CHAPTER 7: A deadly plan

Tariro stood frozen in her living room, her mind reeling with the encounter she had with Victor's father. Shock and confusion were still visible on her face. Her fingers slowly touched her lips. Did the old man just kiss her? He knew she was sleeping with his son, but he still kissed her anyway. If things were different, that would be her father in law. That made her wonder how his relationship with Victor was like. He wouldn't have tried to get rid of her by offering her a huge amount of money or kissing her if it wasn't rocky.

Was it the reason why Vic was closed off most of the time? What was so special about Victor that his father was so determined to keep them apart? Could it be about the engagement? Was he forced into it? And what did Elijah mean by "drastic measures?" Was she even safe? How did her life turn into a movie scripture overnight? She groaned, frustrated. She hated overthinking or overworking her mind.

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She needed to focus and not get caught up in the speculation about Victor's family. Maybe Vic being cold to her was a good thing. She didn't need to be a part of such a fucked up family. She just had to learn to get over the little feelings she had for him and forget about the past. Maybe her life will be normal again, not the movie she was living.

She turned, heading back to her room but frowned seeing a piece of paper on the floor. She picked it up, realizing it was a business card. Elijah. It was Elijah's business card, Victor's father. On the back of the card, he had written a single sentence.

"Call me when you have changed your mind." She read it out loud then clicked her tongue. The old man knew she was going to refuse. She angrily threw the card in the bin and marched to her bedroom.

**

Vic sat in his office, trying to concentrate on work, but his mind kept taking him back to the passionate night he shared with Tariro. He still didn't know what posessed him to do that, but he couldn't deny the fact that he felt different....human even, something he last felt when he was still a boy. He didn't understand what was happening between him and Tariro, but he could feel that he was slowly getting obsessed with her. He craved for her. His body longed for her soft touch.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, snapping him out of his thoughts. He sighed, frustrated. Why was she occupying his mind all the damn time? He retrieved his phone from the pocket and answered it.

"Yes."

"She is going through a surgery right now." His man reported, making him smile.

"That was fast."

"I guess he didn't want to lose her."

Victor chuckled, wishing he could see David's face. The old man thought he was clever.

"Hmm. Keep me posted." He hung up, still smiling. Now, he can focus on getting some work done. Those good news was just what he needed for motivation.

His phone buzzed again just as he was about to put it down. He groaned, picking it up.

"What?" Of course he was annoyed. He hated disturbances, and whoever that was was disturbing him.

"Umm, hi." Natalie's soft voice sounded from the other side. Victor immediately recognised her voice.

"I'm busy. What do you want?"

"For someone who just celebrated his engagement, you sure are grumpy." She muttered.

Victor massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming. "If you have nothing to say, then have a nice day."

"No, wait!" She sighed. "I apologize for that. I was calling about the wedding preparations. We need to finalize the guest list. Mother is growing anxious." Well, her too, but she would never embarrass herself by admitting it.

"So why are you calling me?" He snapped. God knew he hated listening to Natalie's annoying voice. He wondered how he was going to live with her when he couldn't even tolerate a phone call with her. "I don't have time for this. Why can't you just take care of it yourself. "

"Victor, that's not how it works. We are getting married -"

Victor chuckled and hung up the phone. He didn't have time for nonsense.

**

Mercy's boyfriend hugged her from behind, kissing her neck. She giggled, tilting her neck further to give him more access. They had been dating for almost a year now, and she hadn't introduced him to any of her family members. She wanted to start with her brother, but she was scared of what his reaction might be. He was so overprotective of her.

"Mmm, i missed you." Tanaka whispered in her ear, his voice sending a shiver down her spine.

"Not more than i missed you. You have been scarce."

He turned her around and pulled her closer to him, his hands resting on her butt. "Work, baby. It's been hectic."

She pecked his lips. "I'm glad you are here."

His mouth found hers, capturing her lips in to a passionate kiss. He sucked her bottom lip, gently biting her. Their tongues danced while they kissed hungrily.

"Let's go away for a few days. A trip. Any place you want." He whispered in between the kiss.

She gently pulled away. "My brother's wedding is in a week. I have to be there."

He clenched his jaws, getting angry, but he had to be patient. He had come so far to lose it all now. "Come on, baby. We will be back before the wedding. I just want to spend some time alone with you, away from work and everyone else."

"We will be back before the wedding?" She asked, unsure of the decision she was about to make, but she missed her man, and a trip was just what she needed.

"I promise."

She sighed. "Okay. But we have to make it to the wedding. I have to be there for my brother."

Tanaka smiled. It was finally happening after such a long time. He was getting close.

"Where do you want to go?"

"Victoria Falls. I don't want to be oustside the country."

Tanaka picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. "Sounds perfect to me. Now let me show you how much i have missed you."

Mercy giggled as he led them to her room.

**

The next day, Tanaka and Mercy arrived at Victoria Falls, eager to start their romantic getaway. Mercy had been there more times than she could actually remember, but this time, it was different. It was with the man she loved, and that was so exciting. She just couldn't wait to explore with him.

They checked into a luxurious lodge, overlooking the falls. The view was spectacular. Mercy loved it.

"This is so beautiful. Thank you for this." She smiled, hugging him.

"Anything for you, baby." He hugged her back, kissing her forehead, and she melted in his arms. "Do you want to explore now?"

"No. Let me freshen up and rest first. I'm so tired." She said, gulping down some water.

Tanaka watched her and internally smiled. Soon, she was going to be out of it, and his plan would be in motion.

**

A while later, Mercy snored softly in bed. Tanaka smirked, taking out his phone, then dialed a number.

"It's done. Move it. We have to do a clean job. No one should be able to pick anything up."

"Yes, boss."

He hung up the phone and continued staring at her.