No More Waiting, She Chooses Love



"Ernest, how do you reckon we should settle this?"

Brown lounged back in his chair, a sly smirk playing on his lips as he addressed Ernest.

It was clear as day that Brown had his own plans on how to toy with Ernest; this whole act was just him having a bit of fun at someone else's expense.

Ernest remained cool as a cucumber, "However you want to settle it, works for me."

I had to hand it to Ernest; the guy was solid as a rock. Whether it was Henrik or Brown stirring up trouble, he faced it all without batting an eyelid. "So, we're at odds because of this little game, aren't we?" Brown casually spun a colorful billiard ball in his hand as he spoke.

Ernest stayed silent, prompting Brown to turn his attention to me, "How about you and I play a game? If you win, I'll grant you a request, including letting Ernest off the hook."

He had been itching to challenge me to a game since our first meeting, and it seemed his obsession hadn't waned.

I couldn't fathom why he was so set on playing against me. I hadn't competed professionally or left anyone feeling embarrassed in defeat. "Why do you want to play against me?" I voiced my confusion.

"Because I want to see if you're as good as they say. You played flawlessly in the tournament last week," Brown's challenge was clear. Here I was on his turf, and whether I liked it or not, he had ways to make me play. So, I might as well accept.

But I needed to twist his words to my favor. I looked him right in the eye, "If I win, you're really gonna let the past be the past?"

I didn't directly ask him to spare Ernest, as his indifference towards me didn't warrant me asking for mercy directly from Brown.

"Of course, my word is my bond," he agreed readily.

Then he dropped the bomb, "And if you lose? What then?"

I bit down hard, replying, "That's your play."

Clap, clap!

Brown applauded, "Spoken like a true firecracker. No wonder you've got men falling over themselves for you."

With a gesture from him, a billiard table was brought in.

"Here? Really?" I frowned.

"What, you got a problem with that?" Brown asked, amusement in his voice.

"This place reeks. The ambiance is

all wrong

mess with my focus

and throw off my aim," I was

pushing my luck, but I was confident

because I knew Brown wouldn't dare

harm me. I was valuable toContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

someone behind the scenes who wanted me unharmed.

"Alright, we'll move to my billiard room," Brown conceded and led the way.

As we passed Conrad, Brown paused to inspect Conrad's wounds, then ordered his men, "Get a doc to patch him up. The sight's ruining my mood."

As if he wasn't the reason for Conrad's state.

Conrad had been mostly silent, probably due to the pain.

Brown was right; the sight of Conrad's wounds was unsettling couldn't bear to look and instead focused on his pale face, "Can you hold on, or should we get you to a hospital first?"

"It's fine, I'll wait for you," Conrad's voice was muffled with pain.

I helped him up, followed by Ernest and Yolande.

Stepping into Brown's billiard room, was taken aback. The tables were all limited edition, crafted from

exquisite marble, even the cues were topped with polished stone.

Clearly, this guy's love for pool was in a whole different league.