gathered myself. Of course, they think they can make everything disappear with a good payment. However, it’s a little ironic.

Six years ago, Kadeem had belittled me by insisting I only wanted him for his money. But I never did - I didn’t even ask him for a single cent when I’d left. I’d just taken my personal items and moved across the country all on my own.

It’s hilarious that Kadeem thinks he can still sway people - especially me - with a good bribe. I never wanted his money then, and I definitely don’t want it now.

“Money doesn’t just make problems disappear, you know?” I mock him then. “I don’t want it. I want Susan to apologize personally. Is that so hard to do?”

I already know the answer to my question. For Susan, apologizing has proven to be an impossible task. I even wonder if Susan had been capable of apologizing for anything in her entire life.

Likely, she’s been able to apologize to Kadeem - if they ever found themselves in a fight. But I find that even hard to believe. Susan was always good at making sure she seemed like the perfect, obedient girlfriend.

As I focus my attention back on Kadeem, I watch as his nostrils flare at my words. It’s clear that he’s not pleased by what I’ve said. However, I’m not fazed by his anger - I’ve seen that hateful gaze enough times in my own memory.

“I suggest you proceed with caution,” Kadeem draws out coldly.

“Is that so?” I ask, scoffing at him again.

“Yes,” he presses out. “Otherwise, the name ‘Chelsea Quinn’ may just suddenly disappear from the fitness circle. Completely.”

A threat - now he’s threatening. I’m not surprised in the slightest - between the way he’s proven he still falls for Susan’s lies and his attempts to win me over with money - Kadeem keeps showing me he hasn’t changed. But just like his annoyed glares, I don’t let his words get the best of me.

I need to find a way to deal with this. Clearly, he’s not going to stand down, and neither am I. However, there has to be a way to still benefit from this situation while also coming to a quick conclusion. Then I can get as far away from him as possible.

Allowing that to soak in, I take a deep breath as I swiftly work out a plan in my head. Finally, I’m able to piece something together, allowing me to tighten my jaw as I keep my stare planted directly on his.

“Fine,” I say firmly. “Susan doesn’t have to apologize.”

I see Kadeem give a small nod, his shoulders shifting a little as he reaches for the contract he’s come up with - as if he assumes I’m going to sign it.

“But,” I start again, stopping him. “In order to forget about yesterday’s ‘incident,’ I have new terms.”

“Which are?” Kadeem asks skeptically.

“I want a management position in the fitness club,” I tell him firmly. “And three times the annual salary.”

Soaking in my requests, Kadeem blinks at me as he takes in what I’ve just requested. However, after a moment, I watch as a smile begins to form on his lips, but it’s by no means kind. Instead, it’s sinister.

“Funny,” he presses out. “I thought you said money didn’t solve problems.”

“Well, seeing as you gave me no other option, I figured I should take the money,” I tell him. “If you accept my offer then I’ll sign the contract and forget about Susan needing to apologize.” I even grab a pen, showing him I’m ready to sign whatever he writes up.

“I guess you must really need the money,” Kadeem mocks me then, not caring for my statements. His claim causes my blood to boil, my glare only becoming fiercer against his face.

“Says the man who just bribed me to keep my mouth shut,” I sneer. “Must be nice having a lot of money at your disposal. All it takes is a good deal to shut people up and keep your girlfriend happy, right?”

“She is the mother of my child,” Kadeem snaps, losing some of his composure. “If it takes a little money to get rid of a problem then I’ll do it. She doesn’t need any unnecessary stress that could cause harm to the baby.”

Oh, what a caring father. If only he knew the truth - that he threw me out when I was pregnant with five of his babies. That I went through a horrible accident as I left his house and I’m still here - fighting.

I don’t care about Susan’s “stress.” Neither of them has any idea what I’ve been through.

“I’m about to be a father,” Kadeem continues. “This is my first baby, and I will do anything to make sure they are healthy - both the baby and my girlfriend are okay. Susan deserves it.”

Snap.

Suddenly, the pen I’ve been holding breaks apart in my hand. I hadn’t even realized how tightly I’d been holding it, but it appears Kadeem has sent me over the edge.

Susan deserves it.

I want to strangle him over the words. He has no idea what Susan deserves.

But someday, I promise that he will.

“Okay,” I say, my eyes narrowing. “Then for the mother of your child - pay.”