"Ms. Lierger, your bodyguards sure are an image of yourself, " joked Zayn in a good manner while stepping out of his private room. "All of you are hot-tempered."
"Sorry 'bout that, " grinned Carla humbly. "Us Liergers are rather aggressive with quite a unique personality. Please excuse us, Mr. Giblo."
"That's quite alright, Ms. Lierger. A gentleman will not pick fights with women." A smile made its way to his lips. No matter what, Zayn had to redeem some of Benard's and Bugara's dignity. "As for us Giblos, we might have superb combat skills, but we will never bully the weak just because we're strong."
Well said! Applaud Benard internally as he felt his dignity being restored.
Upon seeing someone finally had their backs, Bugara's gaze soften as well.
"Hah, " sneered Carla. "Who's strong and who's weak, we don't even know yet."
At the side, Freda and Rogan cracked their knuckles, ever ready for another fight.
Benard and Bugara did not back down either. The pair puffed up their chests and raised their fists, getting into a fighting stance.
"Arguing with women is not a gentleman's character, " smirked Zayn while shrugging his shoulders. "How 'bout we play a game?"
"What game do you have in mind, Mr. Giblo?" Carla asked with an arched eyebrow, not backing down from the challenge.
"Shall we go to the basement?" asked Zayn as he crossed his arms in front of his chest, leaning nonchalantly against the door frame of his private lounge. "There are lots of games we can play at the basement… unless of course, you're afraid and want to call it quits."
"What's there to be afraid of?" Carla straightened her spine and lifted her chin in pride. "Who's to say, maybe we might win instead!"
"Shall we?" Zayn gestured in the direction of the elevator.
The pair moved towards the elevator side by side with six of their people trailing behind. Each step they took emitted power and dominance.
Although in the wide hallway, Carla and Zayn walked next to each other in close proximity, shortening the gap between them.
Zayn peered at her from the corner of his eyes, taking in her angelic face, raven-black hair, and the same mild perfume she used to wear. Everything about her seemed to be identical to Carla Wigston back then.
"What are you looking at?" snapped Carla, displeased.
"Looking at you, of course!" Zayn answered, grinning good-naturedly.
"You can look, but you will never get to touch, " retorted Carla proudly.
"We shall see." The corners of Zayn's lips lifted.
As they step foot into the basement, only did Carla realized what the games are. However, it was men's territory. Pole dancers are on the stage, surrounded by cheers and whistles. All around them were games such as darts, shooting, and gambling.
A few merchants had a lady on their laps, playing poker as laughter resonated in the room.
Mr. Laco was betting on a horse race when he got word that Zayn and Carla had arrived. He quickly got up to greet the two. The few merchants quickly got up too.
"Mr. Giblo, Ms. Lierger!"
"Continue." Zayn waved his hand dismissively, letting the crowd know not to be influenced by their presence.
The merchants sat down again to continue the game. Nevertheless, their eyes kept straying to the duo and the band of people behind them.
"What would you suggest, Ms. Lierger?" Zayn smiled charmingly.
"All these are men's idea of entertainment." Carla swept her eyes across the room, finally landing on the dartboard. "A game of darts?"
"Alright." nodded Zayn. "Not a bad choice, my men are quite talented with darts."
"Brilliant, " smirked Carla. "At least now it'll be a fair game."
Zayn remained silent, taking in the woman next to him.
She sure has gotten quite sharp and witty.
They settled in the darts area, taking a seat. Mr. Laco quickly arranged for some of the finest liquor they had in store. "Would you like anything else, Mr. Giblo, Ms. Lierger? I will get it served in a jiffy."
"No need to bother. We'll just be playing."
At his final word, Zayn gave a signal.
Benard took out a dart and flung it across the room.
Bullseye!
"Not bad!" applauded Carla, "But where's the fun in this?"
"What do you suggest then, Ms. Lierger?" Zayn crossed his legs and looked calmly at her.
Carla made a gesture.
Understanding the order, Rogan took out a champagne-colored rose from a vase and held it in between her teeth before standing in front of the dartboard.
"Whoever hits the stem shall win?" asked Benard.
"No, " said Carla coldly with a sneer. "Whoever drops all of the petals on the ground first shall win."
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