Charles POV July 15th 2019 I drove throughout the night. Only stopping twice to take a piss and to buy fuel because the goal, was to get to Abuja before seven a.m in the morning at whatever cost necessary. I pressed down on the gas of my Toyota Camry and the car began protesting madly. I grumbled in frustration and something akin to annoyance. Stressing the car or myself had not been the initial plan. But when I had discovered my only option had been my car or a free ride from my dad's private jet, I had picked the car without a backward glance. As I zoomed past the welcome to Abuja sign boldly written by the side of the road, I couldn't help but admire the beauty and grace of the state. Abuja was way more peaceful than my hometown, Lagos, and deep down I hoped it had better luck. After another five minutes of reckless driving, I arrived at the hotel. Picked up my briefcase and phone, then stepped out and into the cold morning air. "Good morning sir," a man with round bright eyes greeted from behind and I turned. My eyes landing on the badge resting on his left breast pocket, which affirmed he was a porter. I tossed my car key to him and began making my way into the hotel. "Should I park everything in the trunk, sir?" The Porter asked and I nodded, still making long strides towards the hotel reception. But then I paused, impulsively turned and began making my way towards him. When I got to him, I slipped some Naria notes into his unsuspecting hands and made for the reception doors again. The guy eyes widened in surprise. "Thank you very much." He began but I was already halfway into the lobby of the hotel. The truth was, I didn't give a damn about his gratitude. I hadn't done it for him but for a way deeper reason. I stepped into the lobby and made for the reception desk. Bolton White was one of the good hotels in Abuja. Although it wasn't rated five stars, It was rated three and that was comfortable enough for me. Also, I didn't want to be recognized by some of my father's partners while in Abuja. Getting to the reception stand, I placed my phone on the counter. "Hello, what can I do for you?" A beautiful woman with light brown hair asked. "I have a reservation for the week," I replied, taking in her appearance and physical features. Why did she look so familiar? "Okay. What's your name?" "Charles. Charles Harrell," I replied and watched as she punched some keys on her laptop. I sighed. I was running late. Lord knew I didn't have time to waste. Which was why I had booked ahead in the first place. Tapping my fingers on the polished counter I glanced around, making a quick sweep of my environment. When I was sure there was no one suspicious watching me, I glanced at my watch. 6:34 am. Damn! "Your room is ready for you sir." The pretty receptionist finally said and I sighed in relief. "Thanks," I muttered and made to grab the card from her protruding hands only to freeze at the sight of a triangular tattoo etched into the corner of her wrist. What the fuck was my... that insignia doing on the woman's wrist? "Is there a problem Mr Charles?" The receptionist asked and I zapped his eyes away from her wrist to focus on her face instead. "Nah..." I whispered and grabbed the card, but then held on to her fingers. "I'd love to speak to you sometime in the evening, probably when I get back and you are off work. What do you say?" She stared at me stoically for what seemed like years before finally replying, "We don't do that here sir." "Do what?" I whispered, feigning ignorance. "Flirt." "Could you repeat that love?" I whispered, not expecting her to play hard to get. "Flirt." She repeated more strongly. Then in a higher tone, added, "we don't flirt with customers sir. It's against our ethics and it will definitely cost us our jobs." With that said, she zapped her fingers from my gasps and turned to her laptop, shutting me out. I smiled. If my father wanted to play so be it. I was going to come back for her after I was done with my impending business. And she was going to tell me exactly where she got that tattoo from. I was the best in the game after all. That's because you ---- my subconscious began but I immediately shut it down and made an attempt to turn, but then I was met with the softest solid I have ever felt. My progress toward the elevator, stunted. "Fuck!" I groaned before going on my knees. My aim, to pick up the briefcase that had fallen from my hands during the collision. Instead, I was met with blazing hazel eyes that were staring at me as if they wanted to burn through my soul. She was agitated alright, and it was beautiful. "What on earth are you looking at?" She fired and I flinched. How angry was she exactly? If I recalled correctly, she bumped into me. "I'm sorry but-" "If you weren't busy checking out bumps, you would have seen me coming-" "Whoa, whoa, whoa woman, slow down. I didn't see you coming because I hadn't even turned-" she didn't let me finish. Again. "Save that for the women you woo. Not me." I grabbed my briefcase and began to raise. I didn't need this right now. J needed to be fully focused on the meeting. A meeting that could change the trajectory of my career. "Look madam," I began when I had fully risen, my build towering over her. I don't know you. And the truth is, I never want to. I'm just going to walk quietly away. Hopefully, you do the same-" "Nigerian men and their foolish pride." She groaned, then began picking up her books. "All you had to do was apologize." What the hell? Who was this woman and why was she hell-bent on getting under his skin? "Look-" "Please save it." She snapped and stood to her feet. "Hopefully someday, you grow some manners." I couldn't even respond for she had already brushed past me and was making her way to the exit door. Wow! I couldn't help but watch her strut out the door, my eyes completely glued to the slight sway of her hips as they moved from side to side. But damn, attitude aside she was beautiful. I briskly shook my head began towards the elevator. But then, my legs stepped on something soft. My foot, almost losing its balance. And if not for the fact that I worked out now and then, my ass would have been on the floor. Thankfully that didn't happen. I picked up the small brown leather purse that had almost caused me great embarrassment and looked it over. Flipping it open, I discovered a room key, some ATM cards and a passport that belonged to- Well damn. Seems I wouldn't be seeing the last of hazel eyes after all.